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<\/p>\nThe Coliseum has stood just north of St. Petersburg\u2019s Mirror Lake since 1924, when the city was making a name for itself as a winter destination and the ballroom was among its grandest attractions.<\/p>\n
A century later, the neighborhood around it looks considerably different. The 18-story Reflection condominium tower stands a few blocks away, while a property immediately west of the Coliseum is being marketed for an approved 18-story apartment building with 150 units.<\/p>\n
Amid that development, the city is preparing to replace the roof of one of its oldest entertainment venues. Last week, St. Petersburg\u2019s Community Planning and Preservation Commission unanimously approved changes to the project after problems emerged with materials selected earlier this year.<\/p>\n
The commission initially approved the replacement in June, but city engineers later learned that the roofing manufacturer could not produce the textured material commissioners wanted with the backing needed to maintain the building\u2019s distinctive curved appearance.<\/p>\n
That curve is one of the Coliseum\u2019s defining features. Massive wooden trusses span the ballroom without interior columns, leaving an expansive dance floor beneath the arched ceiling.<\/p>\n
City historic preservationist Cindy Kohanic explained that the original textured material was intended to resemble the building\u2019s earlier roofs while reducing the shine of a modern replacement.<\/p>\n
Commissioners considered alternatives before settling on a darker green roof with an uncoated finish. The choice is intended to better match the Coliseum\u2019s historic appearance, although the material may be more susceptible to staining as it ages.<\/p>\n
Brejesh Prayman, the city\u2019s engineering director, acknowledged that keeping the roof looking new indefinitely was unrealistic.<\/p>\n
\u201cI mean, a perfectly clean roof, it doesn\u2019t really exist,\u201d Prayman said. \u201cRoofs are going to patina over time no matter what material it is.\u201d<\/p>\n
But the decision also raised questions about durability.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs there a difference in the longevity, the overall longevity of the roof as far as coated and non-coated?\u201d Commissioner Treva Davis asked.<\/p>\n
Prayman said the replacement would still carry a 20-year warranty, although the manufacturer did not recommend the uncoated material. When Davis asked why, the discussion centered on potential staining rather than concerns about the roof\u2019s lifespan.<\/p>\n
The commission ultimately approved a smooth, uncoated roofing material in a color called aged patina, a darker green intended to complement the building\u2019s appearance. Felt backing will help conceal fasteners and irregularities beneath the material while following the roof\u2019s curve.<\/p>\n
The project also includes insulation, roof access and safety equipment, replacement cladding on the dormers, and new gutters and downspouts. An updated construction schedule and project cost were not established during the meeting.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The St. Petersburg Coliseum in 1925. Photo: Burgert Brothers Collection\/Hillsborough County Library.<\/p>\n
The venue opened Nov. 20, 1924, during Florida\u2019s land boom. Its founders envisioned a destination for residents and winter visitors, complete with a large dance floor, stage, balcony seating and a nursery where parents could leave their children while they danced.<\/p>\n