The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) marked a significant milestone in addressing affordable housing needs for seniors with the groundbreaking of a new residential project at 2323 9th Avenue North in North Kenwood.

The project, dubbed the Edward White Campus, a nod to the former Edward White Hospital that operated at the property, is set to be transformed into a six-story, 121,000-square-foot affordable housing complex.  

The campus will house three facilities including: the Gemini Senior Living Community, the St. Petersburg Housing Authority Central Office, and Evara Health. 

The Gemini Senior Living Community will feature 71 apartments for low-income seniors. The residences will be available to seniors living at 60% or below the Area Median Income (AMI).

The low-income senior apartments will include 60 one-bedroom units, seven studios, and four two-bedroom apartments. 

SPHA’s new administrative offices will be located on the ground floor of the development, occupying approximately 17,890 square feet on the south side of the campus.

The first floor will also include a lobby with an open dining hall, a catering kitchen, a mail room, and bike storage. Additional resident amenities will include a community room, computer lab, and fitness center. 

Additionally, Evara Health, which provides services to the uninsured and underserved communities in Pinellas County, will establish a new facility on the campus, offering comprehensive healthcare services, including preventative care, chronic disease management, and geriatrics.

Situated in St. Petersburg’s North Kenwood neighborhood, the Edward White Campus is adjacent to Booker Creek Park, offering residents access to walking trails, lake views, and other park amenities.

The building will undergo updates to meet ADA accessibility standards, and its exterior will receive significant enhancements, including new windows, doors, and landscaping. 

Construction is being led by St. Pete-based LEMA Construction.

The $29 million project was funded by several sources including $5.9 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding approved by the St. Petersburg City Council and $3 million in Penny for Pinellas funding.

SPHA also received a $1 million grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLBNY) that was sponsored by Valley Bank. 

The groundbreaking ceremony held this morning featured speeches from notable community figures, including St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, who delivered a proclamation.

Other speakers included Michael Lundy, President and CEO of SPHA; René Flowers, Pinellas County Commissioner; Deborah Figgs-Sanders, Chair of the St. Petersburg City Council; and Rainer Pelzel, Vice President of Valley Bank, among others.

Special guest Bonnie White Baer, daughter of Astronaut Ed White, the namesake of the former hospital, also spoke at the event, paying tribute to her father's legacy. SPHA reached out to the family of Ed White and received their permission to continue honoring his legacy with the building's new name.

The St. Petersburg High School Green Devil Marching Band also performed at the ground breaking.

The Edward White Campus project is a key part of SPHA’s broader efforts to build stronger communities by providing quality affordable housing and accessible services.

The SPHA is also working on a 95-unit apartment complex to a 1.35-acre site at the intersection of 32nd Avenue North and Hartford Street in north St. Petersburg.

For more information about The Edward White Campus or to learn more about SPHA’s initiatives, please visit the SPHA website.