January 13, 2017

Urban Townhomes Coming to 5th Avenue North in Downtown St. Pete

January 13, 2017/ Anthony Close

Coming off of a record year in 2016, Downtown St. Pete’s real estate market is continuing to show signs of strength with the addition of new residential development. With land in downtown’s core at a premium, many developers are turning to urban infill townhome developments to meet the increasing demand.

Over the last few years, these townhome developments, usually consisting of 10 units or less, have begun popping up around downtown with much success. Last year, sold out townhome projects such as Del Mar City Homes, Quattro, and the Renaissance City Homes were completed, indicating strength in the high-end townhome market.

January 09, 2017

Downtown St. Pete Development Update - Fourth Quarter 2016

January 09, 2017/ Brian Zucker

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!

January 04, 2017

Orangetheory Fitness Planned For Growing 1st Ave S in Downtown St. Pete

January 04, 2017/ Anthony Close

Even through times of recession, when many storefronts became shuttered and vacant, Central Avenue has always been Downtown St. Pete’s major commercial corridor. However, in the wake of Downtown St. Pete’s economic renaissance, many new businesses have opened and flourished throughout downtown — most prominently along Central Avenue.

It’s simple supply and demand. As more businesses continue to move into the neighborhood, that leaves less vacant space for future retail tenants. As a result, retailers and restaurants are beginning to branch out from Central Ave and consider the streets adjacent to it. One such street is 1st Avenue S.

January 03, 2017

Mini Doughnut Factory to Open in St. Pete This Spring

January 03, 2017/ Brian Zucker

Having debuted just over a year ago in Tampa, Mini Doughnut Factory has been a runaway hit for owners Patrick and Zezura Ruddell. Every weekend, the line stretches out the door as patrons patiently wait to indulge in the Factory’s made-to-order mini morsels.

The mini doughnuts are approximately one third the size of a regular doughnut and come in 16 different flavors (or you can create your own). One of the most popular flavors is the Sweet Pig, which is a vanilla cake doughnut with maple icing and bacon. Another favorite is the Peanut Butter Crunch, vanilla cake doughnut with peanut butter icing and crushed butterfingers. There are so many great flavors available and thanks to their small size, you won’t have to choose just one. The doughnuts come in packs of 3, 6, 16, 25 or 35. There are also gluten-free doughnuts available.

December 15, 2016

New York-style Rooftop Terrace and Restaurant Renovations Coming to Station House in Early 2017

December 15, 2016/ Anthony Close

Station House, which opened in 2014, will undergo urban upgrades beginning the first week of 2017. Located at 260 1st Ave S in Downtown St. Petersburg, the historic building, is home to five floors of tech, food, co-work, and pop-up space.

Among the urban upgrades planned are the addition of a “New York-style rooftop garden terrace." The new garden terrace will have a pergola shade system and extensive green-space with foliage and vines that will rival New York City’s best rooftops. The rooftop will be used primarily for intimate parties and dining.