July 19, 2019

Poppo's Taqueria Opens in the EDGE District

July 19, 2019/ Brian Zucker

As one taco joint falls, another joins the fray. Poppo’s Taqueria now open in the EDGE District at 1033 Central Avenue, formerly Designer’s Consigner.

Started on Anna Maria Island in 2013, Poppo’s Taqueria is a family owned and operated Mexican-inspired restaurant that traces their roots to the street food of San Francisco’s Mission District. The St. Pete location will be the restaurant’s seventh outpost.

The menu is simple, offering build-your-own tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or bowls. Protein selections include ancho chicken, carnitas, morita steak, and tempeh. There are around twelve different fillings including pico de gallo, jalapeño relish, and honey-lime slaw.

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.

July 08, 2019

Fire at Karma Juice Bar & Eatery Prompts Temporary Move to EDGE District

July 08, 2019/ Brian Zucker

While the rest of America was grilling burgers and relaxing by the pool on July 4th, Josie Barber and her daughter April Lupkey received devastating news. A fire had broken out at their Downtown St. Pete restaurant, Karma Juice Bar & Eatery, located at 209 1st Street NE.

The cause of the fire is still unknown, but Barber estimates it’ll take 2-3 months and $200,000 to rebuild. “We are already drawing up the plans to make it safer,” says Barber. “This is an opportunity to make Karma better than ever.”

As a gesture of goodwill after hearing about the fire, real estate owner Jon Daou offered Karma discounted rent inside one of his properties. So until the original location reopens, Karma will temporarily operate out of Intermezzo Coffee and Cocktails at 1111 Central Avenue.

July 01, 2019

The Pinball Arcade Museum Opens in Downtown St. Pete Next Month

July 01, 2019/ Brian Zucker

Get ready to relive your childhood at a new arcade coming soon to Downtown St. Pete. The Pinball Arcade Museum will be booting up at 2313 Central Avenue on August 1st.

The 2,000 square foot space will be filled with around 60 pinball and arcade machines from the ’80’s and ’90’s. Expect to see pinball classics like The Addams Family, Cyclone, Gilligan's Island and South Park and popular arcade games such as Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, Moon Patrol, and Smash TV.

You won’t need to carry around a pocket full of dirty quarters or tokens either — all machines will be set to Free Play. Instead, a $15 admission fee will give gamers an all-day pass to the arcade. A wristband will allow re-entry, so feel free to grab some food and come back.

If you’re looking for a little competition, The Pinball Arcade Museum will be hosting tournaments and leagues throughout the year. And if you want to throw your own party, the space will also be available to rent. Who will be the first to hold their wedding reception at the arcade? And can I have an invite?

June 26, 2019

400 Central Reveals Redesigned Two Tower Concept

June 26, 2019/ Brian Zucker

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.

June 21, 2019

Proposed EDGE District Hotel Gains Flag and Council’s Approval

June 21, 2019/ Anthony Close

Back in October, St. Pete Rising broke the news of an 11-story, 135-key boutique hotel proposed for the heart of Downtown St. Pete’s trendy EDGE District. Since the announcement, DevMar Development has been diligently working behind the scenes to bring the project to fruition.

The development will be located on a currently vacant lot at the southeast corner of 1st Avenue North and 11th Street North, which is owned by local real estate investor Jonathan Daou, the de facto “mayor” of the EDGE District.

After months of planning, many of the project’s details are starting to come into focus. We’ve just learned that the hotel will be a Marriott property. Specifically, it will fall under Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio brand.

“Once they toured the area, the folks at Marriott immediately saw the potential for the EDGE District,” says Mark DeMaria, CEO of DevMar. “And with so much city pride throughout St. Pete, we knew the Tribute Portfolio brand would be a perfect fit.”