Former Ed White Hospital conversion to 71-unit affordable senior housing community advances in North Kenwood
/The former Ed White Hospital, located at 2323 9th Avenue North, will be converted into affordable housing for seniors | St Pete Rising
The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) is expected to begin construction on the second phase of an extensive renovation to the former Edward White Hospital, converting the building into a 71-unit affordable housing complex for seniors, thanks to recently approved funding.
Last Thursday, the St. Petersburg City Council approved $8.9 million in funding for the $42.5 million project underway at 2323 9th Avenue North in North Kenwood.
The funding includes $6.9 million from Penny for Pinellas, of which $3 million was previously approved, and $2 million in HOME funds.
In 2022, the project was awarded $5.9 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, however those funds were rescinded in 2024 citing extensive project delays and reallocated to two other affordable housing projects—Flats on 4th and Palm Lake Urban Sanctuary.
The community’s 71 affordable apartments will be reserved for seniors earning at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
A rendering of the reimagined edward white hospital campus with senior housing | SPHA
The renovated building will also serve as the new headquarters for the St. Petersburg Housing Authority, which is currently located at 2001 Gandy Boulevard North.
Additionally, Evara Health, a healthcare provider serving underserved, low-income, uninsured, and underinsured communities, will occupy 2,000 square feet on the ground floor.
The clinic will be open to the public, providing the residents and the community access to preventive care, chronic disease management, same-day visits, and geriatric services.
The six-story hospital, which was built in 1974, closed in mid-2014 due to declining revenue.
The property was purchased by the St. Petersburg Housing Authority in December 2021 for $5.1 million after numerous failed attempts to redevelop the property by other developers.
a rendering showing the new spha office on the ground floor | spha
SPHA hired Wannemacher Jensen Architects and LEMA Construction, both based in St. Petersburg, to help bring the project to life.
The first phase, which included interior demolition, a new roof, and the buildout of 17,890 square feet of office space for SPHA, broke ground last August. SPHA plans to move into the new facility by spring 2026.
Councilmember Deborah Figgs-Sanders expressed enthusiasm about SPHA relocating to a more central location.
“That was one of our biggest complaints. You were untouchable to the residents. Where you were located, it was a really cumbersome chore for [residents] to speak to someone. Now with boots on the ground, you will be right there and easily accessible to our seniors,” she said during Thursday’s meeting.
a pedestrain view of the edward white campus | spha
With funding in place, SPHA is ready to close on their primary financing and commence construction on the housing portion of the project, which is expected to commence in July with a completion date in September 2026.
SPHA will prioritize seniors who may be at risk of homelessness, President and CEO of the St. Petersburg Housing Authority Michael Lundy told councilmembers.
"It's not just affordable housing - there will be services too," he said.
The first floor will also feature a lobby, open dining hall, catering kitchen, mail room, and bike storage. Additional amenities for residents will include a community room, computer lab, and fitness center.
