News Summary
St. Petersburg is set to undergo a significant transformation with a $6.8 billion redevelopment proposal by ARK Ellison Horus, LLC, after the Tampa Bay Rays’ ownership change. This ambitious project covers 95.5 acres, including Tropicana Field, and aims to revitalize the Gas Plant District over the next 17 years. Key components include a new museum, performance theater, parks, affordable housing, and economic initiatives expected to create nearly 20,000 jobs and generate $1.2 billion annually.
St. Petersburg is at the center of a transformative redevelopment proposal following the recent ownership change of the Tampa Bay Rays. Local developers, ARK Ellison Horus, LLC, submitted a $6.8 billion plan aimed at revitalizing the Gas Plant District, a project that could redefine the area over the next 17 years.
The city of St. Petersburg recently terminated its agreement with the Rays and previous development partner, Hines, paving the way for this ambitious proposal that encompasses 95.5 acres, including Tropicana Field. This redevelopment will unfold in four phases, designed to ensure that the Tampa Bay Rays can continue to call St. Petersburg home beyond 2028 if they choose.
Casey Ellison, CEO of Ellison Development, underscored the project’s commitment to community engagement and investment. Key features in the proposal include a new Woodson African American Museum of Florida, a modern performance theater, and various installations of public art and history along a greenway linking Midtown, The Edge, and the Innovation District.
The project seeks to incorporate a blend of cultural and recreational spaces, including an indoor music hall and an outdoor amphitheater. A significant aspect of the design is a 6.7-acre park that will connect Campbell Park to the Gas Plant neighborhood, creating opportunities for community gatherings and outdoor activities.
In terms of economic impact, the redevelopment is projected to generate an estimated $1.2 billion annually and create thousands of jobs. ARK Ellison Horus plans to contribute a minimum of $202 million to the city for the development, while the public infrastructure costs are expected to total around $239 million.
The proposal allocates a substantial portion of the redevelopment—46 acres—to open spaces, public parks, and cultural attractions, promoting the idea of a vibrant community hub. This includes plans for over 1,900 affordable housing units, which will be divided into 863 affordable, 618 senior affordable, and 444 workforce units, catering to diverse community needs.
Moreover, the plan includes the development of 1,543 new hotel rooms to serve the influx of visitors expected to the area. Alongside housing and hospitality, the proposal emphasizes education and workforce development initiatives, with plans for the Superintendent School and HORUS Academy. These educational components aim to enhance opportunities for minority and underrepresented communities in the workforce.
Analysis of the proposal indicates that it could create nearly 20,000 new jobs, including 14,296 ongoing positions and 5,442 construction jobs, significantly boosting the local economy. The city of St. Petersburg is currently in the process of reviewing this unsolicited proposal, which promises to bring substantive change to the Gas Plant District.
Mayor Ken Welch has highlighted the importance of honoring the commitments made to the Historic Gas Plant community while ensuring that the redevelopment addresses the specific needs of current residents. The new proposal could become a catalyst for a rejuvenated Gas Plant District, blending cultural, recreational, and economic opportunities for future generations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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St. Petersburg Plans School and Housing Initiative in Gas Plant District
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St. Petersburg Honors Affordable Housing Initiative
St. Petersburg to Welcome First Sprouts Farmers Market
St. Petersburg to Feature Unique Rooftop Garden with Dinosaur Skeleton
Moffitt Cancer Center Hosts Free Cancer Screening Clinic
St. Petersburg Faces Public Art Challenges After Mural Removal
Woodson African American Museum Plans Major Expansion
St. Petersburg Mourns the Loss of Lifelong Educator
Additional Resources
- St. Peter Ising
- Wikipedia: St. Petersburg, Florida
- Business Observer
- Google Search: Gas Plant District St Petersburg
- Florida Politics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: St. Petersburg, Florida
- St. Pete Catalyst
- Google News: St. Petersburg redevelopment
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.
