News Summary
The Central Development project in St. Petersburg is set to transform the EDGE District with a new parking garage, hotel, office space, and more. The project aims to enhance community connections and provide modern amenities while maintaining a focus on affordable housing and public spaces. Completion is projected for 2027.
Exciting Times Ahead for St. Petersburg with Major Development Project
St. Petersburg is buzzing with anticipation as the Central Development project reaches a major milestone! With a brand-new 531-space parking garage set to open next month at 1301 Central Avenue, this is just the first step in a multifaceted vision that promises to transform the area.
What’s Coming Up?
The opening of the parking garage marks the beginning of The Central, a fantastic mixed-use development that will span across 2.1 acres in the vibrant EDGE District of St. Petersburg. Located conveniently across from the popular Ferg’s Sports Bar and Grill, and near the vibrant The Edge Collective, this hub is designed to bring people together.
Initially breaking ground in February 2024, The Central has big plans for the community. Here’s what you can expect:
- A 168-room Marriott Autograph hotel dubbed the Central Hotel.
- Charming outdoor dining and gathering spaces to enjoy the Florida sunshine.
- A whopping 14,000 square feet of retail space to shop and explore.
- A 42-unit affordable housing community to broaden access to comfortable living.
- Halcyon, an impressive 11-story office building featuring 125,000 square feet of top-notch Class A office space.
Halcyon is especially exciting as it boasts being the first Class A office building to be constructed in downtown St. Petersburg since the 1980s, fulfilling a significant need for high-quality office spaces in the heart of the city.
More Than Just Buildings
The plan for The Central doesn’t stop at just buildings; it also includes a vision for the roof of the parking garage to be transformed into an amenity deck with lush park-like landscaping, walking paths, and inviting benches. Imagine stepping out of your car and immersing yourself in nature just steps away!
The garage will offer 400 paid public parking spaces, making it easier for everyone to access this vibrant new hub. Construction for the luxurious 15-story Central Hotel is expected to kick off in June, right after the garage’s opening.
As for Halcyon, plans are in motion to break ground by the end of this year, contingent on lease agreements with eager tenants. Each floor of this impressive office space will feature 13,000 square feet, and outdoor balconies for that refreshing breeze. Plus, a sky bridge will connect the fourth floor of Halcyon to the hotel, allowing easy access.
Luxury Living Meets Community Spirit
Bringing a unique touch, the sixth floor of Halcyon will provide direct access to the future landscaped garage amenity deck. The crowning jewel, however, is on the 11th floor, where a luxurious penthouse level will feature a vast wraparound terrace offering breathtaking views of the downtown skyline.
Tenants in Halcyon will have the advantage of enjoying hotel amenities, including a theater, gym, spacious meeting rooms, co-working spaces, and various event venues. Plus, a flagship restaurant within the hotel will soon be announced, and it will offer delivery services via an app for those working in the area and guests at the hotel.
Building Community Connections
Additionally, The Central will introduce a seven-story, 42-unit workforce apartment building, previously known as The Wye. This initiative aims to reserve apartments for residents earning up to 120% of the area median income, reinforcing the commitment to community-oriented living.
And hold on—there’s even more! A public plaza is planned as a central gathering place, featuring a delightful food and beverage operator, plus a stunning monument designed by local artist Ya La’Ford, honoring The Courageous 12—a group of Black St. Petersburg police officers who bravely sued the city for equal rights in the 1960s.
Looking Forward to 2027!
The Central Development is projected to be completed by 2027, and it’s clear that careful planning and adaptive design have gone into making this dream a reality. Although plans have shifted, including the removal of a luxury condominium component due to financing, the focus has remained steadfast on creating a vibrant community space that connects residents and visitors alike.
With all these exciting developments on the horizon, St. Petersburg is certainly gearing up for a bright future that everyone can look forward to!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst: Rethinking Urban Development
- St. Pete Rising: Affordable Housing Proposals
- I Love the Burg: Waterfront Master Plan
- St. Pete Catalyst: County Aid Preparation
- St. Pete Rising: Warehouse Arts District Upzoning
- Wikipedia: St. Petersburg, Florida
- Google Search: St. Petersburg Development News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: St. Petersburg
- Google Scholar: Urban Development St. Petersburg
- Google News: St. Petersburg Development
