February 10, 2025

13-story hybrid hotel and apartment project approved for downtown St. Pete

February 10, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

A 13-story building featuring 60 apartments and 60 hotel rooms has been approved for downtown St. Pete’s Grand Central District despite concerns.

Last week, the St. Petersburg Development Review Commission unanimously approved a site plan for the $22 million project expected to rise at 1663 1st Avenue South.

The property is currently developed with a commercial building that was previously home to Sunshine Kitty Catfe, Tampa Bay’s first cat café which closed in 2023, and Dolman Law Group.

The new project, proposed by Tampa-based BendinRoad Development in partnership with Landings Real Estate Group, is a significant shift from the developer’s initial vision to create an 8-story 97-unit apartment building, which was previously approved in 2023.

February 07, 2025

New rooftop restaurants and retail to be built near Largo's Horizon West Bay development

February 07, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

As new transformative projects are underway in Largo, a vacant property near the city's future Horizon West Bay mixed-use development will be redeveloped into a new retail and restaurant destination.

Atlanta, Georgia-based commercial real estate and investment firm The Ardent Companies plans to develop the 11,075-square-foot building on the grassy vacant field on the corner of 4th Street Southwest and West Bay Drive. Ardent manages a commercial real estate portfolio of 5.6 million square feet with $1.5 billion in assets under management.

The company acquired the Largo property in a $1.85 million deal last year from the church directly across the street, The Liberty Worship Center Inc.

February 07, 2025

First-ever Winter Pride Festival takes place this month in the Grand Central District

February 07, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

In the face of the ever-changing and challenging political climate, St. Petersburg will continue embracing its diverse LGBTQ+ community with the first-ever Winter Pride celebration.

Winter Pride, a week-long festival organized by a team of local LGBTQ+ leaders in collaboration with the Grand Central District, will run from February 16th to February 23rd.

“Now more than ever, events like Winter Pride are critical to remind everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community that they are valued, supported, and celebrated,” Grand Central Executive Director Chris Arnold said in an announcement.

“We are excited for another opportunity to celebrate our wonderful city and bring an entire week of amazing Pride events to the Grand Central District.”

February 06, 2025

40-unit condo building Castille Urbana opens in downtown St. Pete

February 06, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

Construction is complete and move-ins have commenced at Castille Urbana, a new 40-unit condominium building, in downtown St. Pete.

NJR Investment and Development Company, which is helmed by CEO and President Neil Rauenhorst, recently announced the completion of the five-story building at 600 3rd Avenue South, located just three blocks from St. Pete’s best restaurants, bars, and coffee shops on Central Avenue.

“This milestone marks a significant achievement, particularly in a market where delays have become common,” Rauenhorst said in an announcement. “We’re thrilled to provide new homeowners the opportunity to move in without waiting, delivering a truly unparalleled downtown St. Pete lifestyle.”

February 06, 2025

New coastal cafe Perry's Porch opens this weekend on the St. Pete Pier

February 06, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

A long-awaited coastal cafe paying homage to the Sunshine City's history will debut at the St. Pete Pier this weekend.

Perry’s Porch will have a soft opening on Saturday, February 8th at 335 2nd Avenue NE near the entrance of the Pier and adjacent to the St. Petersburg Museum of History. The new cafe is replacing the craft beer bar Hops and Props which closed in 2021.

An official grand opening will be held on Wednesday, February 12th.

Perry’s Porch is being brought to life by Seed & Feed Hospitality, which also owns the popular Mandarin Hide cocktail bar, Trophy Fish seafood restaurant, and the 60-year-old El Cap burger joint.