News Summary
St. Petersburg, FL, is set to start accepting redevelopment proposals for the Historic Gas Plant District after the Tampa Bay Rays abandoned their $1.3 billion stadium project. The city will provide developers a 30-day window for submissions. A locally led development team, ARK Ellison Horus, has already proposed a $6.8 billion redevelopment plan that includes affordable housing, a music hall, a history museum, and significant economic and job growth. The city aims to align the project with community values and ensure public input throughout the process.
St. Petersburg, FL, is set to initiate the proposal process for the redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District, following the abandonment of a $1.3 billion redevelopment project by the Tampa Bay Rays for a new stadium. The city will begin accepting redevelopment proposals in mid-November, providing interested private developers a 30-day window to submit their plans.
ARK Ellison Horus, LLC, a locally led development team, has already submitted an unsolicited proposal worth $6.8 billion to purchase and redevelop the site. The city is required to publicly announce opportunities for additional proposals under Florida state law, ensuring a competitive selection process for any future development.
Mayor Kenneth T. Welch has stressed the necessity of aligning any redevelopment efforts with the values and aspirations of the community. The proposal presented by ARK Ellison Horus emphasizes a range of projects, including an African American history museum, affordable housing, support for small businesses, a music hall, an amphitheater, and a park designed for large-scale events.
Economic Potential and Job Creation
The ARK Ellison Horus proposal is projected to generate a significant annual economic impact of $1.2 billion and create 20,000 new jobs over 30 years. The redevelopment plan intends to include over 1,900 units of affordable, workforce, and senior housing, with specific allocations designated for affordable units to address community needs.
In a flexible approach, the redevelopment plan also accommodates the Tampa Bay Rays should they choose to remain in St. Petersburg past their 2028 agreement. This flexibility aims to ensure that the project aligns seamlessly with the future possibilities for major league baseball in the area.
Public Amenities and Community Focus
Significant public amenities are proposed within the redevelopment plan, including over 30% open space. Proposed features consist of a large elevated park, a 4,000-seat indoor music hall, a 1,500-seat outdoor amphitheater, and over 1,500 hotel rooms, all aimed at enhancing the community experience.
Additionally, educational programs are an essential component of the proposal, which includes plans for a Superintendent School, a trade education academy for youth, and support for higher education through scholarship programs that foster local talent growth.
Restoration of Historical Significance
The project seeks to honor the legacy of the original Gas Plant neighborhood, which faced displacement during the 1980s due to urban development initiatives. The city’s redevelopment objective prioritizes community input while aiming to restore the historical significance of the area, ensuring that the history and culture of the local population are respected and preserved.
To facilitate informed decision-making regarding the best redevelopment strategy, the St. Petersburg City Council has approved discussions to potentially hire the Urban Land Institute for an unbiased study. Council Member Brandi Gabbard pointed out that this would help the council determine the optimal use and return on investment for the property.
Financial Commitments
ARK Ellison Horus has committed to making at least $202 million in payments to the city in connection with the redevelopment. Public infrastructure costs related to the projects are anticipated to reach approximately $239 million, indicating a substantial financial investment in the community’s future.
As the city prepares to launch this proposal process, the focus remains on ensuring that any redevelopment in the Historic Gas Plant District aligns with the community’s desires and needs, creating a vibrant space that honors the past while looking forward to future growth.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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St. Petersburg Opens Proposal Window for Affordable Housing
St. Petersburg Prepares for Historic Gas Plant District Redevelopment
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St. Petersburg Begins Transformative Affordable Housing Project
Charlie Crist Considers Run for St. Petersburg Mayor
Pinellas County Allocates $2.5 Million for Palladium Theater Renovations
Tampa Proposes $6.8 Billion Redevelopment for Historic Gas Plant District
Palladium Theater in St. Petersburg to Undergo Major Renovation
St. Petersburg City Council Approves $160 Million Housing Grant
Additional Resources
- St. Peter is in: St. Pete to Invite New Proposals for Redevelopment
- Patch: New Proposals Sought for St. Pete’s Historic Gas Plant District Redevelopment
- I Love the Burg: St. Pete Redevelopment of Gas Plant
- Fox 13 News: St. Pete to Accept Proposals for Developing Gas Plant District
- Google Search: Gas Plant District Redevelopment St. Petersburg
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.
