St. Petersburg Approves New High-Rise Apartment Tower

News Summary

St. Petersburg’s Mirror Lake neighborhood is set for an impressive transformation with the approval of a 23-story apartment tower, increasing from the original plan. The new design will feature 218 residential units and ample retail space, promising a vibrant addition to the skyline. Developers are optimistic about the project’s future despite current economic challenges, highlighting the importance of community-focused designs. This development aims to blend modern living with the historic charm of the area.

St. Pete’s Skyline Set to Change with New Apartment Tower Approval

In the delightful city of St. Petersburg, exciting developments are underway in the Mirror Lake neighborhood! Local officials recently gave the green light for a taller apartment tower than originally planned. This new project is shaping up to be not only higher but also packed with more residential units and amazing retail spaces.

A Growth Spurt for the Neighborhood

Originally, the Development Review Commission approved a sleek 21-story apartment building with 200 units back in January 2023. Fast forward to now—thanks to some strategic tweaks, developers have bumped up the height to 23 stories and increased the number of apartments to a total of 218. That’s right! The new plan introduces over a dozen more living spaces in an area that’s already buzzing with activity.

But that’s not all; the design includes a generous 11,193 square feet of retail space, along with a spacious 274-space parking garage for residents and visitors alike. The development site, located at 699 1st Avenue North, encompasses land that was previously home to two vacant office buildings, a quirky little triplex, and a once-busy surface parking lot. With these changes, the skyline is sure to become more lively, creating a perfect blend of residential and commercial vibrancy.

Behind the Scenes of Development

The properties at this location were acquired by Gravel Road Partners back in March 2022 for a hefty price tag of $6.4 million. To enhance the project’s potential, the developers also tossed in an adjacent property at 669 1st Avenue North—technically still home to a 4,960-square-foot office building but not up for redevelopment just yet. The theory was that increasing the site’s density is a win-win for the overall project’s success.

While the buzz is exciting, construction on this towering beauty is currently on pause due to some murky economic waters. Thankfully, the developers are keeping the faith, believing that St. Pete’s comeback is strong compared to other markets in the Southeastern part of the United States.

Smart Design Choices Making a Difference

This development underlines the importance of balancing growth with community concerns. The area is zoned for Downtown Center use, with rules that got a little flexible to suit the new proposal. The new layout features a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 6.1—should you want to know what that means, it’s a benchmark used to calculate building density. The original FAR base was 3.0, which gives a sense of just how much this project is aiming to maximize its footprint.

The architectural designs are also promising to enhance the atmosphere at ground level. Plans include enlarging public spaces for social gatherings, improving pedestrian access, and beautifying the surrounding landscape. Think art installations, shaded spots for relaxation, and an inviting public plaza—all aimed at making this neighborhood even more attractive to locals and visitors alike.

A Project with a Community Touch

Gravel Road Partners, who previously took on the Bayou Court Apartments—an affordable housing effort near Lake Maggiore—is stepping in again to boost residential options. While the excitement is palpable, this high-rise project might still have some hurdles to jump over, primarily thanks to the Mirror Lake’s localized historic district status. This designation complicates things for any future high-rise endeavors in this cherished area.

As construction gets underway (when the time is right), St. Pete is poised to see its skyline grow and evolve, offering more living options, retail, and a splash of vibrancy all around. With a bit of luck and a cautious optimism, the towers will rise, reflecting not just a meeting of modern living and old-world charm, but a bright future for St. Petersburg. Keep your eyes peeled; the excitement is just getting started!

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Additional Resources

• St. Pete Rising: Revised Plan Approved for Apartment Tower
• TBN Weekly: Article on St. Pete Development
• WTSP: St. Petersburg Seniors Return Home After Displacement
• Wikipedia: St. Petersburg, Florida
• Fox 13 News: Seniors Displaced in St. Pete