News Summary
St. Petersburg is set to undergo significant urban changes with the launch of key projects including a new $59 million courthouse, affordable housing, and a restaurant by chef Geoffrey Zakarian. Noteworthy developments also include expansions of the Cordova Inn and Orlando Health Institute Square, enhancing infrastructure and housing solutions. The city aims to balance economic growth with community needs, particularly in affordable housing.
St. Petersburg is poised for significant urban transformation with the upcoming launch of several crucial developments, including a new $59 million Second District Court of Appeal Courthouse, a 15-unit affordable housing complex, and a restaurant by renowned chef Geoffrey Zakarian.
The Second District Court of Appeal Courthouse, located at 525 Mirror Lake Drive North, is expected to open in December. This facility will serve multiple judicial circuits, encompassing the Sixth Judicial Circuit (Pinellas and Pasco counties), 12th Circuit (Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties), and 13th Circuit (Hillsborough County). Spanning 59,516 square feet, the courthouse will house 15 judicial chambers, one courtroom, and provide workspaces for 95 full-time staff. It is named in honor of the late Bernie McCabe, the former State Attorney for Florida’s Sixth Judicial Circuit. The architectural design is a collaboration between DLR Group, based in Orlando, and Wannemacher Jensen Architects from St. Petersburg, with Skanska USA serving as the general contractor. The construction is currently on track for completion by October.
In addition to the courthouse, Aerial St. Pete has identified five significant real estate projects underway in the city. Among these is the expansion of the historic Cordova Inn which will triple its room capacity from 32 to 97, including a restaurant and rooftop bar. This project is slated for completion in January 2026. Designed by PLACE Architecture, the expansion incorporates Neoclassical Revival elements.
Another significant development is the Orlando Health Institute Square, featuring an expansion of the hospital, including three buildings: a medical pavilion, a women’s pavilion, with completion anticipated in November. Additionally, The Henry at Whitney Village is a 325-unit apartment community in St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District, expected to be finished by March 2027.
Meanwhile, a new mixed-use project named The Central is being developed in the EDGE District. This development includes a restaurant from chef Geoffrey Zakarian, who is celebrated for his modern American cuisine. The Central will also feature a hotel, an office tower, a rooftop pool bar, and various dining establishments under Zakarian Hospitality’s management, further enhancing the area’s offerings.
Addressing the urgent need for affordable housing, Founders Point represents a key initiative in south St. Petersburg with its 15-unit affordable housing complex designed specifically for low-income residents and individuals with special needs. Located at 2901 31st Street South, this $6 million project aims to provide safe and affordable living options for vulnerable populations.
Plans have also been initiated for an expansive $225 million residential development at 800 2nd Avenue South, which will propose two 31-story towers featuring 824 apartments along with retail space. This ambitious project is expected to include more than 400 affordable units, significantly contributing to the city’s housing solutions.
These recent developments underscore St. Petersburg’s commitment to urban growth that balances economic progress with community needs, particularly in the realm of affordable housing and essential infrastructure improvements. As these projects come to fruition, they promise to enhance the city’s landscape and improve the quality of life for its residents.
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Additional Resources
- Aerial St. Pete: Construction Progress on Five Key Developments
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- Celebrity Chef Geoffrey Zakarian to Open New Restaurant
- Google Search: Geoffrey Zakarian
- New Affordable Apartment Community Opens in St. Pete
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Development
- Massive 31-Story Twin Tower Development in Downtown St. Pete
- Google News: St. Petersburg Developments
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.
