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25. Centennial Building2201 Centennial Dr. (National Register)
This building was constructed by the Works Project Administration in 1937 at a cost of $73,000 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the signing of Florida’s first constitution. Senators Claude Pepper and Charles Andrews worked diligently to secure approval and funding for the building. This simple rectangular building designed with Art Deco stylistic elements by architect Hughell Crockett remains largely unchanged although it was originally painted green. Additional Photos of the Centennial Building
The building was dedicated December 7, 1938. In addition Florida governor Fred P. Cone, four former governors (David Sholtz, Doyle E. Carlton, John P. Martin, and Cary A Hardee) attended the celebration. Senator Claude Pepper gave one of the dedicatory addresses. In the words of Port St. Joe Mayor Sharit, “…we are on holy ground. As nearly as can be determined from careful reading of the meager fragments of information left us, this building and that monument yonder are located on the actual site of the hall in which the convention met a hundred years ago to frame Florida’s first state constitution.” Three more days of celebration followed the dedication. Parades, a free circus, band concerts, tours through the new paper mill, fire works, and nightly dances brought thousands of visitors to Port St. Joe. One of the two horse racing tracks the old city of St. Joseph boosted reopened and a series of races was held. The track lay where the Port St. Joe Elementary School is today. The Centennial Building remains at the heart of Port St. Joe’s civic and social life. New Year’s Balls, high school proms, and basketball games are held here. The building is an official polling place and serves as a National Guard armory.
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