News Summary
A Tampa-based developer has unveiled plans for a groundbreaking rooftop dinosaur exhibit atop a new parking garage in St. Petersburg’s EDGE District. The project will showcase a rare Gorgosaurus skeleton named Devaiah, making it the first of its kind globally. The $200 million mixed-use development, dubbed The Central, will also include a Marriott Autograph hotel, retail space, affordable housing, and office facilities, fostering community interaction and offering educational experiences for all ages.
St. Petersburg, Florida – A Tampa-based developer has announced an innovative project that will feature a rooftop dinosaur exhibit atop a new parking garage in the EDGE District of St. Petersburg. Ellison Development is set to showcase a rare Gorgosaurus skeleton named Devaiah, making this the first dinosaur skeleton display on top of a parking garage globally. The rooftop garden will be a central attraction of The Central, a large mixed-use development at 1301 Central Avenue.
The Central, which has a budget of $200 million, will not only house the rooftop garden but will also include a Marriott Autograph hotel, 14,000 square feet of retail space, a 42-unit affordable housing community, and an 11-story Class A office building spanning 125,000 square feet. The Gorgosaurus skeleton is one of only 20 known specimens in existence and will be displayed in a glass environment, allowing visitors to closely engage with this ancient artifact.
The garden is designed to feature native Florida plants, walking paths, and offer panoramic views of the city skyline, making it an attractive destination for both locals and tourists. Casey Ellison, CEO of Ellison Development, noted that the project aims to provide unique experiences that blend nature, science, and urban living. The concept for the rooftop garden was inspired by the success of the Big John exhibit, which features the world’s largest triceratops skeleton at the Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa.
Ellison Development plans for Devaiah to serve as a source of inspiration for families and children, encouraging them to engage with scientific learning in a fun and meaningful way. The Gorgosaurus exhibit, surrounded by a variety of greenery, is intended to foster community interaction and make science approachable for all ages.
This project is a collaborative effort between Ellison Development and J Square Developers, DDA Development, and Backstreets Capital, with architectural design provided by Tim Clemmons of Place Architecture. Construction for The Central commenced in February 2024, with an expected completion date in 2027.
Mayor Ken Welch has expressed optimism about the impact of the unique rooftop features on the community. He believes that they will enhance tourism and contribute positively to the overall experience for residents and visitors in St. Petersburg. The new office building is notable as well, being the first Class A office development in downtown St. Petersburg since the 1980s, and will host ARK Invest as its first tenant.
In the coming months, more details about the garden and the dinosaur experience will be revealed, promising to provide an innovative and educational experience that aims to be a landmark attraction for the area.
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- Wikipedia: St. Petersburg, Florida
- We Build Value: AI Sustainable Infrastructure
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- St. Pete Catalyst: Master Planning for Evolving District
- Google Scholar: St. Petersburg Development
- Fox 13 News: St. Petersburg’s Yearlong Planning Effort
- Encyclopedia Britannica: St. Petersburg, Florida
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- Google News: St. Petersburg Housing Projects
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
