Historic homes are part of what gives St. Petersburg its charm. From older garages and original exterior details to homes built nearly a century ago, these properties help preserve the character of the neighborhoods around them.
But when it comes time to renovate, add on, build an ADU, or make changes to a historic property, the process can look different from a standard construction project.
According to Kait Grunenberg, Project Manager at CASK Construction, historic properties require a more detailed approach from the very beginning.
“We approach historic properties very differently than a normal project because there are so many different rules and aspects to consider,” Kait explains.
For homeowners, that does not mean a historic project is impossible. It simply means there may be additional guidelines, review steps, design considerations, and conversations that need to happen before the project moves forward.
Historic Projects Often Start With More Questions
One of the first things homeowners should understand is that not every older home follows the same path. Some properties may be located within historic neighborhoods or protected areas, which can create additional considerations for renovations, additions, garages, ADUs, or exterior changes.
Many homeowners do not realize this at first.
“A lot of clients might not necessarily know they are in a historic neighborhood,” Kait says.
That is why CASK begins by looking closely at the property itself. Before getting too far into design, the team reviews important site details, checks whether the home is located within a historic area, and looks at the existing structure and surrounding neighborhood.
This early research helps determine what kind of process the project may require and what details need to be considered before plans are finalized.
The Exterior Matters
When working with historic properties, exterior design is especially important. While homeowners may have more flexibility with interior updates, the outside of the home often receives closer attention.
“Historic review really cares about the exterior of the home and preserving the character of the historic neighborhood,” Kait says.
That can include siding, windows, doors, trim, rooflines, gable details, porches, garages, and the overall appearance of the home from the street. If a homeowner is planning an ADU or addition, the new structure may need to feel connected to the existing home rather than looking like something completely separate.
The goal is not to freeze a home in time. The goal is to preserve the character that makes the property and neighborhood special while still allowing the home to serve the needs of modern living.
“A lot of historic homes have certain trim features, different gable vents, and beautiful details,” Kait explains. “You have to align with the front of the house so that it looks cohesive.”
Small Changes Can Matter More Than Homeowners Expect
One of the biggest surprises for homeowners is how small exterior changes can become important during the review process.
Something that may seem minor from the inside of the home may have a larger impact on the exterior appearance.
“Even shifting a window a couple of inches can matter,” Kait says.
For example, a window placement may work perfectly for an interior layout, but it still needs to make sense with the exterior design, symmetry, and historic character of the home. This is why historic projects require a careful balance between function, design, and preservation.
The earlier these details are discussed, the easier it is to avoid redesigns, delays, or unexpected challenges later in the process.
Demolition Can Require Extra Consideration
Another area homeowners often misunderstand is demolition. On a standard project, removing an old garage or structure may seem straightforward. On a historic property, it may require more review and documentation.
“Anytime you are doing a demolition of anything, that is where you may have to have special reviews,” Kait explains.
For example, if a homeowner wants to remove an older garage, there may need to be a deeper look at the condition of that structure. The team may need to show whether the foundation, walls, or overall structure are in poor condition and why removal may be necessary.
Historic preservation often focuses on maintaining existing structures when possible, especially when they contribute to the character of the neighborhood. That does not mean demolition can never happen, but it does mean the conversation needs to begin early.
The Process Can Feel Intimidating, But It Is Manageable
For many homeowners, the idea of working through historic review can feel overwhelming.
“People find dealing with a historic application scary,” Kait says. “But really, it is about following a procedure.”
That distinction matters. Historic projects may involve more steps, more communication, and more attention to detail, but they are not meant to stop every project from moving forward. In many cases, reviewers are willing to work with homeowners and builders as long as the project respects the guidelines and character of the neighborhood.
The challenge is knowing what to expect and how to prepare.
This is where having an experienced team matters.
CASK works to serve as the connection point between the homeowner, designer, historic reviewers, and other parties involved in the process. Instead of leaving homeowners to figure it out alone, the team helps identify what needs to be considered and how to approach the next steps.
Why Early Planning Matters
One of the most important steps CASK takes is starting conversations early.
