News Summary
St. Petersburg has unveiled a $6.8 billion redevelopment proposal for the Historic Gas Plant District, aiming to create a mixed-use area that includes educational facilities, affordable housing, and cultural institutions. The project, led by ARK Ellison Horus, LLC, will unfold over 17 years and allocate significant portions of land for community parks and open spaces. Emphasizing a commitment to inclusivity, the development plans to incorporate a school focused on construction leadership training, along with numerous affordable housing units and cultural venues to stimulate engagement.
St. Petersburg has unveiled an ambitious proposal to redevelop 95.5 acres of the downtown area, including the Historic Gas Plant District, through a project led by ARK Ellison Horus, LLC. This $6.8 billion initiative aims to create a vibrant mixed-use district filled with innovation, housing, cultural institutions, and event venues while also prioritizing educational and community revitalization.
The developers behind this transformative project include Casey Ellison, CEO of Ellison Companies; Cathie Wood, founder of ARK Invest; and Jonathan Graham, President of Horus Construction. The project has been structured to unfold in four phases over a span of 17 years, strategically planned to ensure gradual development that aligns with local needs.
Crucially, the proposal outlines a minimum payment of $202 million to the City of St. Petersburg, which will help fund public improvements. Of the total area, 53.5 acres will be held privately, while the rest will be designated for public parks and cultural spaces. In a push for sustainability and community wellness, the developers plan to dedicate more than 30% of the site to parks and open spaces. Noteworthy features will include a 6.7-acre elevated park and a Booker Creek Cultural Corridor that integrates public art and historic installations to connect Midtown, the EDGE District, and the Innovation District.
One of the standout elements of the project is a commitment to affordable housing. The development is set to include over 1,900 units, split into specific allocations of 863 affordable units, 618 senior affordable units, and 444 workforce units. This focus on housing aligns with the developers’ goal of creating an inclusive environment that caters to the diverse needs of the community.
Additionally, cultural spaces within the development are designed to stimulate community engagement and entertainment. Plans include a 4,000-seat indoor music hall, a 1,500-seat outdoor amphitheater, a new performance theater, and the Woodson African American Museum of Florida, adding rich cultural offerings to the area.
Education and workforce development are central themes throughout the proposal. The project envisions The Superintendent School, focusing on construction leadership training, as well as the HORUS Academy, which will provide trade education for both youth and adults. These educational initiatives aim to create a skilled workforce suited for the jobs generated by the development.
The proposal also includes a substantial infrastructure component, estimating public infrastructure costs at $239 million. Various funding sources are planned to support this investment. The economic implications of the project are significant; it is projected to generate an annual economic impact of $1.2 billion and an astounding $28 billion over the next 30 years while creating nearly 20,000 jobs in the process.
City officials, including Mayor Ken Welch, have expressed optimism about the project’s potential to provide inclusive economic benefits, specifically targeting restorative justice for the historically displaced residents of the Gas Plant District. The development team has demonstrated a prior commitment to the St. Petersburg area and emphasizes collaborative efforts to involve the community in the decision-making and programming aspects of the development.
In summary, the ARK Ellison Horus proposal for the redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District reflects a comprehensive approach to revitalization that promotes community, culture, innovation, and sustainability. With a significant financial investment and a focus on the needs of St. Petersburg residents, the project promises to reshape the landscape of the city over the coming years.
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Additional Resources
- St. Peterising: Tropicana Field Redevelopment
- Wikipedia: Gas Plant District
- Florida Politics: Trop Site Deal
- Google Search: Gas Plant District St Petersburg
- St. Pete Catalyst: 6.8 Billion Vision
- Encyclopedia Britannica: St. Petersburg
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.
