A rendering of the two-building apartment complex that would rise at 421 15th avenue south | storyn studio for architecture

Eleven aging bungalow-style apartment units dating back to 1925 will be demolished and replaced with a new apartment community in the Bartlett Park neighborhood of south St. Pete.

On Wednesday, the St. Petersburg Development Review Commission approved a redevelopment plan and setback variances for the property at 421 15th Avenue South.

Designed by Storyn Studio for Architecture, the project will consist of two buildings arranged around a shared courtyard with a central water feature. Units will range from studios to two-bedroom apartments, starting at 308 square feet to two-bedroom, two-bathroom units measuring up to 734 square feet, with balconies facing the street.

An aerial of the 11-unit residential site that will be redeveloped | google maps

The eastern portion of the site will include a three-story building with a parking garage and eight units on the upper floors. The western portion will feature a two-story building with three units, garage parking, a bicycle storage room, private storage spaces, and a maintenance area.

The approximately $2 million project is being developed by Shaun Burroughs and Jamie Duncan of Nashville-based BUILD Nashville, who have owned the property since 2022.

The existing structures were heavily damaged during Hurricane Helene in 2024, taking on several feet of flooding and leaving them beyond repair.

Although the site is zoned NSM-1 (Neighborhood Suburban Multifamily), which would typically allow just three units on the 0.23-acre property, the project is permitted to rebuild 11 units due to its historic use.

A rendering of the apartment complex and arched pedestrian entrances | storyn studio for architecture

City records show the property originally contained 12 dwelling units. A 2024 review of historical property records, known as a Property Card Interpretation, confirmed that 11 of those units were legally established residences.

Because those units existed prior to current zoning limits, the city allows them to be rebuilt at the same density, even though today’s zoning would otherwise permit fewer units.

The property is located in a flood zone, requiring the new buildings to be elevated above base flood elevation. Even with that requirement, the proposed height of 31.9 feet remains well below the 48-foot maximum allowed in the zoning district.

A rendering of the apartment complex and balconies facing the street | storyn studio for architecture

The applicant requested variances to front, side, and rear setbacks to accommodate alley-loaded parking, provide adequate spacing between the two buildings, and create the courtyard layout.

The project will include nine parking spaces, exceeding the eight required by code.

Commissioners mostly supported the proposal, citing its design and the retention of existing housing density.

“This project is really a unicorn,” said Commissioner Tim Clemmons during Wednesday’s meeting. “It’s raising the housing stock, pulling parking on site, and improving the alley.”

A site plan | storyn studio for architecture

Commissioner Sarah Jane Vatleot also supported the design, noting that the layout was thoughtfully planned in relation to nearby properties.

However, not all commissioners agreed. Commissioner Charles Flynt cast the sole opposing vote, arguing that the project could be redesigned to meet setback requirements without variances.

“I understand they have the right to build 11 units, but that doesn’t mean you have to do it if you can’t meet the setbacks,” Flynt said.

Commissioner Michael Kiernan said he felt “conflicted” but ultimately supported the project.

One nearby resident submitted opposition but did not speak at the hearing.

The approval allows the project to move forward, with construction required to begin before April 2029.