News Summary
The Woodson African American Museum of Florida is planning a new 40,000-square-foot facility in St. Petersburg, aiming to enhance its role as a cultural cornerstone. Designed by Everald Colas, the new space will feature permanent galleries, an orientation theater, and areas for traveling exhibitions. While renderings have gained international recognition, challenges remain in securing land and funding. The museum has played a vital role in celebrating African American history since 2006, and the expansion is seen as crucial for revitalizing the surrounding community.
St. Petersburg – The Woodson African American Museum of Florida is set to undergo a significant transformation as it unveils plans for a new 40,000-square-foot facility, aimed at serving as a cultural cornerstone for St. Petersburg. The proposed location for the new museum is at the corner of 15th Street and 1st Avenue South, occupying Lot 5 of Tropicana Field, a site that is currently subject to ongoing redevelopment discussions.
The ambitious new design, crafted by Everald Colas from Storyn Studio for Architecture, focuses on honoring historical legacies while inspiring future generations. It features four permanent galleries, an orientation theater, and adaptable space for traveling exhibitions, aiming to enhance the museum’s educational offerings and community engagement.
Renderings for the project have garnered international recognition, receiving accolades at the World Architecture Festival and Architizer’s A+Awards. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, including the need to secure the land for the new museum and hit ambitious fundraising targets, following a previously unsuccessful campaign that aimed to raise $40 million linked to the now-abandoned Gas Plant District redevelopment plans.
The site for the museum was originally intended to play a pivotal role in a larger development initiative for the Historic Gas Plant District, which was halted in July. The Tampa Bay Rays relinquished their development rights to the land after scrapping their previous plans, leaving Mayor Ken Welch to explore alternative opportunities for the area. Prioritizing the future of the Woodson Museum, he has emphasized the importance of the project in revitalizing the surrounding community.
Any redevelopment of the Tropicana Field parking lots, where the museum is proposed to be built, will need to navigate parking space regulations, which require maintaining existing spaces until the Rays’ agreement concludes in 2028. This stipulation will impact the timing and feasibility of the new museum’s construction.
The Woodson Museum, which has contributed significantly to St. Petersburg’s cultural fabric since its establishment in 2006, serves as the first stop on the African American Heritage Trail. Known for its educational programs, the museum plays a critical role in celebrating African American history and culture. The new design emphasizes sustainability and cultural symbolism, with unique precast concrete panels inspired by Zulu beadwork, symbolizing a connection to heritage and artistry.
Adding to the museum’s appeal, the design includes a ceremonial feature known as the “Grace Staircase,” leading visitors through the space and featuring a sculpture by Basil Watson that invites reflection. Further facilities include a 4,000-square-foot flexible event space that opens to an outdoor lawn and sculpture garden, along with a rooftop terrace of 5,000 square feet offering scenic views of Booker Creek.
The Woodson Museum’s future hinges on the success of securing essential financial commitments and support from the city. The museum’s executive director has expressed optimism regarding the project and its alignment with the institution’s objectives. The city has indicated its support for the museum’s development regardless of the Rays’ redevelopment outcomes, though approval for funding remains conditional on meeting specific tourism development criteria.
As the Woodson African American Museum of Florida gears up for this significant expansion, stakeholders are hopeful that achievable funding avenues and cooperative city partnerships will materialize, enabling the project to further elevate the cultural landscape of St. Petersburg. Future funding requests are expected to be submitted once there is greater clarity regarding the local redevelopment plans.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- St. Peterising: Woodson African American Museum Plans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Woodson African American Museum
- WFLA: Woodson Museum Launches Series
- Google Search: Woodson African American Museum St. Petersburg
- St. Pete Catalyst: Mayor on Woodson Museum
- Google News: Woodson Museum 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.
