Downtown St. Petersburg’s iconic concert destination, Jannus Live, is up for sale. The two‑story, 10,500‑square‑foot Jannus Landing Retail Building, located at 200 1st Avenue N., has been listed by Jannus Landing Retail Building LLC for $11.5 million.
Ownership and recent history
The property is managed by registered agent Megan Barnes, who also serves as manager of Knight Global Entertainment LLC. Knight Global took ownership of the venue in 2010 after being founded by businessman Jeffry Knight. Knight stepped down as President on May 5, 2025, and eight days later was involved in a tragic collision on Clearwater Bay that claimed a ferry passenger’s life. He has pleaded not guilty to 24 criminal counts, including eight felonies, with a trial scheduled for February 2027 in Pinellas County Circuit Court.
Proposed redevelopment
The commercial listing’s executive summary outlines a vision to relocate Jannus Live to the building’s roof, creating a new rooftop bar and music venue with a projected capacity of 500 to 800 guests. The existing ground‑level concert space, which opened in 1984 and can hold up to 2,000 standing guests, has no confirmed future use in the plan.
Retained features would include the Landing Balcony Bar and the Pelican Pub. The second floor is slated for a dueling piano bar, a comedy club, and a Sunday “Gospel Brunch.” The listing emphasizes that an investor would acquire a working building with existing tenants, an operating retail business, a well‑known name, and a plan that adds two new venues and a chef‑led food program without expanding the building’s footprint.
Community impact
Jannus Live has long been a cultural anchor for downtown St. Petersburg, drawing regional and national acts and serving as a gathering place for music lovers. Any change to its layout or capacity will affect local nightlife, tourism, and the city’s entertainment economy. While the rooftop concept promises a fresh experience, the fate of the historic courtyard venue remains uncertain.
Next steps
Potential buyers and interested community members have been invited to review the listing. Calls to Megan Barnes and representatives of Knight Global have not yet been returned, leaving many questions about the timeline and final configuration of the property.
Stakeholders, including local business owners and patrons, will be watching closely as the sale proceeds, hoping that the venue’s legacy can be preserved while embracing new opportunities for growth.
Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.
