Ferg’s Sports Bar, a staple in downtown St. Petersburg, is placing another bet on the area’s future. Owner Mark Ferguson is contributing $6 million toward the city’s $7 million purchase of nearly a mile of abandoned railroad corridor for the Booker Creek Trail project.

Investing in the Community

The city will acquire the former CSX rail corridor and lease portions of it back to Ferguson, whose sports bar and adjacent property have occupied the land for more than three decades. The Booker Creek Trail will transform approximately .86 miles of unused railroad into a multi-use trail, creating a pedestrian and bicycle corridor through one of downtown’s fastest-growing areas.

Ferguson believes the investment will position his bar for the future and bring more business to the area. He expects the trail to give people another option to walk, ride bikes, or use scooters, reducing the need for cars on the streets.

A Growing Downtown

Ferguson has seen downtown St. Petersburg change significantly over the years. He opened Ferg’s in 1992, and the area has since become a regional destination. The city’s investment in the Booker Creek Trail is expected to further enhance the area’s appeal, with plans for apartments, retail, and other developments.

The city expects to close on the railroad property later this month, with construction of the Booker Creek Trail likely taking several years. Ferguson is confident that the investment will pay off, bringing new business and connecting entire neighborhoods that have long been separated by unused rail lines and surface parking.

Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.