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YMCA Sells Land for Whitney Village Development in St. Petersburg

Artist's depiction of the upcoming Whitney Village mixed-use development.

News Summary

The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg has sold 4.5 acres of land for the construction of the Whitney Village, a mixed-use complex promising new shopping and residential options. The $12 million sale will fund modernization of the existing YMCA facility, including new athletic fields and parking improvements. The development, including ‘The Henry at Whitney Village’ with 325 residences, aims to enhance community engagement and create a vibrant atmosphere in the city.

Exciting Changes Coming to St. Petersburg: YMCA Sells Land for Whitney Village Development

St. Petersburg locals have a reason to cheer as the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg has officially sold off a portion of its land, paving the way for a brand new mixed-use complex called Whitney Village. This move marks a significant step towards revitalizing the area, offering both residents and visitors plenty of excellent options for shopping, dining, and living.

Y’s Big Move!

The YMCA’s recent land sale involves a prime 4.5 acres at the Jim & Heather Gills YMCA, located at 3200 First Ave. S. The transaction was worth a whopping $12 million. But don’t worry, it’s not a total goodbye. The YMCA has kept hold of 7 acres of property to continue serving the community.

So, what’s the scoop with all that funding? The proceeds from the sale are earmarked for a much-needed modernization of the existing YMCA facility. Exciting upgrades are on the horizon, ensuring that the YMCA remains a vital place for physical activity and community engagement. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s planned:

### Relocation of athletic fields with artificial turf and lighting
### Expanded parking options, including a covered parking garage
### Upgraded locker rooms for an improved experience

The first phase of this modernization endeavor is set to kick off in spring 2024. As residents of St. Petersburg gear up for the changes, anticipation is building!

Introducing Whitney Village

On the flip side, new developments are brewing. The retail section of this project, dubbed Whitney Village, will encompass around 32,000 square feet of bustling storefronts right along 1st Avenue South. This chic area is poised to serve as a local hotspot, encouraging a vibrant community atmosphere.

Living at “The Henry”

But wait, there’s more! The residential component of this exciting new venture will be known as “The Henry at Whitney Village.” This will include an impressive 325 residences, ranging from cozy studio apartments to spacious three-bedroom units—ideal for a variety of lifestyles!

In a thoughtful addition, there will be 50 smaller, affordable apartments specifically designed for local employees, including those who work at the YMCA. To make things even more appealing, residents leasing these apartments will receive YMCA memberships as a part of their lease package—talk about a win-win!

Parking and Accessibility

No one likes searching endlessly for parking, right? Fear not! Greystar, the development partner on this project, plans to construct a remarkable six-story parking garage with a capacity of 600 spaces. This means easy access for everyone—residents, shoppers, and visitors alike.

City Approved and Onward!

As if that wasn’t enough good news, the plans for this transformative project have already received the green light from the city of St. Petersburg. With ambitious goals set forth, the development aims to foster a walkable urban retail area that doubles as a community gathering space. This aligns beautifully with the city’s broader aim to fortify the Grand Central District into a lively live-work-play neighborhood.

With the YMCA first opening its doors nearly 25 years ago, this development strives to enhance the community value and growth that came with it. So, St. Petersburg, get ready for an exciting new chapter that promises to bring style, convenience, and most importantly, a sense of community right to your doorstep!