Expanding Florida’s Historic Properties Without Losing Their Soul

Cordova Inn in downtown St. Petersburg is expanding to 95 rooms with the addition of new penthouse suites and a rooftop bar, marking a significant growth phase for the historic property while aiming to preserve its architectural character and local appeal.

The expansion, reported by local news outlet I Love the Burg, increases the inn’s capacity from its previous size to nearly 100 rooms, incorporating new penthouse suites designed to offer elevated views and premium amenities. A rooftop bar is also planned as part of the development, intended to serve both guests and the public.

Located in the heart of downtown St. Pete, the Cordova Inn operates within a building recognized for its historical significance to the area. The property has long been a fixture in the city’s hospitality landscape, contributing to the urban fabric of the downtown district.

This expansion comes amid broader conversations in Florida about balancing development with historic preservation, particularly in coastal cities facing pressure from growth and tourism. In nearby Miami Beach, city leaders have expressed concern over state legislation that could override local zoning protections for historic districts, warning that such measures risk undermining the architectural integrity of neighborhoods like South Beach’s Art Deco district.

While the Cordova Inn project proceeds, officials in other parts of the state continue to advocate for preservation-sensitive development. In Miami Beach, officials have argued that recent iterations of the Live Local Act, if expanded without safeguards, could enable construction that displaces long-term residents and alters the scale and character of historic communities.

The Cordova Inn’s approach — expanding room count while introducing select high-end additions like penthouse suites and a rooftop venue — reflects a model some preservation advocates point to as a potential path forward: growth that respects a building’s legacy while adapting to modern hospitality demands.

As of April 2026, the expansion is underway, with the new suites and rooftop bar described as “coming soon” in local reporting. No further details regarding timelines, contractor involvement, or specific preservation guidelines applied to the renovation have been made public in available sources.