Renderings reveal what the Woodson African American Museum could become in St. Pete
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The Woodson African American Museum of Florida, currently located at 2240 9th Avenue South, has unveiled a bold vision for a new home designed to honor the past, inspire the future, and serve as a cultural anchor for St. Pete.
The new 40,000-square-foot museum concept, designed by Everald Colas of St. Pete-based Storyn Studio for Architecture, is envisioned for the corner of 15th Street and 1st Avenue South, currently Lot 5 of Tropicana Field and across from Fusion 1560.
As striking as the renderings are, the proposed design faces major hurdles, including securing a site for the new museum and reaching ambitious fundraising goals.
The property was previously part of the Rays/Hines redevelopment plans for the Historic Gas Plant District, which was officially scrapped in July.
When the Rays walked away, they relinquished their development rights to the land, enabling the city to redevelop portions of the site before the end of the team’s use agreement.
The new 40,000-square-foot museum concept is envisioned for the corner of 15th Street and 1st Avenue South, currently Lot 5 of Tropicana Field and across from Fusion 1560 | Storyn Studio
Mayor Welch has since said he is exploring new opportunities around the Gas Plant’s outer perimeter, with a priority on advancing the Woodson Museum.
If the city redevelops any Tropicana Field parking lots, however, it must replace the lost spaces until the Rays’ agreement to play there ends in 2028.
"Our priority right now is moving forward on developing portions of the Historic Gas Plant District. As previously stated, our initial focus will be on housing, our commitment to the Woodson Museum, and the advancement of a workforce development system,” said St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch.
“What's important to remember is that with the development rights now in the hands of the City, we are in the strongest position to assure that the future development of the Historic Gas Plant District meets the needs of St. Petersburg and honors the promises of equitable development."
That being said, the new museum concept has already earned international acclaim, with honors from the World Architecture Festival and Architizer’s A+Awards.
“Every project is an opportunity to uplift communities, challenge assumptions, and shape spaces that reflect the dignity and complexity of the people they are built for,” said Colas, a Haitian American architect whose work has gained national and international recognition.
Inspired by Afrofuturism, the design includes for four permanent galleries, an orientation theater, and space for traveling exhibitions.
Sustainability and cultural symbolism are central to the concept, with precast concrete panels rising from the earth in forms patterned after Zulu beadwork.
The project blends advanced construction technologies with traditional African design principles, reflecting both innovation and cultural legacy.
A ceremonial “Grace Staircase” would guide visitors upward through the museum, anchored by a Basil Watson sculpture designed to inspire personal reflection.
A 4,000-square-foot flexible event space would open onto an outdoor lawn and sculpture garden, providing room for receptions, community meetings, and cultural gatherings.
A rooftop terrace overlooking Booker Creek would offer an additional 5,000 square feet for events.
Exterior facade is designed with precast concrete panels rising from the earth in forms patterned after Zulu beadwork | Storyn Studio
Named for Dr. Carter G. Woodson, known as the “Father of Black History Month,” the Woodson Museum has been a cornerstone of St. Petersburg’s cultural landscape since 2006.
Currently housed at 2240 9th Avenue South in a former Jordan Park community building, it serves as the first stop on the African American Heritage Trail and has long been a place for education, exhibitions, and celebration of African American history.
The new design represents the next chapter in the museum’s journey.
A previous $40 million fundraising campaign tied to the now-cancelled Gas Plant District redevelopment effort never came to fruition. Any effort to bring this updated vision to life will require new and substantial financial commitments.
A cross-section of the Woodson Museum concept by Storyn Studio | Storyn Studio
Despite the uncertainty around its funding, the design itself has already made waves in the architectural world. Storyn Studio’s vision has been recognized with the following accolades:
Architizer 2025 A+Awards – Jury Winner, Unbuilt Commercial Category
World Architecture Festival (WAFX) Award 2025 – Winner, Cultural Identity
World Architecture Festival 2025 – Finalist, Future Projects Culture category
AIA Florida 2025 Design Award – Honor Award, Unbuilt Category
AIA Tampa Bay 2024 Honor Award for Architecture – Unbuilt Category
“The logistics of how we move forward are currently being fine-tuned, and we remain optimistic about the path ahead,” said Terri Lipsey Scott, executive director of the museum, in a statement to St. Pete Rising. “We couldn’t be prouder of the stunning renderings created by Storyn—they beautifully reflect the heart and soul of our vision.”
While the renderings offer a glimpse of what could be, the Woodson Museum’s future home ultimately depends on philanthropy, partnerships, and city support.
If realized, the new museum would not only safeguard collections but also foster dialogue, reflection, and celebration for generations to come.
