St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch is expected to announce his selection for the developer of the Historic Gas Plant District shortly after the Fourth of July holiday. The nearly 100-acre district encompasses roughly 15% of downtown St. Petersburg, making it one of the city’s largest redevelopment opportunities.
History of the District
The Historic Gas Plant District was one of St. Petersburg’s oldest African American neighborhoods, established in the late 19th century. It grew into a thriving community of homes, churches, schools, and Black-owned businesses despite the challenges of segregation. However, the neighborhood was permanently altered by the construction of Interstate 175, which displaced residents and divided the community.
The city has launched multiple redevelopment efforts over the past two decades, none of which ultimately came to fruition. In 2008, the Tampa Bay Rays unveiled plans for a new waterfront ballpark at Al Lang Stadium, with redevelopment of the Tropicana Field site intended to help finance the project. Those plans unraveled during the global financial crisis.
Current Proposals
Four proposals are currently being considered for the district’s redevelopment. Foundation Vision Partners proposes a phased redevelopment in which the city would retain ownership of the land, with roads, utilities, and other public infrastructure built before individual parcels are developed over time. ARK Ellison Horus proposes a mixed-use district centered on housing, research, and technology, pairing residential development with an innovation campus, office space, hotels, retail, entertainment venues, and an expanded Woodson African American Museum of Florida.
The Burg Bid proposes a mixed-use neighborhood centered on housing, parks, and cultural destinations. Its plan includes affordable and workforce housing, retail, hotels, museums, and a central park while reconnecting the surrounding street grid. The Pinellas County Housing Authority proposal differs from the others by focusing on a single city-owned parcel rather than the broader district. It calls for an affordable senior housing development with preference given to former Gas Plant residents.
Welch’s selection will not conclude the redevelopment process. After the mayor announces his decision, the proposal will move to the Community Benefits Advisory Council for review before city staff negotiates a term sheet and development agreement. Any final agreement will require City Council approval.
Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.
