News Summary
The owners of the Catalyst on the Deuces lounge have proposed an $800,000 purchase for the property of the Woodson African American Museum. Their interest stems from concerns regarding the museum’s potential relocation. Plans for the property include converting the museum into an event space, which could create jobs and reduce taxpayer burdens. The Woodson Museum aims to expand its capacity and honor African American heritage, complicating its relocation amid ongoing redevelopment discussions in St. Petersburg.
St. Petersburg, Florida – The owners of the Catalyst on the Deuces lounge have submitted an unsolicited offer to purchase the property currently occupied by the Woodson African American Museum of Florida. The offer amounts to $800,000, which is aligned with the appraised value of the property located at 2240 Ninth Ave. S.
Dan Soronen, one of the lounge owners, highlighted that the motivation behind the offer stems from concerns regarding the potential relocation of the Woodson Museum. He expressed an interest in ensuring that the lounge can continue operating in the area, which has become a focal point for redevelopment discussions.
The Woodson Museum, established in 2006, has faced various proposals for relocation in the past, including notions to move to 22nd Street South, situated north of Interstate 275. These developments are particularly relevant as the museum is included in several redevelopment plans for the former Gas Plant district, close to Tropicana Field. City officials have yet to provide commentary regarding the proposal from the lounge owners.
The owners of the Catalyst have plans to transform the existing museum building into an event space. Along with the building conversion, they intend to utilize the parking lot for their business operations. The development is projected to create job opportunities and enhance service offerings in the Deuces area while reducing some financial burdens on taxpayers.
Partner Jeff Copeland articulated a vision for the proposed venue similar to “Sunken Gardens,” specifically designed to host events such as weddings and other gatherings. This ambition has been encouraged by concerns regarding potential parking losses resulting from city plans to develop affordable housing on adjacent city-owned land.
The St. Petersburg City Council is expected to vote on a development agreement involving a 99-year ground lease concerning the land in question, further complicating the potential relocation of the museum.
Soronen has previously been associated with the Manhattan Casino, which closed its doors in 2022, and has made an unsuccessful attempt to secure a City Council seat. Additionally, the Catalyst’s landlord, Elihu Brayboy, has a history with the Merriweather property, another site earmarked for city development.
Representing the Woodson Museum, Terri Lipsey Scott has indicated plans for a new larger location, aimed at expanding the museum’s capacity while honoring African American heritage. The proposed facility is expected to encompass 40,000 square feet and incorporate elements inspired by Afrofuturism and African design principles.
The Woodson Museum has been intricately involved in discussions surrounding equity and development within St. Petersburg’s community, maintaining its mission to preserve and celebrate the stories and contributions of African Americans in the area. Mayor Ken Welch has provided assurances of support for the Woodson Museum’s expansion plans, especially amidst uncertainties related to the Rays’ redevelopment deal.
Future initiatives and exhibits are being planned to enhance community engagement and to uphold the rich narratives of African American history, further solidifying the Woodson Museum’s position as a significant cultural institution in the city.
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Rising
- Wikipedia: African American Museum
- FOX 13 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: African American History
- St. Pete Catalyst
- Google Search: Woodson African American Museum
- The Weekly Challenger
- Google News: Woodson Museum
- WFLA News
- Google Scholar: Woodson African American Museum
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG 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.
