News Summary
The St. Petersburg City Council has unanimously approved the hiring of the Urban Land Institute to assess development opportunities in the Historic Gas Plant District. Initiated by Council Member Brandi Gabbard, this study aims to maximize investment returns for residents amid redevelopment efforts. Estimated at $135,000, the initiative has received support from the local Chamber of Commerce. Two redevelopment proposals have already been submitted, focusing on mixed-use developments and affordable housing. The city plans to invite further proposals from developers to ensure community needs are prioritized.
St. Petersburg City Council has unanimously approved a motion to hire the Urban Land Institute (ULI) to study the best way to develop the 86-acre Historic Gas Plant District. This significant decision aims to determine optimal uses of the property to maximize returns on investment for residents, as the city seeks to move forward with redevelopment plans.
The proposal to hire ULI was initiated by Council Member Brandi Gabbard, who referred the study to the Housing, Land Use, and Transportation Committee for unbiased expert guidance. The estimated cost of the study is $135,000, and the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, led by President and CEO Chris Steinocher, has expressed support for the funding, indicating willingness to assist in raising the necessary funds.
The ULI study is not the first instance of such consultation in St. Petersburg. Previous studies, including one conducted on the waterfront district in 2013, have led to successful developments such as the waterfront master plan and the newly established pier. These past successes highlight the potential benefits of engaging outside expertise in city planning.
In addition to hiring ULI, the City of St. Petersburg has received two unsolicited redevelopment proposals for the Gas Plant District. One proposal comes from ARK Ellison Horus, which submitted an extensive 98-page plan priced at $6.8 billion. This mixed-use district proposal envisions a combination of housing, cultural institutions, and event venues aimed at enhancing community engagement and economic development. The second proposal is from the Pinellas County Housing Authority (PCHA), which includes plans for constructing a seven-story apartment building specifically designed for low-income seniors, prioritizing residents from the Historic Gas Plant District.
The city plans to publish a public notice in mid-November, inviting developers to submit their proposals within a 30-day period. Mayor Kenneth Welch has emphasized the importance of honoring commitments made to the community, ensuring that the redevelopment of the district reflects the values and priorities of all residents. Under Florida law, local governments are required to open a public notice process whenever they receive unsolicited proposals for property development, thus promoting transparency and community involvement.
In previous engagements related to the Gas Plant District, the city had discussions with the Tampa Bay Rays regarding a new stadium. However, those negotiations concluded in March when the team decided to abandon its $1.3 billion plan. This shift has paved the way for the current focus on determining the best use of the valuable space available in the district.
Furthermore, Council Member Gabbard has noted the need for a thorough understanding of additional city needs that may influence land use decisions, such as possible locations for fire stations. These considerations are part of a larger framework to ensure that the redevelopment aligns with the community’s long-term goals and essential services.
The city administration will carefully review qualified proposals submitted during the upcoming public notice period, and these will be presented to the City Council for further consideration. Developers interested in putting forth proposals are encouraged to reach out to the City’s Real Estate and Property Management Department for additional details.
As St. Petersburg embarks on this critical development initiative, the involvement of ULI, alongside active community engagement, reflects a proactive approach in soliciting innovative ideas and ensuring that the needs of residents are central to the redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District.
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Additional Resources
- St. Peterising
- Wikipedia: St. Petersburg, Florida
- Fox 13 News
- Google Search: Gas Plant District St Petersburg
- Patch
- Google Scholar: Gas Plant District redevelopment
- I Love the Burg
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gas Plant District
- TBB Business Journal
- Google News: St. Petersburg Gas Plant District
- St. Pete Catalyst
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