News Summary
The Frontier building in St. Petersburg is set for major redevelopment, featuring 41,333 sq ft of retail space, self-storage units, and new office areas. Plans include a multi-use design to enhance functionality and benefit the local economy. The project, led by First Avenue North LLC, acquired the building for $13.4 million in 2021. As part of a broader initiative, a planned 21-story apartment tower will also be developed. City approval is expected by mid-May, aiming to preserve the historical significance of the building while rejuvenating the area.
St. Petersburg – The Frontier building, located at 821 1st Avenue North, is poised for significant redevelopment, as plans have recently been unveiled to revitalize the underutilized structure. With a footprint of 233,590 square feet, the seven-story building is currently partially leased by Frontier Communications, but the new development aims to breathe new life into the property.
The redevelopment project proposes a mix of uses for the building. It will feature 41,333 square feet of ground-floor retail space, 137,663 square feet dedicated to self-storage units, and 54,594 square feet of office space. This transformation intends to enhance the building’s functionality and contribute to the local economy.
Of particular interest is the planned conversion of nearly the entire ground floor into retail spaces ranging from 1,550 to 3,900 square feet. These retail outlets are designed to be accessible from all four sides of the structure, allowing for increased foot traffic and providing convenient access from 1st Avenue North, Dr. MLK Jr. Street North, Arlington Avenue, and 8th Street North.
The upper levels of the Frontier building will continue to accommodate existing office space for Frontier Communications, while also integrating brand new self-storage units to complement the project’s offerings. This combined use is expected to attract a diverse mix of tenants and customers.
The redevelopment is led by First Avenue North LLC, an entity affiliated with New Jersey-based Avalair Group LLC, which purchased the Frontier building along with an adjacent surface parking lot for $13,445,400 in 2021. The following year, New York-based Abacus Capital Group acquired the surface lot for $10.75 million.
As part of the broader development initiative, plans for a 21-story, 292-unit apartment tower equipped with 373 parking spaces were approved for the site in 2024. A shared parking agreement has been established between the owners of the Frontier building and the adjacent surface lot, ensuring sufficient parking capacity to meet the needs of the redevelopment.
The project also integrates a portion of 913 1st Avenue North, where the EDGE Animal Hospital is located. This portion will remain unchanged but is included in the unified site plan to qualify for an increase in density under city zoning regulations.
Currently, the redevelopment is undergoing a streamlined review process. City approval is anticipated by mid-May, streamlining the pathway toward bringing the project to fruition. Legal representation for the project is being handled by Katie Cole of Hill Ward Henderson, with architectural design provided by Tampa-based C&K Architects and engineering services by St. Petersburg-based George F. Young.
The Frontier building has a rich history, originally constructed in 1928 by the General Telephone Company of Florida. Subsequent expansions occurred in 1967 and 1970, further solidifying its role in the region’s telecommunications infrastructure. The building currently houses vital elements of St. Petersburg’s internet infrastructure, including extensive fiber optic cables, switch rooms, frame rooms, and generators, which remain crucial for the community.
As plans move forward, the redevelopment of the Frontier building is set to not only rejuvenate a significant component of St. Petersburg’s architectural landscape but also support economic growth and improved local infrastructure while preserving the historical significance of the site.
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HERE Resources
St. Petersburg’s Cultural Sustainability Approach
Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst: Rethinking Urban Development
- Wikipedia: St. Petersburg, Florida
- I Love the Burg: St. Pete Waterfront Master Plan
- Google Search: Urban Development St. Petersburg
- St. Pete Catalyst: Planning for Innovation Districts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Planning
- St. Peterising: City of St. Pete Awarded Recovery Funds
- Google News: St. Petersburg Development
