Massive $6.8 billion redevelopment of the Tropicana Field site proposed by group of local leaders
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A trio of well-known business leaders have submitted a proposal to purchase and redevelop 95.5 acres of downtown St. Petersburg, including the Historic Gas Plant District.
Casey Ellison, CEO of Ellison Companies;Cathie Wood, the founder of global investment firm ARK Invest; and Jonathan Graham, President of Horus Construction are behind the effort. Baker Barrios would serve as the master planner architect.
The group submitted a 98-page unsolicited proposal to the City of St. Petersburg this morning outlining a $6.8 billion vision for a new mixed-use district anchored by innovation, housing, cultural institutions, and world-class event venues.
The project would be built in four phases over the next 17 years and will include flexibility to accommodate the Tampa Bay Rays should the team remain beyond 2028.
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Two years after Hurricane Helene devastated Willy’s Burgers & Booze, the St. Pete Beach watering hole is preparing for a comeback.
The open-air bar and restaurant at 645 Corey Avenue announced recently that construction is beginning following a lengthy permitting process.
A reopening date has not been announced.
“The road back has been anything but easy,” the business shared on Facebook. “We have spent the past 14 months working through the permitting process, navigating delays and obstacles, and doing everything we can to make this day possible.”
“There have been times when the process felt overwhelming, but we have never lost sight of what Willy’s means to so many people,” the post continued.
Known for its burgers, affordable drinks, and laid-back, beachy atmosphere, Willy’s has been closed since the hurricanes of late 2024.