Pocket parks are small parks that are accessible to the public, but they are usually very tiny in comparison to larger parks (think Central Park). However, despite their size, they can create a network of green space to help enhance neighborhoods and communities. I see smaller real estate developments the same way. These so-called "pocket projects" can enhance urban corridors and revitalize neighborhoods. Because many pocket projects lack the size and scale of larger developments they usually receive less publicity, but I think they are just as important. While there's no definition of what makes a development a "pocket project" I'm going to share a few local developments I would consider pocket projects that you may not have heard about.

The Dunbar Condos

Located at 400 12th Ave NE in the Old Northeast neighborhood will be The Dunbar. This project is a refurbishment of an existing building that will house 12 condominiums. According to the on site sign the condos will be 1 & 2 bedrooms which start at $149k.

For more info you can visit their website at: http://thedunbarcondos.com

Google Street View image from before the refurbishment is posted below.

Blinds by Design

The Blinds by Design project is the renovation of an existing structure at 465 Central Ave in Downtown St.Petersburg. It features retail space fronting Central Avenue with one residential unit above it. The residential unit is a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo with 2,350 square feet. It is currently on the market for $799k.

For more information about the residential unit visit the listing on Zillow.

To the left is what the Blinds by Design building looks like now. The Google Street View image from before the renovation is posted below.

Meridian @ Grand Central

What has essentially been an empty building shell for years, the Meridian @ Grand Central at 2253 Central Ave may soon see completion. Meridian @ Grand Central will have 6 residential units between 900-1200 square feet that sit atop of 5 retail spaces. According to local Realtor Brian Sprague, a new buyer should close on the property next month with completion early next year. After seeing the Meridian empty for so long, I'm gonna keep my fingers crossed on this one.

Do you know of any other pocket projects? Let me know if you do, and as always, thanks for reading!