118-year-old Peninsula Inn reopens after extensive renovations in Gulfport

118-year-old Peninsula Inn reopens after extensive renovations in Gulfport

The doors to the Peninsula Inn in the heart of Gulfport, FL have reopened following a significant renovation, bringing new amenities to the 118-year-old hotel.

Built in 1905, the iconic yellow hotel at 2937 Beach Boulevard South, now named the Peninsula Bed & Cocktails, functioned as a hospital during World War II.

In 2022, the boutique hotel, now named the Peninsula Bed & Cocktails, sold for just under $3 million to Florida House Realty Investments. The buying entity is connected to Gaston Gonzalez, co-founder of the Miami hotel group Casa Florida.  

The group also purchased an adjacent property at 2913 Beach Boulevard South, which is home to The Wine House, known for their barbecue, charcuterie and, of course, a funky selection of wine. 

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Blast from the past: Former Hideaway Cafe space to become retro-themed bar The Neon Lunchbox

Blast from the past: Former Hideaway Cafe space to become retro-themed bar The Neon Lunchbox

St. Pete patrons will get to reminisce about ‘80s and ‘90s nostalgia in a new retro-themed bar coming to the former Hideaway Cafe space in the Grand Central District.

Tom Cruise blockbusters, iconic games from Nintendo, and music videos on MTV helped define the decades that two St. Pete restaurateurs want to pay homage to.

James Castetter and Chelsey Andrews, who owns The Half Baked Potato restaurant in downtown St. Pete, executed a lease in late December 2023 for 1756 Central Avenue to open their newest concept - The Neon Lunchbox.

"We are excited to bring to life what was once there with our spin on it," Andrews said, acknowledging Hideaway's 13-year history as one of St. Pete’s most beloved music venues.

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Long-awaited affordable townhome community opens on 16th Avenue in South St. Pete

Long-awaited affordable townhome community opens on 16th Avenue in South St. Pete

Construction workers are building out the last remaining units of the bright blue and white townhomes lining the corner of 16th Avenue and 9th Street South.

The 11 units in the Sixteenth Square Townhomes development - outfitted with granite kitchen countertops, wood floors, and modern finishes - are all affordable homes for residents earning up to 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI). 

The $3 million-plus project developed by St. Petersburg-based homebuilder Namasté Homes first broke ground at 1523 Dr. MLK Jr. Street South in 2020.

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Floridian Social Club is for sale, but legacy may continue

Floridian Social Club is for sale, but legacy may continue

The Floridian Social Club, previously known as the State Theatre, has stood the test of time - outliving St. Pete’s other historic performance venues - and the owner wants it to continue to serve the community for another 100 years.

"Yes, it's for sale, but I'm not going anywhere. I’m staying in St. Pete," owner Kevin Chadwick said. "What's important to me is finding the right equity and operating partner who can take the club to the next level." 

Although Chadwick desires to be part of the Floridian Social Club’s future, he is willing to completely step away and hand over the keys to the right buyer. 

Chadwick is working with Wendy Giffin, Managing Director of commercial real estate group Cushman and Wakefield, in securing a new partner. 

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105-unit affordable townhome project planned for St. Petersburg College site in west St. Pete

105-unit affordable townhome project planned for St. Petersburg College site in west St. Pete

The City of St. Petersburg is taking the next step towards turning a St. Petersburg College property in west St. Pete into an affordable housing development for students and staff.

This week, the St. Petersburg Community Planning and Preservation Commission voted to approve a rezoning land use amendment paving the way for the city to purchase SPC's former Gibbs Wellness Center property.

The city plans to build 105 affordable workforce townhomes with 30% of the units reserved for students, teachers, and faculty. The eligible students and faculty will have the right of first refusal to purchase the homes.

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