A rendering of pelican place | Klar and Klar architects

A vacant property across from Tangerine Plaza will become the site of a new 40-unit townhome community, helping address affordable housing needs in south St. Pete.

Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Gulfside joined St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch and other city officials Monday morning to break ground on Pelican Place at 2100 18th Avenue South.

Actual site work will commence early next year, with vertical construction anticipated to start in the fall.

"Pelican Place represents more than just homes. It's about building hope and stability for families who deserve a safe, affordable place to live," said Mike Sutton, President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside. "We're proud to partner with the City of St. Petersburg to make this vision a reality."

First announced in 2022, the homes at Pelican Place will be sold to households earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

The two- and three-story townhomes, ranging from 1,200 to 1,400 square feet, will have two-, three-, and four-bedroom layouts. Each home will include designated parking.

Habitat for Humanity is working with Clearwater-based design firm Klar and Klar Architects on the $15.6 million project.

Vertical construction will commence in flass 2026 for pelican place | st. pete rising

In June, St. Petersburg City Council unanimously approved $2.18 million in funding for Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Gulfside to build Pelican Place.

The city gifted the property, valued at $1.43 million, to Habitat for Humanity in November 2024, bringing the city’s total financial commitment to over $3.6 million for the project, or $90,000 per unit.

“Sometimes progress takes time, but this is a special housing project because it addresses both affordability and homeownership and therefore represents a pathway to stability, economic opportunity, and long-term prosperity,” said Welch.

The townhomes are expected to be sold at a median price of $300,000.

Each homeowner will need to complete the Habitat homeownership program, which includes 38 homebuyer education classes and 350-450 sweat equity hours. Upon completion of the program, each household will earn a 0% interest, fixed-rate mortgage to ensure affordability throughout the life of the home loan.

“There’s a common misconception about who Habitat homeowners are,” explained Sutton. “These families are individuals who make between 30 and 80 percent of the area median income, often making too much for government assistance and too little for a traditional homeowner. They are healthcare workers, teachers, government employees, and hospitality staff—the people our community relies on every day.”

Site plan for Pelican Place, a 40-unit townhome community, planned for 2100 18th Avenue South | Habitat for Humanity

This year, the Tampa Bay chapter of Habitat has built 88 homes and will dedicate nine more this month to low-income families, Sutton said.

Habitat’s latest St. Petersburg projects include Shell Dash Townhomes, a 10-unit affordable townhome complex in St. Pete's Campbell Park neighborhood, an 11-unit townhome community called The Grove on 18th Avenue South, and the 54-unit Longlake Preserve at 756 South MLK Jr. Avenue.

The organization recently purchased an eight-acre site in Largo to construct 100 affordable townhomes.

For more information on Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside’s homeownership opportunities, visit their website.