There was a time not too long ago that the Grand Central District was largely known for legacy shops like Haslam’s Book Store and antique stores. While great, many people, including some locals, considered the Grand Central District an afterthought behind the bustling downtown core. But a lot has changed in the past few years, and recently, new businesses have brought new energy to the area.

While the district is still much quieter than the downtown core, the Grand Central District has come into an identity of its own with trendy coffee shops like Black Crow and Bandit, and unique bars like Trophy Fish and Dog Bar. Bolstered by a demand of retail space, the district has also seen an increase in new residential and commercial development. In essence, the Grand Central District has become a destination..

What began on the eastern side of the district along Central Avenue and 16th Street with 1701 Central, Artistry, and Vantage Lofts has spread west, giving rise to infill projects like AD Lofts, 2641 Central, and the Grand Central Brewhouse. Once complete, these developments will add new residents and retail space to the district.

Adding to the mix is a new mixed-use project is planned for Central Avenue and 29th Street. Located adjacent to China Finders, the project is being developed by St. Pete Development Company and will be named Driftwood on Central.

Driftwood on Central is being led by a team of locals including: Michael Kramer of BSB Design, as architect, Ben Gelston of Canopy Builders, as general contractor, and Nick Janovsky of Premier Sotheby's International Realty, as Sales & Development Director.

The Driftwood will have eleven residential units across two buildings ranging between three and four stories. The building fronting Central Avenue will feature five residential units which include ground floor retail space. The idea is to appeal to entrepreneurs or professionals who need commercial studio space or want a live-work setting.

A second building will be located off of Central Avenue that will contain six smaller units. While these units won’t have ground floor retail, they will contain space on the first floor that could be used as an office or creative studio. Each unit will contain either a one or two car garage and will range between 1,800 square feet for the smaller townhome units up to 3,100 square feet for the units with commercial space.

Driftwood on Central’s name is a derived on the property’s central location which is ideally located between Tampa Bay and the Gulf beaches. Playing off of this theme, the exteriors of the buildings will be comprised of mixed materials including stucco, siding, and metal with rich natural colors like burnt orange, dark wood, clean whites, and nickel.

When construction begins Driftwood on Central will join a number of new developments in the Grand Central District and will likely benefit from the City of St. Pete’s renewed focus on the area surrounding the intersection of Central Avenue and 38th Street – which is being called the Union Central District.

“The Grand Central district is bustling with an eclectic food, bar, and art scene that makes this area highly desired. The vibes here are unrivaled and we couldn't be more excited to offer these exceptional homes," says Janovsky.

As developments like Driftwood on Central begin to pop up along this area of Central Avenue, they will help build continuity between Downtown St. Pete, the Grand Central District, and the neighborhoods further west.  

Pricing is competitive with other similar units in the area and will start at $479,000 and will rise to nearly $800,000 with the Central Avenue facing units. Pre-sales have begun and, if all goes according to plan, the project will deliver its first units in about a year.

For more information on Driftwood on Central, visit their website or call 813-391-8291.