Accomplishments

John can execute a vision, he’s done it. Its time St Pete has a mayor that is not just passing through.

Jannus Landing

John’s father was an archeologist, and instilled in him a passion for history and roots. After being in business a couple of years, John looked to invest in something historical for the city. He worked with volunteers at the St Pete Preservation Society, and wanted to find something that would be a natural extension for that non-profit organization. The 200 block of Central, now known as Jannus landing, was the perfect fit.

In 1978, John purchased the Old Detroit Hotel. There had been a fire 10 years before that had severely damaged it, leaving many vacancies. It needed more than restoration, it needed a new identity. At that time, the historical aspects in other downtown areas were getting backing and funding, and John thought that block was worthy of that type of attention. He contacted a consulting attorney, and then the city in regards to that block.

John learned that city officials had similar thoughts, and gave them the number of the consultant. The city hired him. The city originally wanted to focus on Beach Drive, but after John and the consultant walked the block, they convinced the city to give the block at 200 Central the funding.

Two years later the block had a grand opening and was re introduced as Jannus Landing- everyone was proud of the restored block- it looked good, but lacked the tenant mix to attract business. It floundered and went from the city’s pride to a disappointment.

In 1985-86 Baywalk came along. It brought the idea of a fresh, new mall-like venue for shops and entertainment downtown. As promising as that sounded, they viewed Jannus Landing as a deterrent, and proposed a plan incorporating it as a parking garage for the plaza.

Only a few of the property owners on that block were ready to sell. John called a meeting of the owners to create a plan to preserve the historic property. John brought in a consultant from the National Trust. In a closed door meeting the city ceased discussion of destroying Jannus Landing.

For the next ten years, there were still many struggles. At times the vacancies were more than they could afford. Soon things began to roll, and now Jannus Landing is one of the most active blocks in downtown.

Studebaker and Salt Creek

John was a huge fan of the Treymor Cafeteria for many years. For decades it was a popular place for lunch or dinner. The owners were two older brothers ready to retire, and sell the building. At first John wanted to buy that building, but then the brothers offered to sell him another building- The Studebaker. From a historical standpoint they thought John would like it. John quickly thought about the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria VA, one of the earliest and largest arts co ops in the country. The concept of an artists coop is that they can rent inexpensive studio space, and commune with other artists. He put word out the Arts community asking for feedback. The Arts community was elated at the possibility of workspace and relationships with other artists. The team started collecting letters of intent to lease space and started plans.

Because of other development interests the Studebaker building never saw itself as home to the artists. The city wanted to provide land to the USF Bayboard, and they were forced to rethink the co op project, moving it to the FL Craftsman site. The city condemned the Studebaker property, but the group rallied that they would not fight the change as long as the building was left standing. Today it is the home of US Geologic Survey.

Five years later the project was reactivated further South on 4th ST @ Salt Creek. Salt Creek has the same idea of offering inexpensive studio space and exhibits to artists today.