June 23, 2025

24-unit townhome community begins vertical construction in Grand Central District

June 23, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

A new townhome community is set to rise on the edge of St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District and Historic Kenwood, bringing a neighborhood feel to one of the city’s most vibrant urban corridors.

Indianapolis-based developer Onyx+East has officially launched sales for Blanc, a 24-unit luxury townhome project at 3001 1st Avenue North. The phased development will span seven buildings across a one-acre site.

The property, formerly home to a gas station, a single-family home, and an apartment building, was cleared prior to Onyx+East purchasing the site for $4 million in 2024. The parcel was previously owned by Salt Palm Development who planned to build The Bismarck, an 18-unit townhome community.

June 09, 2025

Former Ed White Hospital conversion to 71-unit affordable senior housing community advances in North Kenwood

June 09, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

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In 2022, the project was awarded $5.9 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, however those funds were rescinded in 2024 citing extensive project delays and reallocated to two other affordable housing projects—Flats on 4th and Palm Lake Urban Sanctuary.

April 03, 2025

Pepe's Cantina Mexican Grill opens next week in Historic Kenwood

April 03, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

A new Mexican restaurant is set to open next week in St. Petersburg’s Historic Kenwood neighborhood, bringing tableside guacamole, tacos, and margaritas to the area.

Pepe’s Cantina Mexican Grill, a growing Central Florida-based eatery, will launch its first Tampa Bay location on April 11 at 3118 3rd Avenue North in the Shoppes at Kenwood.

The 2,275-square-foot space previously housed Cider Press Vegan GastroPub, which closed in October 2024. Before that, it was home to the popular LGBT bar Georgie’s Alibi.

"We initially looked in Tampa, but the Cider Press location had the perfect layout for a cantina with minimal renovation needed," John Cameron, a local franchisee, said to St. Pete Rising.

January 23, 2025

Pepe's Cantina Mexican Grill to open in St. Pete's Kenwood neighborhood

January 23, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

Pepe's Cantina Mexican Grill will soon bring its specialty margaritas, authentic Mexican cuisine, and fresh tableside guacamole to St. Pete's Kenwood neighborhood.

The expanding Central Florida-based franchise is opening its first Tampa Bay location at 3118 3rd Avenue North in the Shoppes at Kenwood.

The 2,275-square-foot space was previously home to the Cider Press Vegan GastroPub, which closed in October 2024, and before that, it housed the iconic LGBT bar Georgie’s Alibi.