August 08, 2019

St. Pete’s Urban Style Flats Transformed into The Wayland

August 08, 2019/ Anthony Close

Back in January 2018, Atlas Real Estate Partners purchased Downtown St. Pete’s Urban Style Flats apartment complex for just over $46 million. The property consists of three connected buildings with a total of 481-units at 300 10th Street South, on the western edge of downtown near Tropicana Field. By number of units, it is by far the largest apartment complex in Downtown St. Pete.

In purchasing the property, the new owners were well aware of its baggage. To locals, the property was seen as tired and outdated. And for those who lived there, the building lacked modern amenities like air-conditioned hallways and inviting common areas. Urban Style Flats had a stigma and it was one that was severely impacting the long-term success of the property.

Atlas set out to change its reputation, but they knew it would take a major overhaul. So in late 2018, they began a multi-million dollar series of renovations, both interior and exterior, to completely transform the property. And results are finally starting to roll in.

August 07, 2019

Book + Bottle to Bring Bookstore-Bar Concept to 600 Block

August 07, 2019/ Brian Zucker

When you consider all the retail in Downtown St. Pete, it’s amazing that we don’t have a small independent bookstore. Sure there’s Haslam’s, Florida’s largest new and used book store which opened in 1933, but you can’t really hang out there. They have no tables or chairs, no coffee or tea, no bookclubs or storytime. Haslam’s is living history, but it’s not a community gathering space.

Owner Terra Dunham has recently embarked on an adventure to bring St. Pete a new concept featuring two of her favorite activities – reading books and drinking wine. She calls it Book + Bottle. You can think of it as a bookstore with wine or a wine bar with books.

Earlier this week, Dunham signed a lease to bring Book + Bottle to the 600 block of Downtown St. Pete. Specifically, the new bookstore/wine bar will be located at 17 6th Street North, formerly Holmes Shoe Repair, right behind Wig Villa off Central Avenue.

August 06, 2019

The Shave Cave to Relocate, Expand in Downtown St Pete

August 06, 2019/ Brian Zucker

As with all great business ventures, it started with a dream. In Max Glazer’s case, his dream was to bring back the classic early 1900’s barber shop.

After the great recession hit in 2008, Glazer moved from Suffern, NY to St. Pete and spent the next few years brainstorming and working on the concept of a vintage barber shop offering high-end services paired with a new product line he had been developing.

In 2014, Glazer found a space for lease at the newly completed Sundial St. Pete, and seized the opportunity. After contacting the Edward’s Group, he was given the chance to pitch his idea to Mr. Edwards. His dream was quickly becoming a reality.

July 30, 2019

$7 Million Expansion Planned for St. Petersburg Museum of History

July 30, 2019/ Brian Zucker

As the St Pete Pier construction continues, hurtling towards an early 2020 debut, the St Petersburg Museum of History has announced plans to renovate the existing museum and construct an 8,000 square foot addition.

The expansion will make way for a state-of-the-art exhibit gallery showcasing the history of St. Pete and Florida, a visitor’s center and rooftop terrace overlooking the waterfront.

“We have the opportunity to create a premier museum that not only shares the history of the Sunshine City, but also the unique history of the entire state right here in St. Petersburg,” said Executive Director Rui Farias. “Our goal is to create a visitor experience that will educate, entertain and leave our guests wanting to come back for more.”

July 29, 2019

Redevelopment of St. Pete’s Former Police Station Moves Forward

July 29, 2019/ Anthony Close

A prime city-owned block on Central Avenue is moving one step closer to redevelopment with the narrowing down of potential proposals. Back in January, the City of St. Petersburg issued a request for proposal (RFP) for the purchase and development of the property located at 1300 1st Avenue North in the EDGE District. The property is the site of the former headquarters of the St. Pete Police Department, which moved into a new building across the street earlier this year.

The RFP contained a list of items and uses, both required and preferred, that defined the type of development the city envisions for the site. The ultimate goal of the RFP was to attract proposals that were mixed-use in nature with retail, office, mixed-income housing, civic/park space, and possibly a hotel.

Submissions were due on May 10th and the city received a total of seven proposals, which featured a range of concepts from national developers and local groups. One common denominator across the proposals is the inclusion of ground floor retail and public parking, both of which were high on the city’s priority list for the site.

July 25, 2019

Hopdoddy Burger Bar Files Plans to Open on Central Avenue

July 25, 2019/ Brian Zucker

Over the past few years, the 600 block of Central Avenue has turned into a foodie paradise. The block is already home to local favorites such as Pacific Counter, Maple Street Biscuit Company, The Lure, and Brass Bowl. Next year, burgers and beer will join the mix.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar recently submitted construction plans to the city for the buildout of a 3,672 square foot restaurant located at 670 Central Avenue, replacing the offices of Peregrine Construction Group.

The fast-casual burger joint was founded in Austin, TX in 2010. With a focus on free ingredients, antibiotic and hormone-free beef ground in-house, thick shakes, and hand-cut fries, Hopdoddy built a following that has allowed them to expand into California, Colorado, Arizona, and now Florida. There are over 30 locations nationwide.

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.