News Summary
St. Petersburg is launching a major redevelopment project estimated at $161.7 million, focusing on the downtown waterfront, dubbed the Center for the Arts District. The initiative aims to enhance municipal amenities, stimulate economic growth, and gather community feedback without including a previously discussed conference center. Key developments include a new parking garage, an elevated walkway, and potential upgrades to cultural venues. The initial phase, projected to be completed by 2025-2030, is anticipated to boost the local economy significantly.
St. Petersburg is embarking on an ambitious redevelopment project estimated at $161.7 million along its downtown waterfront, which has been tentatively named the Center for the Arts District. The initiative seeks to expand and improve municipal amenities while fostering economic growth in the area.
The City Council has initiated extensive planning for the project, gathering feedback from stakeholders to ensure the development meets community needs. Notably, the plans will not include a conference center, which had previously been a significant focus of earlier discussions. In a recent 5-2 vote, the council allocated an additional $109,000 to the design firm ASD | Sky to enhance planning and community outreach efforts.
The redevelopment’s initial phase will concentrate on the areas surrounding the Mahaffey Theater and the Dali Museum, both of which are in need of upgrades. Discussions have highlighted a priority for creating a new parking garage and a grass promenade that will enhance views of Tampa Bay. The existing garage, about 45 years old, costs the city approximately $3 million annually for maintenance. The new structure is projected to offer a minimum of 1,100 parking spaces.
A proposed elevated walkway will link the new parking garage to both cultural landmarks. This promenade is envisioned as a linear park, complete with outdoor art exhibits or performance stages, allowing for community engagement and cultural events. Plans are currently flexible and will adapt based on public feedback.
Key enhancements include establishing a new venue for the Florida Orchestra and upgrading the track for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Previous plans indicated a potential demolition of Al Lang Stadium to pave the way for a new amphitheater, although stakeholders expressed concerns regarding the stadium’s historic significance. Currently, there are no demolition plans slated, with discussions regarding how to accommodate the Tampa Bay Rowdies during the redevelopment still ongoing.
Economic assessments linked to the project forecast a potential infusion of $445 million into the local economy over the next 13 years. Despite these optimistic projections, some council members voiced concerns about project costs and the necessary infrastructure improvements, particularly for stormwater management.
The master planning for this endeavor has roots dating back to 2020 under former Mayor Rick Kriseman. The first phase of the Center for the Arts District is anticipated to be completed between 2025-2030 at a planned cost of $161.7 million. Future developments, including the demolition of Al Lang Stadium and expansion opportunities for the Florida Orchestra, could commence in a second phase projected between 2028-2038, with estimated costs reaching $127.5 million.
In summary, St. Petersburg’s Center for the Arts District redevelopment project marks a significant investment in enhancing the city’s cultural infrastructure, with expected community and economic benefits, all while addressing the concerns that arise during such transformative initiatives.
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst: Center for the Arts No Longer Includes a Conference Center
- Wikipedia: St. Petersburg, Florida
- St. Pete Rising: City Considers Demolishing Rowdies Al Lang Stadium
- Google Search: St. Petersburg redevelopment
- St. Pete Catalyst: St. Petersburg Terminates Municipal Marina Redevelopment Deal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: St. Petersburg, Florida
- Fox 13 News: St. Pete Leaders Debate Demolishing Al Lang Stadium
- Google News: St. Petersburg Florida 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.
