News Summary
The Development Review Commission recently approved plans for a new hybrid hotel and apartment tower in St. Petersburg, Florida. The 13-story building will feature 60 luxurious residences and 60 hotel rooms, with construction costs estimated at $22 million. Located at 1663 First Ave. S., the tower will offer modern amenities such as a fitness center, coworking space, and a pool, while enhancing the downtown area with improved infrastructure. Construction is expected to commence by the end of 2025.
Exciting New Hotel and Apartment Tower Approved for St. Petersburg!
St. Petersburg, Florida is buzzing with excitement as plans for a fantastic new hybrid hotel and apartment tower have been given the green light! The Development Review Commission approved the project with enthusiasm on February 5, 2025, setting the stage for an impressive 13-story building that will redefine downtown living.
What’s in Store?
The upcoming building, which will be nestled at 1663 First Ave. S., is set to include 60 luxurious residences and 60 modern hotel rooms. Construction on this groundbreaking project is expected to run around $22 million.
With a height of 150 feet, the tower promises to stand tall in the city skyline, providing breathtaking views for both residents and hotel guests alike. But that’s not all—the first floor will be packed with shared amenities, including a welcoming lobby and a stylish club room for social gatherings.
Hotel Floors and Residences
Guests will enjoy convenient access on floors two through five, which will house 54 hotel rooms. The sixth floor will offer a blend of six hotel rooms and six apartments, cleverly designed to enhance the living experience. The top floors—seven through twelve—will be dedicated to the remaining 54 residential units.
But wait, the best is yet to come! On the 13th floor, residents and hotel guests can unwind and socialize on the indoor and outdoor amenity decks, featuring a state-of-the-art fitness center, a modern coworking space, and a sparkling pool—perfect for those warm Florida days.
A Shift in Plans
This building is a significant departure from its original concept, which was approved back in June 2023. What started as an eight-story, 97-unit apartment building has transformed due to financial insights. Developers worked to adjust their plans, seeking density bonuses and committing to contribute $220,000 to the city’s Housing Capital Improvement Projects trust fund.
No longer is this site just a commercial building that hosted businesses like Sunshine Kitty Catfe and Dolman Law Group. Instead, it is set to become a striking residential and hospitality hub that offers lifestyle and convenience right in the heart of the vibrant city.
Parking Considerations
Now, here’s something to think about: St. Petersburg has specific city regulations that mean units under 750 square feet can skip on required parking. The developers faced some concerns regarding short-term rental conversions and how parking would be managed.
While the city code requires one parking space for every four hotel rooms, the developers are aiming for just 12 spaces instead of the 15 originally mandated—thanks to a 20% reduction granted due to their proximity to a SunRunner bus station.
And just nearby, the Tru by Hilton Hotel has raised eyebrows regarding parking issues in the past, so it will be interesting to see how this all plays out as the new tower begins taking shape.
Final Touches
Who doesn’t love a little flair? This tower will showcase a modern architectural design defined by shifting balconies and alternating glass patterns that are sure to catch the eye. Plus, the site will enhance the area with 10-foot sidewalks, fresh street trees, and an updated drainage system—just what the city needs to overhaul the look and feel of downtown.
Looking Ahead
The community can expect to see construction begin by the end of 2025, and with the excitement building, it won’t be long before this new mixed-use tower becomes a staple in the ever-growing landscape of St. Petersburg. Get ready for a neighborhood that combines living, leisure, and luxury all in one place!
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst: Council Approves Hybrid Hotel & Residential Tower
- Google Search: St. Petersburg Florida hotel and apartment tower
- St. Peterising: 13-Story Hybrid Hotel & Apartment Project Approved
- Wikipedia: Real Estate Development
- St. Pete Catalyst: County Approves $8 Million for Affordable Housing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF 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.
