News Summary
St. Petersburg will soon unveil a unique rooftop garden atop a parking garage, featuring the rare Gorgosaurus skeleton, Devaiah. This initiative is a part of The Central development project, aimed at combining nature and education in an urban setting. Spanning nearly 1 acre, the garden will offer city views and native Florida plants, enriching community engagement. The project includes an office tower, a Marriott hotel, and retail space, enhancing the local environment while supporting education initiatives.
St. Petersburg is set to unveil a new rooftop garden featuring a rare dinosaur skeleton atop a newly opened parking garage. This unique initiative is part of an ambitious development project known as The Central, spearheaded by Ellison Development.
The centerpiece of the rooftop garden will be the Gorgosaurus skeleton, affectionately named Devaiah. This remarkable specimen is one of only 20 known Gorgosaurus skeletons in the world and holds the distinction of being the only specimen that is privately owned. Devaiah predates the well-known Tyrannosaurus Rex by a staggering 10 million years, making it a significant find for both science and the community.
The planned garden will span nearly 1 acre and aims to provide residents and visitors with a unique outdoor experience that combines nature, science, and urban living. The design of the garden is inspired by the success of Big John, the world’s largest triceratops skeleton housed at the Glazer Children’s Museum in nearby Tampa, and aspires to be an engaging addition to the city.
Casey Ellison, the CEO of Ellison Development, emphasized that the project intends to surprise and engage the public, offering visitors a breathtaking view of the city coupled with an educational experience centered around the dinosaur exhibit. The rooftop garden will include native Florida plants, inviting pathways, and a vantage point that overlooks the vibrant cityscape of St. Petersburg.
Sidd Pagidipati, co-founder of Ellison Development and owner of the Gorgosaurus fossil, expressed that this project represents a harmonious blend of his love for dinosaurs and his work in real estate development.
Alongside the rooftop garden, The Central development will feature a modern 11-story Class-A office tower named Halcyon, a 15-story Marriott Autograph Collection hotel, and additional amenities such as 14,000 square feet of retail space and 42 units of workforce housing. Public art installations will further enrich the community’s artistic landscape.
The parking garage that supports this project is already operational and boasts 540 parking spaces, located at 1301 Central Avenue. Construction on The Central commenced in February 2024, with an anticipated completion date set for 2027.
The rooftop garden is expected to enhance the urban backdrop while providing additional green space for families and children. It is designed as a gathering spot and learning area, enriching the community atmosphere. Mayor Ken Welch highlighted the potential of this project to bolster tourism while contributing to the city’s dynamic energy.
While access to the dinosaur exhibit will likely require tickets, initial plans are in place to offer free access for children and students, further encouraging educational engagement. The rooftop garden’s objective is to replace traditional parking garage amenities with an inspiring natural landscape and an enriching educational experience.
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Additional Resources
- St. Peterising
- Wikipedia: Dinosaur
- Patch
- Google Search: dinosaur skeleton rooftop garden St. Petersburg
- St. Pete Catalyst
- Google Scholar: Dinosaur Exhibits
- I Love the Burg
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dinosaur Skeleton
- TBBW Mag
- Google News: The Central St. Petersburg
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.
