News Summary
The Central project in St. Petersburg’s EDGE District is poised for a significant milestone with the upcoming opening of a 531-space parking garage. This first phase of the 2.1-acre mixed-use development includes a Marriott Autograph hotel, retail spaces, and affordable housing, aiming to redefine the area. The project will also feature an impressive office building, Halcyon, and a public plaza for community gatherings. With completion expected by 2027, The Central is set to enhance the vibrant culture and economy of St. Petersburg.
Exciting Development Ahead for St. Pete: The Central Project Nears a Milestone!
St. Petersburg is buzzing with excitement as the much-anticipated The Central development takes shape in the heart of the city’s trendy EDGE District. Next month, Ellison Development is set to celebrate a major milestone by cutting the ribbon on a brand-new 531-space parking garage at 1301 Central Avenue. This garage marks the first phase of the ambitious 2.1-acre mixed-use project that’s destined to become a game-changer for both locals and visitors.
A Little Backstory
For those who might not know, The Central is rising right where the old St. Petersburg police headquarters once stood. Located just a stone’s throw away from the beloved Ferg’s Sports Bar and Grill and the vibrant Edge Collective, this exciting project is set to redefine the area.
What’s in Store?
The Central has some thrilling features lined up. Picture this: a stunning 168-room Marriott Autograph hotel, aptly named the Central Hotel, providing guests with a chic place to stay. But it doesn’t stop there! The project will also house 14,000 square feet of retail space—a perfect opportunity for unique shops and local businesses to flourish.
In addition to the hotel and retail spaces, The Central is dedicated to affordable living with plans for a 42-unit affordable housing community. This initiative aims to provide homes for residents earning up to 120% of the area median income, helping to meet the growing demand for accessible housing.
Workspace with a View
But wait, there’s more! The centerpiece of this project will be Halcyon, an impressive 11-story office building offering 125,000 square feet of top-of-the-line Class A office space. Excitingly, Halcyon is the first of its kind to be constructed in downtown St. Petersburg since the 1980s. Imagine working in a space that not only has stunning architecture but also features outdoor balconies on each floor from levels two through eleven. And if that’s not enough, the 11th floor will boast a penthouse with a wraparound terrace for breathtaking panoramic skyline views!
Bringing the Community Together
The Central isn’t just about commercial and residential spaces; it’s also committed to fostering a sense of community. A public plaza is in the works for community gatherings, which will feature a food and beverage operator as well as a monument honoring The Courageous 12. This is a great way to bring locals together and celebrate the history and resilience of the community!
What’s Next?
As for the immediate plans, construction on the Central Hotel is slated to kick off following the opening of the parking garage in June. By the end of the year, we can also expect to see work begin on Halcyon. A sky bridge will connect Halcyon and the hotel on the fourth floor, creating seamless access between the two buildings. Plus, the sixth floor will lead directly to the garage’s future amenity deck, designed with lush landscaping and walking paths to create a park-like setting.
A Hub for Business
Office tenants at Halcyon will be treated to luxurious hotel amenities, which include a theater, a state-of-the-art gym, and co-working spaces. The project also promises various meeting and conference rooms, along with multiple event venues. And keep your ears open—there’s a flagship restaurant with app-based delivery for tenants and guests on the horizon, with the operator to be announced soon!
Looking Toward the Future
The Central, with all its exciting plans and features, is expected to be completed by 2027. Since its inception, the project has seen several redesigns and even shifted focus from luxury condominiums to a more comprehensive mixed-use concept. This evolution embodies the commitment to enhancing St. Pete’s landscape while catering to a wider range of residents and visitors.
With an impressive range of offerings, The Central promises to be a landmark development that will enrich the vibrant fabric of St. Petersburg, making it a must-watch project in the coming years!
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst: Rethinking Urban Development
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- St. Pete Rising: Affordable Housing Proposals
- Google Search: St. Petersburg Urban Development
- I Love the Burg: St. Pete Waterfront Master Plan
- Google Scholar: Urban Development St. Petersburg
- St. Pete Catalyst: County St. Pete Aid Preparation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Development
- St. Pete Rising: Warehouse Arts District Upzoning
- Google News: St. Pete Development
