In 2014 when Station House opened its doors, it was seen as one of the more ambitious reuse projects in Downtown St. Pete. Housed in a historic building erected in 1911, which was originally used as a fire station, a hotel called the Holland Hotel, and then a train station, Station House was seamlessly transformed into 5 floors of tech, food, co-work and pop-up space. Nearly two years after its opening, Station House’s office suites are now 100% occupied with approximately 30 people on the waiting list.

Building on their tremendous popularity, owner Steve Gianfilippo will take Station House’s success to the next level by expanding the concept into the trendy Central Arts District of Downtown St. Pete. With the purchase of the historic Green-Richman Arcade at 689 Central Avenue, Gianfilippo intends on replicating the transformation achieved at Station House by blending the buildings historic past with cutting-edge innovative cowork space.

This new space will capitalize on its proximity to the Morean Arts Center, the State Theater, and the future Chihuly Collection by catering to artists and musicians. Tentatively called “Station House Arcade”, the building will be rebranded and given a name that reflects the arcade’s rich history.

Built in 1925 during one of St. Pete’s early commercial booms, the Green-Richman Arcade was designed by George Feltham. Feltham was a well-known architect in St. Pete between the years of 1913 and 1926; in addition to designing the arcade, he also commissioned the Ponce de Leon Hotel, First Baptist Church, and many apartment buildings in Mission Revival style. Throughout the years, the arcade has held other names including the Seventh Street Arcade and the Parsley and Stone Arcade. In 1998, the building was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Renovations of the 91-year old arcade will honor its history with only minor cosmetic changes and a desire to “embrace the arts and culture of St. Pete”, says Gianfilippo. Office suites should be ready in the next 30 to 60 days and will feature amenities such as conference rooms, private phone rooms, a break kitchen and bar, an outdoor terrace, and common collaboration areas. In the meantime, a 1,000 square foot retail space located on Central Avenue, which previously housed Anglo Couture, is currently vacant while Gianfilippo and his team work to find a tenant that fits their vision for the space.

More details about the Station House Arcade will be given at the next Reveal event at Station House on October 7th.