Businesses are beginning to open at a new 15,000 square foot retail strip at 4th Street North and 24th Avenue that was recently constructed following the demolition of the former Holiday Motel. As of today, seven of the nine retail spaces are leased.

The Holiday Motel was built back in the 1940’s when Fourth Street was home to 95 roadside motels and known as “the longest motel street in the world.” At the time, before the construction of I-275, 4th Street was seen as the primary tourist route into downtown St. Pete.

However, as the motel owners dealt with the difficulty of operating the motels and battling crime the motels attracted, many owners decided to cash out and sell to developers. By 1985, about half of the motels were gone. Only a few still remain today with many catering to longtime residents instead of tourists.

Around 7PM on Wednesday night, the Bodega on Central Instagram account posted a story that read, “A little brass birdie said there is a hidden door in the back of Bodega, slide it open to see what’s in store!”

I had to investigate. So, I drove to the Cuban joint’s beautiful new space located at 1180 Central Avenue in the EDGE District. The employees were tidying up and getting ready to close, but I walked to the back of the restaurant towards an unmarked sliding door near the restrooms.

Once I stepped inside, I was transported to what felt like an upscale, modern cocktail bar in Havana, Cuba. The space, which I learned is called Bar Chica, has gorgeous teal-colored walls, matching teal chairs, brass tables and bar top, and light brown leather booth seating.

The bar has an intimate vibe and only room for about 20 people inside, including five seats at the bar.