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History
NOVA 535, Unique Event Space & Modern Art Lounge, is the brainchild of Michael S. Novilla.
After graduating from the USF M.B.A. program in 1993, Michael was surprisingly turned away from countless banks for loan financing, but being persistent he assembled a stack of credit cards and he cash-advanced a down payment to begin Crescent Lake Apartments.
A St. Petersburg native, Michael has a passion for maintaining the quintessential charm of each building while pushing the design and functional characteristics of the properties he owns and develops. For over a decade, Michael owned and managed 70 charming units that are clustered around beautiful 56 acre Crescent Lake & Park; Crescent Lake Apartments which has become some of the most sought-after rental property in St. Petersburg.
However, like any true entrepreneur, Michael craves a constant creative outlet and after about a decade of renovating and renting he was desperate for another venture.
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, mountain top adventures, 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 art 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 after being used by a local Pharmacy with a soda counter, was the “Pet Planet” in its most recent incarnation. Michael and his dogs Maxwell and Malcolm 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 "pet" project.
So after a long and arduous design & build out, this gorgeous 1920’s structure now boasts 8” red clay block walls (original), 18 foot ceilings, a second story VIP loft and over 7,000 square feet of wedding, reception, party and event space.
With input collected from local building construction guru’s (including the famed Michael Mitchell), fellow business owners and world travelers (Drew Edwards) international visual and performing artists, theatrical set, sound and lighting designers (Chuck Taylor of Production Source), club promoters, event and catering professionals, architects (Jim Bedinghaus – Bedinghaus Design) and interior designers (artist - Emily Morgavan) just to name a few.
Adjacent to the building is a gorgeous bamboo and brick courtyard like setting which enables guests to enjoy the beautiful weather or play it safe and rent a tent and party all night long!
Original 1920’s 18-foot high red block & brick walls provide a unique and versatile backdrop. Original hand sawn pine ceiling beams add authentic flavor and history. You can't buy history.
Easy interstate access off of I-275 Exit 23A (Baywalk Exit). 20 minutes to Tampa Airport, 10 minutes to St. Petersburg Beach, 40 minutes to Sarasota.
Free convenient parking is available at the block directly to the WEST across Dr. M. L. King Street North from 6pm-6am seven days a week. Of course valet and transportation services are available.
NOVA 535 is an extraordinary & versatile event space with plenty of convenient parking, whose unique high-end yet welcoming atmosphere blends classic & cutting edge elements making it perfect for your next wedding, party, bar/bat mitzvah, corporate or discrete VIP event.
Our delicious catering (or utilize your favorite licensed caterer), easy interstate access, fresh global art, incredible service, ten luxurious bathroom suites and swanky full-service bar are just the beginning of your spectacular experience.
Book your date now!
727-821-6682
Watch Michael,
NOVA 535's owner & creator, give a quick fun tour.
Find out why
our clients LOVE us!
From a quiet, serious 30 person tax law dinner salon, to your daughter's 200 guest wedding ceremony & reception, to your 600+ guest world-class corporate holiday party, NOVA 535 has got you covered.
Our job is
to make
your job easy.
Request more info
727-821-6682
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How It All Started...
Michael & Aboriginal lady in Australian Outback.
Berlin.
Mt. Etna, Sicily. Active volcanoes are HOT!
Montreal Snowboarding...much much cooler!
Costa Rica rainforest.
Russia, Finland & Estonia.
Kitzbuehel, Austria.
Bergan, Norway. Gorgeous.
Shao-lin Temples. China.
Barcelona, Spain. Art lovers paradise.
Lake Louise, Canada. Breath-taking!
Kyoto, Japan. Magical.
Kung-Fu clean up.
A cold, early morning delight! Our sign was finally delivered!
Wow what a gorgeous, unique, world-class venue. Thanks to everyone who helped make NOVA 535 Unique Event Space a reality! And now it's your turn, because without your parties and events, NOVA 535 is just an empty building. Please call us to book your next event! Thank You.
727.821.6682
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