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4 condos are homes of history

Built in 1924, the building is a former funeral home.

By JON WILSON
Published February 7, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG - Four new condominium units are virtually ready for occupation in a historic downtown building that once served as a funeral home.

They will be ready for inspection by Feb. 16, said owner Jack McGeough.

That's also the date that McGeough will host a benefit event for the Museum of History in the building, 155 Eighth St. N.

The $50-per-person event is linked to the condo unveiling because of the building's connection to St. Petersburg's past.

It was built as a funeral home in 1924 during St. Petersburg's biggest land boom to that point. Pioneer John L. Wilhelm built it and the architect was Henry DuPont, who also worked on the Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach. Wilhelm's building became the Wilhelm-Thurston Funeral Home.

McGeough moved his Newport International seafood importing business into the building's first floor in June. The firm, more than 42 years old, also has its own Jack's Catch brand and markets to supermarkets and restaurants.

Developer Barry Flaherty was the contractor for the renovation work on the funeral home.

The condo units upstairs have two bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths, and are 1,750 to 2,450 square feet, McGeough said. The units range from $550,000 to $825,000. He said the walls were built to withstand 150-mph wind and that the building includes a 150-kilowatt generator to provide power in emergencies.

"Actually, we believe the building is hurricane-proof," McGeough said.

A homeless man who had been living in the building before McGeough bought it restored four stained glass windows.

The history museum event on Feb. 16 is 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. There will be wine tasting, a silent auction and food from five restaurants: Sushi Rock, Parkshore Grill, Red Mesa, Pepin's and Le Cheesecake.

For information about the event, call (727) 894-1052, ext. 205.

[Last modified February 7, 2007, 07:20:42]