February 13, 2025

Parisian-style bistro Cognac opens in downtown St. Pete, serving classic French fare

February 13, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

The owners behind the upscale Bacchus Wine Bistro near Beach Drive, Christophe Guillot and Philippe Challeau, have debuted their newest dining destination in downtown St. Pete — Cognac.

The Parisian-style bistro opened earlier this month at 201 2nd Avenue North, occupying the space formerly home to Dirty Shirley, which closed less than a year after opening in 2023.

Cognac offers a menu inspired by traditional French cuisine, featuring dishes such as caviar and Croque Madame, along with a bar specializing in craft cocktails.

“Cognac will be like walking into a bistro in Paris. People can enjoy traditional dishes such as steak frites, escargot, and different cognac selections,” Guillot said in a previous conversation with St. Pete Rising.

February 12, 2025

St. Pete approves purchase of three-acre property along Salt Creek for new park

February 12, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

Nearly three acres of vacant property along Salt Creek may become a lush park space with landscaping, public art, and educational components.

During a Committee of the Whole meeting held on January 23rd, committee members unanimously approved moving forward on pursuing the acquisition of a property located on 4th Street South between 17th Avenue South and 18th Avenue South.

The property comprises 1.7 acres zoned Corridor Commercial Traditional (CCT-1) fronting on 4th Street South and 1.26 acres zoned Neighborhood Suburban Multi-Family (NSM-1).

The city is seeking to purchase the property at or below the asking price of $2.9 million.

The property was appraised in July 2024 with an estimated market value of $2.88 million.

February 11, 2025

Construction begins on 39-acre Waterways Apartments and Marina off Gandy Boulevard

February 11, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

Shovels will soon hit the ground to start vertical construction on a new 470-unit multi-family development encompassing 39 acres of waterfront property overlooking Tampa Bay.

This spring, Miami-based Key International will break ground on the Waterways Apartments and Marina project at 12000 Gandy Boulevard North, located near the intersection with Snug Harbor Road. The development was approved in 2022.

Waterways Apartments and Marina, a project formerly referred to as Snug Harbor, will boast over 3,000 linear feet of prime water frontage and will feature 324 bayfront apartments and 52 rental townhomes facing a large retention pond.

Additionally, an 8,000-square-foot yet-to-be-revealed waterfront restaurant will sit adjacent to a marina with 130 wet slips and 20 dry stack slips. The marina will be primarily used by residents and feature a small bait shop.

February 11, 2025

Aerial St. Pete: The Sunshine City continues to rise as major projects progress

February 11, 2025/ Anthony Close

The latest edition of Aerial St. Pete shows the progress of six major real estate projects currently under construction in St. Petersburg.

Aerial St. Pete is a column by St. Pete Rising which features exclusive aerial photography of projects under construction in St. Petersburg, FL. To accomplish this, we have teamed up with AB3 Visuals who captured these photos in December.

In the article, we show the construction progress for projects including Residences at 400 Central, Art House, 3rd & 3rd, Echelon Site 7 & 8, Institute Square, and Marina Club Apartments.

February 11, 2025

Home of the Week: Charming two-bedroom bungalow in Crescent Lake for $756,000

February 11, 2025/ Brian Zucker

This week’s Home of the Week is a 1940s bungalow at 828 17th Avenue North that blends historic character with modern updates in St. Petersburg’s Crescent Lake neighborhood, known for its tree-lined streets, walkability, and proximity to the 56-acre Crescent Lake Park.

With 1,252 square feet of living space, the home includes two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a bonus room suitable for an office or den.

Original hardwood floors, vintage doors, and classic moldings highlight the home’s timeless appeal, while updates such as new electrical wiring, gas appliances, and a tankless water heater add modern functionality.

The open floor plan offers a practical layout, with a renovated kitchen and bathroom that complement the home’s historic style. Storage is ample, with multiple closets and a standing-room attic providing extra space.