St. Pete is experiencing a caffeinated renaissance, evolving into a city where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air on every corner.

Last week, signs went up at the corner of Central Avenue and 18th Street advertising two new businesses coming soon to the Grand Central District.

Under Grounds Coffee & Juice Bar and Journey into Fitness will share a space on the ground floor of 1701 Central, a 243-unit, 5-story apartment building that opened in 2020.

Details are sparse, however according to the new signage, Under Grounds will feature all of your favorite espresso-based beverages, such as americanos, lattes, and cappuccinos, in addition to fresh-squeezed juices. The coffee shop will also contain patio seating fronting Central Avenue.

Journey into Fitness, which will be located behind the coffee shop, will offer group fitness classes and personal training.

The two new businesses will join a pocket of the city that didn’t exist until recently. In the past few years, three new apartment communities, totaling 700 units, and a seven-story 132-unit hotel have been constructed on Central Avenue between 16th and 18th Streets.

The new developments have also ushered in new local businesses. Arte, located at 1661 Central Avenue, is home to Mibella Nail Lounge & Spa, Mammamia Gelato Italiano, and Raining Berries, which offers acai bowls, smoothies, and toasts.

Across the street at the Tru by Hilton, the owners of the popular Noble Crust in north St. Pete are opening Noble Tavern Off the Farm, a new farm-to-table restaurant. Duckweed Urban Grocery will also be moving in.

No opening date has been announced for Under Grounds Coffee & Juice Bar and Journey into Fitness so stay tuned to St. Pete Rising for updates as more details emerge.