News Summary
St. Petersburg is launching the Heritage Grove project at the site of the Deuces landmark. Developed by Green Mills Group, it will feature 54 income-restricted apartments and retail space. The initiative, costing around $20 million, aims to provide affordable housing and celebrate the historical significance of the Deuces neighborhood, while also encouraging community involvement and partnerships.
St. Petersburg is set to see a new affordable housing project at the former site of the Deuces cultural landmark on 22nd Street South. Mayor Ken Welch’s administration has selected the Green Mills Group from Fort Lauderdale to develop the 0.68-acre city-owned property into a project named Heritage Grove. This initiative represents a critical step forward in addressing the community’s need for affordable housing, with an estimated cost of approximately $20 million.
The Heritage Grove project will consist of 54 income-restricted apartments, along with 2,500 square feet of street-level retail space. Within the residential units, nine of the apartments will be allocated for individuals and families earning just 30% of the area median income (AMI). The income-restricted units are designed for households earning between 30% and 80% of AMI, which is expected to range from $25,050 to $66,800 for a two-person household.
The selection of Green Mills Group followed a procurement process that started in August 2024, with proposals also submitted by the site’s previous owner Elihu Brayboy and Alexander Goshen/Goode Van Slyke Architecture. The city acquired the land for just $100 from Brayboy in 2023, following the destruction of the Merriwether Building by Hurricane Irma in September 2017.
The Heritage Grove project is designed to not only provide much-needed housing but also to celebrate and preserve the historical significance of the Deuces neighborhood. This area was once home to several African American-owned businesses during the Jim Crow era, including the Royal Hotel, which accommodated Black professional baseball players.
To further promote community involvement and growth, the city is prioritizing projects that honor local heritage and encourage equitable partnerships with small, minority, and women-owned businesses. The Green Mills Group will partner with the St. Pete Greenhouse to assist in selecting tenants for the retail spaces, providing technical assistance and networking opportunities.
Amenities planned for Heritage Grove include a clubhouse, game room, business center, and on-site parking. Additionally, the architectural design will incorporate elements that reflect the history of the Deuces Live District, utilizing cultural motifs and materials that resonate with the community’s identity. A local artist will be commissioned to create a mural that honors the district’s African American heritage, and designs inspired by African textiles will adorn the building.
Sustainability is also a key component of the Heritage Grove project, with plans to include solar panels, energy-efficient systems, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and drought-tolerant landscaping. Furthermore, the developer proposed a forgivable 99-year lease amounting to $885,000 and committed to sharing 25% of residual revenue with the city for community reinvestment.
Before moving forward, the city council will vote on the lease and development agreement on October 16. Green Mills Group has previously completed affordable housing developments in St. Petersburg, including Burlington Post and Burlington Place, highlighting their experience in addressing the community’s housing needs.
In conclusion, the Heritage Grove project is poised to play a significant role in revitalizing a historically rich area of St. Petersburg while providing affordable housing solutions tailored to the local community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Revitalization Plans for the Merriwether Building Site in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg Steps Up for Affordable Housing Development
Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst: Mayor Selects Developer for Historic South St. Pete Parcel
- St. Pete Rising: New Affordable Apartment Community Opens Near Skyway Marina District
- Fox 13 News: Large Crowd Calls for More Affordable Housing in St. Pete
- Florida YIMBY: Construction Starts on Palm Lake Urban Sanctuary
- WFLA: St. Petersburg Celebrates Opening of New Affordable Apartments
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- Google Search: St. Petersburg affordable housing
- Google Scholar: Affordable housing St. Petersburg
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Affordable Housing
- Google News: St. Petersburg affordable housing
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.
