Categories: Business NewsHealthcareNewsReal Estate & Properties

BayCare Acquires Barnes & Noble Building in St. Petersburg

The Barnes & Noble building in St. Petersburg, soon to undergo transformation after the BayCare acquisition.

News Summary

St. Petersburg is set for a transformation as BayCare Health System acquires the iconic Barnes & Noble building on Tyrone Boulevard for $10 million. This acquisition marks BayCare’s second purchase of a Barnes & Noble location in the Tampa Bay area, signaling its commitment to expanding healthcare services. The store has been a cornerstone of the community for 33 years, and while plans for its future are not yet public, possibilities include an urgent care center. Meanwhile, the local scene is buzzing with new dining and retail openings, promising a vibrant future for the city.

St. Petersburg Welcomes Big Changes with New BayCare Acquisition!

St. Petersburg is buzzing with excitement as BayCare Health System has made a significant move by purchasing the iconic 15,456-square-foot Barnes & Noble building located at 2501 Tyrone Boulevard North for a tidy sum of $10 million. This bookstore has been a beloved fixture in the community for an impressive 33 years, and now it’s set to transform into something that can give back even more to the locals!

The official deed for this much-talked-about purchase was recorded on January 29th, suggesting that BayCare is eager to move forward with their plans. This acquisition is not just a one-off; it marks BayCare’s second grab of a Barnes & Noble location in the Tampa Bay area. They’ve already bought a closed store in Carrollwood for $10.5 million back in 2024 to convert into an urgent care center. Talk about making a statement!

As for the St. Pete Barnes & Noble, no word yet from the representatives on when the store will close its doors or if they’ll find a new location. For now, book lovers will still have a place to browse while waiting to see what BayCare decides to do. Will it be an emergency center? A new urgent care hub? The possibilities are certainly intriguing!

The Coffee Scene is Brewing!

Meanwhile, just up the road in Largo, a delightful new coffee shop has burst onto the scene. Swell Coffee opened its doors on January 28th, 2024, inviting families and coffee lovers alike to enjoy a cozy spot with a friendly vibe. Taking over a space previously occupied by a Subway, this charming 1,500-square-foot café was chosen after thorough exploration of over 30 potential locations!

Local Dining and Entertainment Expanding

But that’s not all happening in the culinary world! Cool Vibes Pub & Grub is making plans to expand into St. Pete Beach, all the while keeping its original location in St. Petersburg intact. And if you’re a fan of steak and seafood, you’re in for a treat! The Crane, an upscale dining establishment, opened its doors in downtown St. Pete on January 31st, debuting after a limited opening just for drinks. Now, diners can relish delicious meals and refreshing beverages in an elegant setting!

Real Estate Buzz in the Area

The real estate market is also heating up with an attractive listing in Historic Uptown—a charming two-bedroom, two-bath bungalow priced at $615,000. Built in 1922, this home boasts modern upgrades while blending beautifully into one of St. Petersburg’s most eclectic neighborhoods.

Major Developments on the Horizon

Looking to the future, excitement builds as plans for the Waldorf Astoria Residences reveal a striking 49-story luxury condominium that promises to be the tallest structure in St. Petersburg upon completion. The city council has green-lighted the site plan and all the crucial permits needed for this ambitious mixed-use development.

As if that wasn’t enough, a proposal for redeveloping the municipal marina is on track to be presented to the City Council by late October or early November 2024. Plus, St. Petersburg will receive approximately $173,000 in federal funds for its Fleet Management Facility Generator Project. This funding is part of ongoing recovery efforts following the impact of Hurricane Ian, aimed at ensuring the community bounces back stronger than ever.

With all these exciting developments unfolding—ranging from health services to dining and real estate—St. Petersburg continues to evolve and grow. The city surely has a lot to look forward to in the coming months!