The Enoch D. Davis Center | City of St. Petersburg

The City of St. Petersburg is preparing to embark on a $51 million project to reimagine the Enoch D. Davis Center and James Weldon Johnson Community Library in south St. Pete.

The city is seeking a qualified construction manager to oversee the creation of a new 53,000-square-foot shared facility at 1111 18th Avenue South.

The request for qualifications (RFQ) was advertised on August 18th, with proposals due by September 25th.

The 18,000-square-foot Enoch D. Davis Center, opened in 1981, currently offers human services, multipurpose halls, a fitness center, and other amenities.

Next door, the 14,000-square-foot James Weldon Johnson Community Library provides study and reading areas, a makerspace with tech equipment, and upgraded computer programs. Originally housed within the Davis Center, the library relocated to its current site in 2002.

According to the RFQ, A recent programming study determined that 53,000 square feet would be required to house both facilities, prompting the city to pursue a combined building.

An aerial view of the Enoch D. Davis Center and James Weldon Johnson Community Library | Google Earth

It has not yet been decided whether the existing structures will be renovated and expanded or demolished to make way for new construction.

The new complex will also include the St. Pete Youth Farm, which currently operates on an adjacent lot. The nonprofit teaches youth urban agriculture, business, cooking, and leadership through hands-on training launched in 2019.

St. Pete-based Place Architecture was selected in 2024 to lead design efforts. The project team also includes Texas-based Lake Flato Architects; Dix.Hite + Partners Inc. for placemaking and site planning; 720 Design Inc. for library and community center expertise; VoltAir Consulting Engineers for MEP services; Thornton Tomasetti for structural engineering; Vickstrom Engineering for civil engineering; and IBA Consultants Inc. for exterior design.

The chosen construction manager will handle pre-construction services, cost estimating, value engineering, and scheduling. The project is required to achieve at least LEED Gold certification for sustainability.

Mayor Ken Welch and Congresswoman Kathy Castor at the Enoch D. Davis Center in 2023 | City of St. Petersburg

Interested firms must submit questions by September 16th and final bids by September 25th. A shortlist of three finalists will be announced October 17th, with interviews scheduled for November 4th. After negotiations, City Council will vote on the contract.

Residents are invited to share ideas at a community meeting on September 17th at the Davis Center from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The city is also collecting feedback through an online survey.

“After gathering input, we’ll present a concept that embodies the community’s voice, including detailed plans and cost estimates,” the city’s project website reads. “Once the design is approved, construction begins. We’ll keep the community informed with regular updates to ensure everyone stays connected to the project’s progress.”

U.S. Representative Kathy Castor previously secured a $1.5 million federal grant to support the project.