October 25, 2025

Pinellas County Housing Authority Proposes Senior Housing in St. Petersburg

News Summary

The Pinellas County Housing Authority has proposed a seven-story mid-rise housing development aimed at providing affordable living options for seniors in St. Petersburg. The plan includes 80 residences catering to low-income seniors and targets those earning between 60 to 80% of the area median income. Located on a city-owned parking lot, the initiative seeks to address the pressing demand for affordable housing, contributing to broader redevelopment efforts in the Historic Gas Plant District.

St. Petersburg – The Pinellas County Housing Authority (PCHA) has proposed a mid-rise housing development aimed at providing affordable housing for seniors in St. Petersburg. The development plans, still unnamed, will feature a seven-story building housing a total of 80 residences. Each unit is expected to average around 700 square feet, catering specifically to low-income seniors.

The proposed development site is located at 1659 3rd Ave. S., St. Petersburg, Florida 33712, and is currently a city-owned parking lot frequently used for Tampa Bay Rays games. If the project receives approval, the PCHA will purchase the lot for just $1. The authority has joined forces with Ascension Real Estate Partners for this venture, while STORYN Studio for Architecture has been appointed as the design planner.

Targeting residents earning between 60 to 80 percent of the area median income (AMI), the development seeks to address the pressing demand for affordable housing in the region. As of now, the median household income in Pinellas County stands at $56,737, highlighting the need for accessible living options for seniors. Specific indoor and outdoor amenities associated with the project, such as community spaces and direct access to the Pinellas Trail, have yet to be disclosed, although preliminary plans suggest both ground-level and rooftop community spaces will be included.

Moreover, this initiative could serve as a vital part of a broader redevelopment effort in the Historic Gas Plant District, providing much-needed homes for low-income seniors, especially those who previously lived in the area. The city is currently inviting alternate proposals for the Gas Plant site, with a 30-day window open for submissions, indicating a community-driven approach to future developments.

Mayor Ken Welch has expressed the intention to focus on redevelopment efforts that honor local history while addressing community needs. The planned development by the PCHA is part of a wider movement to ensure that housing opportunities are available to various segments of the population, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

This project reflects a growing recognition of the housing crisis faced by seniors in the community and aims to create a supportive environment tailored for their unique circumstances. The availability of 12 surface-level parking spots for residents also underscores the PCHA’s commitment to ensuring convenient access and mobility options for seniors.

Overall, the Pinellas County Housing Authority’s proposal for senior housing in St. Petersburg highlights significant efforts to tackle the local housing shortage and serve the aging population effectively. The successful implementation of this project could pave the way for similar initiatives across the region, ensuring that affordable housing remains a priority in ongoing urban development plans.

As the proposal moves forward, the PCHA plans to seek grant funding to help finance the construction of the mid-rise building, which marks an important step in creating sustainable living conditions for the city’s senior residents.