46-story condo tower, 400 Central, breaks ground in downtown St. Pete

The Catsimatidis family and Mayor Rick Kriseman breaking ground on St. Pete’s next tower, 400 Central. | Photo by Brian Zucker

Just two weeks after the sales launch, a ceremonial groundbreaking was held this morning for 400 Central, a 46-story condominium tower to be constructed in the heart of downtown St. Pete.

To be constructed on a full city block at 400 Central Avenue, the project is being spearheaded by billionaire developer John Catsimatidis Sr., owner of Red Apple Group, who was in attendance with his wife and children.

“St. Petersburg is such a special community, and we are honored to help contribute to the growing vibrancy of this wonderful city,” said John Catsimatidis Sr. “The pace of reservations already far exceeds our expectations, and I am immensely proud of the development team that is bringing this project to life. This is a community where I have had family ties for more than 30 years and I can hardly wait to greet our future residents as they move into their new homes in the sky.”

400 Central will include 301 condominium units ranging from 2 to 4 bedrooms. Sales launched two weeks ago.

The new development will contain 301 condominium units ranging from 1,277 to 5,600 square feet. Each 2 to 4-bedroom unit will contain 10-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, spa-style bathrooms, and a gourmet kitchen with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and European style cabinetry.

Historically, the 2.3-acre site was home to the Pheil Hotel and Central National Bank building which spurred commerce along Central Avenue in the 1950s. In the 1960s, an aluminum facade was added to the buildings which prompted locals to refer to it as the “cheese grater” building. By 2006, the complex was abandoned and remained that way for over a decade.

Today’s groundbreaking marks the beginning of a three-year construction timeline. 400 Central is expected to be complete by early 2025.

“You know a lot of developers come in and out of this city and very few have an emotional connection or a personal passion for our city. But this family does,” said Mayor Kriseman of the Catsimatidis family.

Over 65,000 square feet of ground level retail will ring the $400 million condo tower

Catsimatidis Sr. is a big supporter of local organizations, such as Florida Craft Art, The Poynter Institute, and he also supported the Janet Echelman installation titled “Bending Arc” at the pier. He also announced that he will be purchasing one of the penthouse units at 400 Central.

Residents at the 515-foot, $400 million tower will have access to 24/7 concierge services, plus 36,000 square feet of private amenity space, including an expansive resort-style 7th floor deck will feature a heated pool and spa, an entertainment area with bocce courts and fire pits, an outdoor dining space with barbecue grills, a dog walking area, and a putting garden.

Once complete, 400 Central will be the tallest residential tower on Florida’s Gulf Coast at 515-feet tall.

Additionally, the 400 Central will contain over 60,000 square feet of carefully curated high-end retail and office space.

“This building will be an exclamation point on all the progress we’ve made,” said Mayor Kriseman. “We’ve endured the recession. Now we are hitting the rocket boosters and soaring higher to an even brighter future.”

Michael Saunders & Company is the exclusive sales and marketing agent for 400 Central. Pre-construction pricing starts at $800,000. For more information, visit their website or email info@residences400central.com.