A proposed design for the new affordable housing for seniors at the former Edward White Hospital site in St. Petersburg.
St. Petersburg, Florida, is transforming the vacant Edward White Hospital into affordable housing for seniors. The $44 million project will create 71 apartments, include a health center, and house the St. Petersburg Housing Authority’s offices. With rents capped at 30% of adjusted income for eligible seniors, this initiative addresses the pressing affordable housing crisis impacting older Americans, particularly as the demand rises amid the ongoing housing challenges.
St. Petersburg, Florida is set to undergo a significant transformation as the former Edward White Hospital is being redeveloped into affordable housing for seniors. After standing vacant for a decade, this initiative aims to alleviate the growing affordable housing crisis that affects older Americans across the country. The renovation project, which is projected to cost approximately $44 million, will result in a six-story residential building, covering an area of 121,000 square feet and providing 71 apartments specifically designed for seniors.
The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) will also house its administrative offices within the same facility, enhancing the community’s resources. Set to include a variety of community services, including a health center, the location’s central position in downtown St. Petersburg ensures accessibility for its future residents, particularly those relying on public transit. The expected opening date for this new housing is in the fall of 2026.
Rents for the new apartments will be capped at 30% of adjusted income for qualifying tenants, aimed at making living costs more manageable for low-income seniors. The selection process for tenants will follow a first-come, first-served basis, with specific criteria in place. Candidates must be at least 62 years old, and preference will be given to current residents of St. Petersburg. Eligible applicants should have an income of up to 80% of the area median income—approximately $63,000 for a two-person household. Those facing homelessness or urgent housing challenges, as well as employed applicants, will also be prioritized in the selection process.
Given the demand for affordable housing options, the project anticipates a surge in interest, with estimations of at least 500 applications submitted within just a few days following its opening. Many potential applicants are currently situated on the SPHA’s waiting lists, which include 8,000 households on the Section 8 list and 1,500 on the public housing list.
The renovation of the former hospital has not come without its challenges, including basement floods, damage to the electrical systems, and necessary mold remediation resulting from hurricanes. However, the facility will ultimately offer permanently affordable housing, as subsidies will remain tied to the building as opposed to individual Section 8 vouchers, thereby providing a lasting solution to housing issues in the community.
Florida, like many states, is facing a critical shortfall of affordable housing primarily affecting older residents. The market has seen substantial price increases, with the median home price in Florida reaching $436,600 in 2025. The impact of such rising costs has been particularly difficult for seniors, leading to a reported 40% increase in hotline calls for emergency housing assistance among older adults since the onset of the pandemic. Nationally, there exists a shortfall of 7.1 million affordable rental homes specifically for extremely low-income renters, highlighting the widespread nature of this housing crisis.
The issue of housing insecurity among seniors is also becoming increasingly urgent, with late baby boomers emerging as the fastest-growing demographic of newly homeless individuals in the United States. With more than 20% of Florida’s population aged 65 or older, addressing the affordable housing needs of this demographic is crucial.
The development of affordable housing at the former Edward White Hospital represents a critical step toward providing necessary support for the senior population in St. Petersburg. As the city prepares for the new facilities, it is expected to serve as a vital resource to combat the ongoing challenges faced by senior residents in securing stable and affordable housing.
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