Native Floridian William B. Harvard, Sr. moved from Miami to St. Petersburg in the summer of 1938. Newly licensed as an architect and just four years out of the University of Cincinnati, Harvard recognized opportunity in a city of fewer than 60,000 residents—one still weighed down by the lingering effects of the Great Depression.

Convinced that St. Petersburg offered a chance to do things differently, Harvard pushed back against the prevailing Mediterranean Revival style. Instead, he developed an approach he called modern tropical—a climate-responsive design language defined by warm woods, generous balconies, and natural cross-ventilation. The concept quickly fueled a successful residential practice.

In 1973, Harvard cemented his legacy with the design of the iconic Municipal Pier. Its bold inverted-pyramid form permanently transformed the St. Petersburg skyline.

Event will be held at President Barack Obama Main Library on Saturday, March 14th from 4PM to 6PM.

Donations are greatly appreciated!