400 Central Ave

Three weeks ago, new details were announced and an updated rendering was unveiled for one of Tampa Bay’s most highly anticipated projects — 400 Central Avenue. In a press release, Red Apple Group, the developer behind the project, announced that the tower would stand 45-stories and feature over 300 residential units ranging from one- to four-bedroom units.

The development is planned for a full city block that has sat vacant in the heart of Downtown St. Pete since the previous building was demolished back in 2016. The proposed condominium tower will be complemented by a 225-key Marriott-branded hotel on the west side of the block, which will include over 15,000 square feet of banquet and meeting space. The hotel tower is expected to be between 16 and 20 stories and will feature a rooftop lounge and pool area. It has not yet been determined whether space will be accessible to the general public or to hotel guests exclusively.

It was also revealed that the project would contain 20,000 square feet of Class A office space, fulfilling a key request by the City, and 25,000 square feet of ground floor retail space.

On August 29th, Red Apple Group filed a Site Plan Application with the city, which has revealed new details about the project.

Downtown St. Pete’s next skyscraper has moved one step closer to breaking ground. Earlier today, Red Apple Real Estate submitted a site plan application to the city for a major development at 400 Central Avenue.

Although announced back in 2016, the project has undergone multiple design iterations. According to the submitted site plan, the development will be anchored by a 45-story condo tower situated next to a 20-story hotel. 400 Central is expected to eclipse the current tallest skyscraper in Pinellas County, a 41-story ONE St Petersburg, which was completed in 2018.

The condo component will consist of approximately 300 one to four bedroom residences with wrap-around balconies and magnificent water views. The residential tower’s first-class amenities will include an expansive landscaped sundeck (with a pool, outdoor kitchen, dining space and dog park), a fitness center, spa and lounge. The orientation of the residential tower will allow for views of both Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

In 2016, John Catsimatidis acquired a 2-acre lot on Downtown St Pete’s 400 block for $16.5 million. “St. Pete needs a skyline,” said the Greek-American billionaire as he announced plans to construct the tallest in Pinellas County on the site. 

The proposal called for a 50-story tower filled with around 325 condominiums, 200 hotel rooms, and ground-level retail.

While the tower may still become the county’s tallest, it won’t soar quite as high as initially planned. “Because of the proximity to the flight paths from Albert Whitted Airport, we needed to reduce the height of the building,” said Ralph Zirinsky, Development Manager at Red Apple.

This article has been updated to clarify details unknown at date of original posting.

In the heart of Downtown St. Pete at 400 Central Avenue, a 2-acre plot of land sits ready for development. Historically, this site was home to the Pheil Hotel and Central National Bank building which spurred commerce along Central Avenue in the 1950s. In the 1960s, an aluminum facade was added to the buildings which prompted locals to refer to it as the “cheese grater” building. By 2006, the complex was abandoned and remained that way for over a decade. 

Then in 2016, the site was put up for sale and in July of that year, it was announced that John Catsimatidis, a Greek-American businessman from New York City with deep family ties to St. Petersburg, would purchase the entire city block at 400 Central Avenue for redevelopment. Among Mr. Catsimatidis’ businesses is the Red Apple Group, a real estate company.

The fourth quarter of 2016 saw an enormous amount of progress on many of Downtown St. Pete's active developments.  The demolition of the "cheese grater" building at 400 Central Ave concluded.  The Rowdies launched an official campaign to join the MLS, which included an expanded Al Lang Stadium.  A new site plan was approved for 801 Central, which now includes a 15 and 7-story apartment building and ground-level retail.

Also, a few projects broke ground including Bainbridge 930 Central Flats, and retail along 1st Ave S that will house an Orangetheory Fitness and a yet-to-be-determined restaurant.  

Additionally, AER Apartments and The Hermitage Apartment Homes started leasing, which helped to relieve the extremely low apartment occupancy rates that Downtown St. Pete has grown accustomed to over the past few years. 

Looking to the future, we should see the groundbreaking of a few notable projects this coming quarter including The Brownstones, 801 Conway, The District on 9th, and the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement.

Lastly, be sure to check out Downtown St. Pete's first, second, and third quarter development updates of 2016 to see how your favorite projects have progressed!

Downtown St. Pete has experienced an overabundance of construction over the past three months.  It's nearly impossible to walk through downtown and not run into a construction site.  For starters, the demolition of the "cheese grater" building at 400 Central Ave begun. In the EDGE District, The District on 9th townhouses were announced and the site of Bainbridge 930 Central Flats started to undergo site preparation in anticipation for new apartments and retail.  Also, The Chihuly Collection completed their move from Beach Drive to 720 Central Ave.  We cannot wait for these projects to be complete, but for now we hope you enjoy this quarter's photo update!

Less than a week after the 400 block of Central Avenue went under contract, a preliminary render has been released showing the location’s development potential.

Last Friday, it was revealed that Red Apple Group of New York City is planning on buying the 400 block containing the recognizable "cheesegrater" building for an undisclosed price.