Morean Arts Center reveals renderings for proposed five-story expansion in downtown St. Pete

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St. Petersburg’s oldest arts institution is preparing for the most ambitious expansion in its more than 100-year history.

New renderings have been revealed for the first phase of Arts Center Association, Inc.’s $34 million expansion at 719 Central Avenue in downtown St. Pete.

The redevelopment calls for a new five-story arts center on an existing surface parking lot at the corner of 8th Street and Central Avenue, bringing the Arts Center and the Chihuly Collection, currently located across the street at 720 Central Avenue, under one roof.

Designed by Wannemacher Jensen Architects, the new building would feature a largely white exterior wrapped in slender vertical fins.

At street level, a sweeping, wave-like opening would rise from the ground floor and fold into the façade, creating a sculptural entrance inspired by the fluid forms and luminous colors of Dale Chihuly’s glasswork.

“We are at a consequential moment in the evolution of the Arts Center,” Arts Center Executive Director Howayda Affan said in a conversation with St. Pete Rising. “This redevelopment is about far more than expanding our physical footprint; it is an opportunity to reimagine how an arts institution can serve a growing and increasingly dynamic city.”

The Morean Arts Center at 719 Central Avenue in downtown St. Pete is expected to break ground on its expansion project next year | Google Maps

The lower level is designed with expansive glass walls, a recessed public entrance, gallery space, and a gift shop. A series of sculptural spiral staircases would connect the floors.

The second level would house the Chihuly Collection while upper floors would include artist classrooms and administrative offices.

“By bringing the Chihuly Collection, contemporary art exhibitions, education programs and community initiatives together in one integrated arts center, we can create a more cohesive and compelling experience for our audiences while significantly expanding our capacity for creativity, learning and engagement,” Affan said.

Construction is currently anticipated to begin in late 2027 and take about 18 months.

A second phase, which would entail the demolition of the existing arts center, is projected to follow between 2028 and 2030, although details could continue to evolve as fundraising and design move forward.

Pinellas County commissioners are scheduled to give final approval of a $2.225 million funding agreement for the project at their September 24th meeting. The funding, which would come from the county’s Tourist Development Tax, commonly known as the bed tax, would support the first phase of the Arts Center’s redevelopment plans.

The new building has been designed with a sweeping, wave-like opening rising from the ground floor and folded into the façade, creating a sculptural entrance inspired by the fluid forms and luminous colors of Dale Chihuly’s glasswork | Wannemacher Jensen Architects

According to Affan, the project has generated significant interest from the community, donors, and partners, and the Arts Center is continuing to build the private support needed to advance the redevelopment.

The fundraising effort will continue alongside design and construction as the organization moves toward this significant investment in St. Petersburg’s cultural infrastructure.

As part of the funding agreement, the Arts Center would work with Visit St. Pete-Clearwater on tourism promotion and visitor engagement over a 10-year period.

The agreement includes permanent recognition signage, marketing collaboration, media-tour opportunities, and annual visitor reporting.

The redevelopment is expected to increase annual attendance and expand the Arts Center’s capacity to serve both local residents and visitors.

Proposed elevation of the Morean Arts Center’s proposed expansion | Wannemacher Jensen Architects

Founded in 1917 as the Art Club of St. Petersburg, the Arts Center has played a central role in the city’s arts community for more than a century.

The organization now operates the Arts Center and Chihuly Collection downtown, and the Morean Center for Clay in the Warehouse Arts District.

The organization was also recently recognized as a City of St. Petersburg Legacy Business, reflecting its longstanding role in the cultural life of the community.

Today, the Arts Center’s mission is to connect people with art, with a particular focus on making art accessible to everyone.

Its programs reach children, seniors, veterans, people living with dementia and others who may face barriers to participating in the arts.

The redevelopment will expand the organization’s capacity to provide these experiences while strengthening its contribution to St. Petersburg’s cultural and economic vitality by attracting visitors and creating additional opportunities for residents and tourists to engage with the arts. 

“Our plan is to build an institution that reflects the vitality of St. Petersburg today and has the vision, capacity and relevance to contribute to its cultural life for decades to come,” Affan said.