Halflants + Pichette / Studio For Modern Architecture

08/05/2026

We are honored to share that Whitaker Lofts has received an AIA Florida / Caribbean Design Award.

This recognition is especially meaningful because Whitaker Lofts was the only residential project in Florida to receive a state design award this year.

Located at the first roundabout on Tamiami Trail between Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and downtown Sarasota, Whitaker Lofts was envisioned as a gateway to the city and a catalyst for the North Trail district.

The quarter-circle site presented unique challenges. The building curves around a magnificent live oak with a 75-foot canopy, preserving the tree while creating an elevated courtyard for the residents. A monumental four-story stair connects the courtyard to Whitaker Bayfront Park across the street, while deep balconies and two-story shadow boxes animate the curved façade with changing patterns of light and shadow throughout the day.

The project brings together 20 residences above street-front retail, demonstrating how thoughtful urban housing can strengthen both the public realm and the private living experience.

It was a privilege for Edwin Martinez and Michael Halflants to represent Halflants + Pichette Architects at the AIA Florida Convention to accept this award. Edwin's talent and dedication continue to elevate our work, and this recognition reflects the collaborative effort of our entire team, our consultants, and our client.

Thank you to the AIA Florida / Caribbean jury for this incredible honor.

07/31/2026

Every historic building has two futures: to be forgotten or to be reimagined.

What was once an abandoned historic bank at one of Downtown Clearwater's most prominent intersections has been thoughtfully restored and given a new purpose.

As both architect and builder, Halflants + Pichette led this ambitious design-build renovation from vision to completion, preserving the character of the building while preparing it for its next chapter.

From the restoration process to the unveiling of the historic clock and the upcoming arrival of Streetlight Taco, this project is a reminder that great architecture doesn't just preserve history, it creates a future for it.

We're honored to have played a role in bringing this landmark back to life and can't wait to see it become a vibrant destination for Downtown Clearwater.

07/23/2026

Preserving history means more than restoring a building. It means respecting what made it worth saving in the first place.

The Brown Brothers Building restoration is rooted in documented history, from the original brickwork and mortar composition to the storefronts, windows and defining steel canopy. Every detail is being carefully reconstructed to preserve the building’s natural character, not replace it with a modern interpretation.

A landmark restored with purpose, precision and respect for its original identity.

07/15/2026

A building restoration is never just about the building.

It is about what becomes possible after.

The historic Telephone Building on Cleveland Street is now set to become home to Rippers, the first Clearwater concept from Tastes Pretty Good Hospitality Group.

This is the nationally recognized team behind Michelin-starred Rocca, Michelin Guide-recommended Bar Terroir, Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient Streetlight Taco, and the newly opened Lumbre.

That kind of culinary investment does not happen by accident.

It happens when historic buildings are restored, streets regain momentum, and downtown begins to feel like a place where people want to gather again.

Preserving architecture is one part of the work.

Creating the conditions for a city’s next chapter is the bigger story.

Read the full announcement here:

Michelin-starred restaurant company selects restored historic Telephone Building for new Rippers concept.

07/09/2026

Downtown Clearwater has incredible potential, but potential alone does not bring a city block back to life.

Many of its existing buildings have great bones, history, and location, but they need thoughtful restoration, stronger street-level design, and a renewed sense of purpose to attract tenants, visitors, and daily activity again.

Architecture plays a major role in that transformation.

The right design can take a tired storefront and turn it into an active destination. It can make a block feel more walkable, more inviting, and more connected to the community around it.

This before-and-after concept from Halflants + Pichette shows what is possible when restoration is approached with vision, respect for place, and a belief that downtown Clearwater can thrive again.

A better downtown starts with better spaces.

07/02/2026

Part 1 | Clearwater City Council Presentation

As Downtown Clearwater continues to evolve, thoughtful design will play an important role in shaping its future.

In Part 1 of his presentation to Clearwater City Council, Halflants + Pichette Founder and Design Principal Michael Halflants shares the firm's vision for the revitalization of Cleveland Street and the principles guiding the next chapter of Downtown Clearwater.

Part 2 coming soon.

06/25/2026

Great architecture doesn't just fill a space.

It creates a reason to be there.

At Halflants + Pichette, we believe the best projects strengthen the communities around them. This proposed Family Entertainment Center for Downtown Clearwater is designed to do exactly that by creating a destination where architecture, entertainment, and public life come together.

With an active streetscape, inviting public gathering spaces, a dynamic digital facade, and a mix of dining, bowling, gaming, and cinema, the vision is to bring new energy to Cleveland Street while honoring the city's ongoing revitalization.

For us, architecture has always been about more than designing buildings.

It's about creating places people remember.

04/12/2026

Reflecting on an excellent long day spent ion the west side of Paris that included Le Corbusier’s own apartment and the unite d’habitation.

03/29/2026

A day in Paris, walking along the Seine, from the National School of Architecture to Jean Nouvel’s early masterpiece.

03/22/2026

Parisian Skylights