Once there is a rough layout or design direction, the team can begin identifying possible challenges before the project moves too far forward. This can include looking at the lot, the survey, the proposed design, the size of an addition or ADU, parking considerations, visibility, neighborhood character, and other details that could affect the path ahead.
“Pre-application is huge,” Kait says. “Then you really know what challenges you are going to have.”
For projects involving an ADU, garage, or new structure, early planning also means looking closely at where the new space can realistically fit on the property. During CASK’s early customer journey phase, the team begins reviewing important site details, including property setbacks, zoning considerations, and whether any existing structure may interfere with the proposed design.
This step is especially important on historic properties. If an existing garage or structure would need to be removed to make room for the new project, that potential demolition may create additional review requirements. Understanding those details early can help homeowners avoid getting too far into a design that may face challenges later.
Historic Homes Are Worth Preserving
For Kait, the purpose behind historic preservation is clear.
“St. Pete is so old, and there is so much character within those historic homes,” she says. “There is something about the construction of those homes that provides a detail and character that other areas may or may not have.”
That character is part of what makes historic neighborhoods so special. The craftsmanship, details, and overall feel of these homes contribute to the identity of the city.
A thoughtful renovation does not erase that history. It respects it while helping the home continue to serve the people living in it today.
Historic Project Starter Checklist
If you are thinking about renovating, adding onto, demolishing part of, or building a new structure on or near a historic property, the process may involve more than a standard building permit. The exact steps can vary depending on where the property is located, but these are the general stages homeowners should expect.
1. Confirm the property’s jurisdiction.
Start by finding out whether the property falls under the county, city, or another local municipality. Historic and permitting requirements can vary by location.
2. Check the property’s historic status.
Determine whether the home is individually designated or located in a historic district.
3. Identify the type of work being planned.
Exterior changes, additions, ADUs, garage projects, demolition, and new construction may all trigger different review requirements.
4. Review setbacks and existing structures.
Before design moves too far forward, it is important to understand where new space can fit on the property. CASK reviews setbacks and looks for any existing structures that may interfere with the proposed project.
5. Review the local historic guidelines.
Historic guidelines may affect exterior materials, windows, doors, siding, rooflines, additions, and how new work relates to the original structure. If an existing garage or structure would need to be removed, that can add another layer of review on a historic property. Identifying this early helps homeowners better understand what may be possible before plans are finalized.
6. Meet with historic review staff early.
A pre-application conversation can help identify possible challenges before plans are finalized or submitted.
7. Gather drawings and documentation.
This may include surveys, site plans, elevations, photos, material details, engineering notes/survey, or information about the existing structure.
8. Submit for historic review, if required.
Some projects may need approval through a historic review process before moving forward with standard permitting by required deadline that meets your schedule. This process typically takes 2 months.
9. Respond to comments or requested changes.
Historic projects often involve some back-and-forth to make sure the design aligns with the property and neighborhood.
10. Move into building permit review.
Once the historic review path is addressed and approved, the project still needs to follow the normal building permit process.
11. Keep construction aligned with approvals.
During the build, it is important that approved materials, exterior details, and design decisions are followed closely.
Note: Additional historic inspections are required during the construction phase.
When Should Homeowners Reach Out?
The best time to start a conversation is before the project is fully designed, before demolition decisions are made, and before assumptions become expensive surprises.
“If a homeowner is thinking about doing any sort of renovation, new home build, or ADU, immediately reach out to CASK,” Kait says. “As soon as a project comes to mind, just come talk to us.”
For homeowners who are not sure whether their property is located within a historic area, that can be reviewed early in the conversation. From there, CASK can help identify what factors may need to be considered before the project moves forward.
Historic properties can be beautiful, meaningful, and full of potential. They simply require the right process, the right planning, and the right team from the beginning.
If you are considering a renovation, addition, garage project, ADU, or new build involving a historic property, schedule a call with CASK before you get too far into the planning process. Starting early can help you understand what to consider, what questions to ask, and how to move forward with more confidence.
