July 18, 2019

Downtown Developments July 2019: 400 Central Ave Gets A Redesign and More!

July 18, 2019/ Brian Zucker

As per usual, June was packed full of exciting news in Downtown St. Pete. Along with the updates below, we received new renders for 1701 Central and The Exchange, both of which have now topped out.

As many of you are aware, we write a column every month called Downtown Developments for Green Bench Monthly, a local community magazine. In the column, we highlight everything coming soon to Downtown St. Pete, including new restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. We also reveal new tower renderings, announce townhome projects, and much more. A few months ago, we started publishing that column right here on St. Pete Rising, in addition to Green Bench Monthly!

Want the news first? Be sure to follow us! Most of what we discuss in Downtown Developments has already been posted to either our website, newsletter, Facebook, or Instagram. With Downtown Developments, you’ll never miss the latest Downtown St. Pete news.

July 17, 2019

36-Story Mixed-Use Tower Proposed Near Jannus Block in Downtown St. Pete

July 17, 2019/ Anthony Close

A grassy parcel of land which has stood vacant in the center of Downtown St. Pete for more than a decade could soon see activity with a proposed mixed-use project. Global real estate developer and operator Greystar Real Estate Partners is proposing a 36-story, 357-foot tall development on the northwest corner of 1st Avenue North and 2nd Street North, across from the popular Jannus Block. 

The $117 million project, called Ascent St. Petersburg, is designed around a marquee luxury apartment tower which will feature 354 rental units and an adjacent 172-key hotel.

The residential tower fronts 1st Avenue North and sits atop a six-story parking pedestal. Resident amenities include a sixth floor indoor/outdoor amenity deck with a pool and fitness center. The 35th floor of the building will have additional amenity space on an outdoor rooftop deck — likely to be the highest semi-public space in the city.

July 12, 2019

Burlington Townhomes Rising on 8th Street in Downtown St. Pete

July 12, 2019/ Anthony Close

Another townhome project is coming soon in Downtown St. Pete. David Weekley Homes, the nation’s largest private home builder, is developing a 24-unit townhome community called Burlington Townhomes located at the northwest corner of Burlington Avenue and 8th Street North.

The project is on the same site where 801 Conway was previously proposed. That project, which was initially announced in early 2016, would have featured 35 units in a series of four story buildings surrounding an interior parking motor court.

But before 801 Conway could break ground it was delayed by a series of permitting issues and was ultimately cancelled due to rising construction costs. Many of 801 Conway’s permitting delays were a result of its unique design, which featured a mix of condominiums and townhomes.

July 09, 2019

American House Senior Living Breaks Ground Near Tyrone Square Mall

July 09, 2019/ Brian Zucker

Sometimes it seems like all of St. Petersburg’s growth is happening downtown. And there’s no doubt that part of town is booming with new construction. But there are exciting developments sprouting up in other neighborhoods of St. Pete too.

Back in March, a senior housing developer, Prevarian Senior Living, purchased a parcel of land near Tyrone Square Mall for $5.18 million. In May, American House St. Petersburg, a senior housing community, broke ground on the corner of 9th Avenue and 66th Street. The development will feature 165 units and offer independent living, assisted living and memory care services in a resort-style setting.

The project is being co-developed by Prevarian Senior Living and American House Senior Living Communities, one of the country’s largest owners and operators of senior living communities.

July 09, 2019

Sunshine Kitty Catfe Pounces Onto 1st Avenue South This Fall

July 09, 2019/ Brian Zucker

Get ready, St. Pete! Sunshine Kitty Catfe, Tampa Bay’s first cat cafe, will open this fall at 1663 1st Avenue South in Downtown St. Pete.

Never heard of a cat cafe? Not to worry! A typical cat cafe is divided into two sections — a cafe that serves food and drinks and a cat lounge filled with adorable and adoptable cats.

The cat lounge is where the cats live, so to keep the space as low stress as possible, and to make it a pleasant experience for the people visiting, there is usually a limit on the amount of people admitted to the cat lounge per hour. The standard setup is to offer one hour reservations, which are highly recommended.

But before Sunshine Kitty Catfe can open their doors, they need our help! Although they’ve secured a beautiful space in Downtown St Pete, there is still a lot of work to be done. Sunshine Kitty is currently raising money via IndieGoGo to fund major renovations of the space, and to acquire appropriate permitting and licensing required by the city and state.