How It All Started...
NOVA 535, an Art Lounge, is the brainchild of Michael S. Novilla. Michael is a graduate of the USF M.B.A. program and the owner of Crescent Lake Apartments. A St. Petersburg native, Michael has a passion for maintaining the quintessential charm and design characteristics of all the properties he owns and develops. Since 1994, Crescent Lake Apartments has become some of the most sought-after rental property in St. Petersburg.
Michael got the idea for NOVA 535 while traveling through over 30 countries on 5 continents to some of the world’s most renowned art galleries - from the Musée d'Orsay to the Tate, to the Guggenheim, and countless others. While he was off enjoying spectacular rooftop lounges, cavernous night clubs, raves in Ancient Castles, market street bazaars, modern Discos and crazy Aboriginal festivals the concepts and ideas he encountered percolated deeper and deeper into his mind. With these sights and experiences compelling his creative side, it occurred to Michael that his home town of St. Petersburg was just the city to support such a world-class destination. Thus was born his notion of NOVA 535:
a modern gallery-space-meets-swanky lounge-meets -world-class- event- venue.
 The building, located at 535 Dr. M.L. King, Jr. Street North, started out as Slap Happy’s Five and Dime in the 1920’s, and was the “Pet Planet” in its most recent incarnation. Michael and his dogs were regular customers at the Pet Planet, and when he heard the building was for sale, he knew he’d found the home for his new project. This gorgeous 1920’s structure boasts 8” red clay block walls, 18 foot ceilings, a second story and over 7,000 square feet of gallery and event space.With input collected from local and international visual and performing artists, theatrical set and lighting designers, club promoters, event and catering professionals, architects and interior designers (just to name a few), NOVA 535 features a fusion of modern and classic design features, state of the art audio/visual equipment, a swanky full service bar and spacious, modern catering kitchen. The only event venue of its kind in the area, NOVA 535 exhibits year-round, featuring the best local and international talent in all artistic mediums, providing the ultimate backdrop for unique and memorable special events.
Visit us at NOVA 535. See Art. Enjoy Yourself.
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