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St. Petersburg Prepares for Historic Gas Plant District Redevelopment

Aerial view of the Historic Gas Plant District with redevelopment plans.

News Summary

St. Petersburg is advancing plans to redevelop 86 acres in the Historic Gas Plant District, with proposals already being discussed. Mayor Ken Welch highlighted the city’s strengthened position in negotiations as developers present varied plans, including affordable housing and cultural venues. An independent study will assess the land’s best use, with a formal Notice for Proposals set to be published soon. This redevelopment aims to address community needs while honoring the area’s historical significance, alongside uncertainty about the Tampa Bay Rays’ future.

St. Petersburg is preparing to seek proposals for the redevelopment of 86 acres of prime downtown real estate, known as the Historic Gas Plant District. This move comes amid ongoing uncertainty regarding the future of the Tampa Bay Rays Major League Baseball team, which has not ruled out the possibility of remaining in St. Petersburg.

Developers are already presenting their visions for the site, engaging with city officials to outline potential plans. During a recent city council meeting, members deliberated on the process for evaluating these proposals. Council member Brandi Gabbard suggested the city consider hiring a third-party organization to ensure an unbiased evaluation of incoming proposals.

Mayor Ken Welch noted a shift in the city’s position compared to previous negotiations regarding the land, emphasizing that the city currently holds development rights, which improves its leverage in discussions with developers. The city is planning to conduct an independent study to assess the land’s best use and true value.

Among the proposals already submitted, a local group called Ark Ellison Horus has put forth a substantial plan encompassing housing, an African American history museum, an amphitheater, retail spaces, and a hotel. The city council is actively considering this proposal, as council chair Copley Gerdes remarked that it “checked a lot of boxes.” Additionally, the Pinellas County Housing Authority (PCHA) has proposed the development of an 80-unit facility specifically aimed at providing affordable housing for low-income seniors, particularly those who have ties to the Historic Gas Plant District. This aligns with Mayor Welch’s priority of creating affordable housing near Tropicana Field.

Recognizing the various needs of the community is also a top priority for city officials. Council member Lisset Hanewicz highlighted the importance of evaluating city necessities, which includes identifying potential sites for essential services such as fire stations.

A formal Notice for Proposals is expected to be published in mid-November, providing a 30-day window for interested developers to submit their plans. This timeframe is notably shortened from the previous 88-day submission window used in 2022, allowing the city to expedite the process for evaluating redevelopment options.

Under Florida law, public notice is required prior to selling property in a community redevelopment area, which the city intends to adhere to. Developers interested in submitting proposals will direct their plans to the St. Petersburg Real Estate and Property Management Department for consideration.

The redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District not only presents a significant opportunity for growth in St. Petersburg but also aims to address community needs while honoring the historical significance of the area. The city’s efforts reflect a commitment to ensuring that any future development is aligned with the values and priorities of the local community, particularly in a time of uncertainty regarding the Rays’ future in the region.

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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
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.

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