local nonprofit The Blue Urban Project is opening a thrift store in the Grand Central District. Daniel “R5” Barojas (pictured here) will be painting a mural inside the new shop | st. pete rising

A new thrift shop is set to open, offering vintage clothes, local art, and a chance to support a good cause.

The Blue Urban Project, a St. Pete-based, veteran-founded nonprofit, is preparing to open a thrift store at 1620 Central Avenue in the Grand Central District.

The Blue Urban Project Thrift expands the organization’s mission to support marine environmental conservation and uplift military veterans, while creating a steady funding source and a stronger presence in the local community.

Since its founding in 2022, the nonprofit has focused on hands-on work like underwater cleanups, sustainability initiatives, and coastal resilience efforts to improve local waterways, while also providing job opportunities and community programs for veterans.

The roughly 900-square-foot space is located next to Zaytoon Grill and was previously occupied by Bohemian Reves, a local skin care and beauty shop that closed in 2024.

The second-hand store is expected to open in early May and will provide affordable clothing (sorted by color), furniture, kitchenware, oddities, and books.

The Blue Urban Project focuses on hands-on work like underwater cleanups, sustainability initiatives, and coastal resilience efforts to improve local waterways | The Blue Urban Project

While The Blue Urban Project was originally funded in part through federal grants tied to environmental initiatives, co-founder Kirsten Hutchings said shifting funding priorities from the federal administration has pushed the group to explore other funding sources.

Nonprofits across the country have faced similar challenges, she noted, prompting what many are calling “The Great Pivot,” a move toward diversified, self-sustaining revenue streams.

“Originally, this shop was not part of our vision,” Hutchings, an Army veteran, who co-founded the group with Raymond Salden in August 2024, told St. Pete Rising. “This shop will serve multiple purposes. It will allow us to be financially stable enough to continue our mission of helping the environment and people,’’ she said.

Not only will a portion of each sale support a good cause, but shoppers will also be able to choose exactly where their money goes, including marine ecosystem restoration, local waterway sustainability projects, and programs supporting veterans and vulnerable populations.

“We are fully transparent and want to give customers that choice,” Hutchings said. “We’re also asking donors to fill out a form so we can share the story and history behind the items.”

The Blue Urban Project partners with other local nonprofits, such as MAR (Mindful Action for Regeneration), which focuses on native tree plantings and coastal cleanups, and The Rota Foundation, which assists charities that support social justice and human rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, homelessness, and other missions.

A rendering of the interior of Blue Urban Project’s thrift store | The Blue urban Project

Through its partner Letts Dive, The Blue Urban Project hosts diver-led underwater cleanups near the St. Pete Pier and St. Pete Yacht Club, and will offer discounted scuba certification classes to thrift customers.

“It’s important to support the organizations that support us and help educate the public about them,” said Hutchings, who received the keys to new thrift store space last week.

Renovations are already underway, including remediating water damage, patching up walls, and removing the pink epoxy flooring, which revealed the original terrazzo beneath.

The shop will feature a living green wall covered with live plants as well as a mural by local artist Daniel “R5” Barojas.

There will also be other pieces of work for sale by Barojas and other artists inspired by Florida’s native cypress trees and swamps.

Beyond retail, the shop will serve as a community resource center.

The nonprofit plans to host free workshops on topics like coastal resilience, sustainable design, and climate justice, while also offering space for local groups to meet and collaborate.

The Blue Urban Project at a local event | The Blue Urban Project

In times of crisis, such as severe weather events, the store is also intended to function as a distribution point for essential goods and services.

Hutchings will oversee daily operations alongside volunteers and interns, including students pursuing science and environmental fields.

True to its mission, the store will not provide plastic bags, instead offering compostable alternatives and encouraging customers to bring reusable bags.

Set to debut in early May, the store will be open Wednesday through Friday from 11 am to 6 pm with weekend hours of 11 am to 7 pm.

“We can’t wait to be part of this amazing community that’s open, caring, and has been good to us and others,” Hutchings said.

Follow The Blue Urban Project on Facebook and Instagram or visit its website for volunteer opportunities and donation information.