the rooftop of the parking garage at the central will be home to a rare Gorgosaurus skeleton | ellison development

Imagine stepping out of your car and finding yourself face-to-face with a creature that roamed the planet 76 million years ago.

Tampa-based developer Ellison Development has unveiled plans for a high-rise rooftop garden atop a newly opened 540-space parking garage in the EDGE District, where the glass-encased skeleton of a Gorgosaurus will be the centerpiece.

By our account, it will be the first dinosaur ever displayed on top of a parking garage anywhere in the world.

The one-acre rooftop attraction is part of The Central, a $200 million mixed-use project currently in development at 1301 Central Avenue.

The project will contain a Marriott Autograph hotel, 14,000 square feet of retail space, a 42-unit affordable housing community, and an 11-story 125,000-square-foot Class A office building.

The rare Gorgosaurus skeleton will be named Devaiah after Ellison Development co-founder Sidd Pagidipati’s father, Dr. Devaiah Pagidipati.

The newly opened parking garage at the central | city of st. petersburg

The fossil, one of only 20 known specimens in the world, would be surrounded by native Florida plants, inviting pathways, and panoramic views of the city, blending nature, science, and city living in a completely unexpected way.

“Let’s be honest, no one expects to find dinosaur fossils on top of a parking garage,” Ellison Development CEO Casey Ellison said in an announcement.

“That’s the fun of it. We love ideas that surprise people and spark their imagination, and this rooftop garden does exactly that. Where else can you take in city views, wander through a garden, and come face-to-face with fossils millions of years old? The Central isn’t just about new buildings. It’s about creating the kinds of experiences that make people say, ‘Only in St. Pete.’”

Part of the inspiration for the rooftop proposal follows the success of Big John, the world’s largest triceratops skeleton, which lives at the Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa.

Ellison Development hopes Devaiah will create that same spark in St. Pete, while also increasing access for families and children to gather, learn, and experience science in a setting that adds lasting value to the community.

Rendering of the central | Ellison Development

A close prehistoric cousin of the T. rex, the Gorgosaurus predates its more famous relative by about 10 million years.

“I’m thrilled to bring my passion for dinosaurs and real estate together at The Central,” said Pagidipati, who owns the fossil.

“Instead of leaving the rooftop as empty space, we are unveiling a first-of-its-kind park centered around Devaiah, a 76-million-year-old Gorgosaurus displayed in glass. This will provide St. Petersburg with additional green space and an outdoor experience unlike anything else in the world.”

Mayor Ken Welch also highlighted the project’s potential to boost tourism.

"Ellison Development continues to bring fresh, innovative ideas to our city with The Central,” Welch said in a statement.

“Unique attractions like the rooftop garden not only provide entertainment but also draw more people to St. Petersburg, encourage families to spend more time here, and contribute to the vibrant energy that defines our community.”

A rendering of Halcyon at the central | ellison development

Additional details about the garden and dinosaur experience will be shared in the coming months.

The Central is a joint venture between J Square Developers, DDA Development, Ellison Development, and Backstreets Capital.

The project was designed by Tim Clemmons of St. Pete-based Place Architecture.

Construction began in February 2024 on the 2.1-acre site. The location is across from Ferg’s and near The EDGE Collective, a planned live-work-play destination anchored by the newly opened Moxy Hotel.

The development team expects to break ground on the 15-story, 4-star hotel soon and begin construction on the office building later this year, pending tenant commitments, according to Jordan Star, Chief Development Officer at Ellison Development.

Halcyon represents the first Class A office building constructed in downtown St. Pete since the 1980s. ARK Invest, currently headquartered at 200 Central Avenue, will be the first tenant at Halycon occupying 13,000 square feet on the 11th floor.

The Central is expected to be completed by 2027.