Land Projects | St. Pete Downtown Partnership

Playing a constructive and advisory role for the city, the Downtown Partnership will advocate for world-class design and leading-edge thinking. As community stewards, we will provide second party endorsements and private sector expertise in urban development for upcoming projects. Our community credibility, history, and experience makes us constructive thought leaders. We are curating an unofficial advisory group for the City, who will act as a sound advocacy board to ensure that all development serves its highest and best purpose for the people of St. Petersburg.

Mayor Ken Welch headlined a much-anticipated St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership luncheon Wednesday. Photo by Mark Parker.

St. Pete mayor dishes on Rays, resilience at luncheon

We were honored to have Mayor Ken Welch join our members earlier this week for a thoughtful discussion answering their questions about the Cross-Bay Ferry, arts

December 12, 2024

A rendering of the Reflection condominium tower shows an expansive tile mosaic. Its developers have instead selected a prominent artist to create a four-story mural. Image: HP Capital.

Developers secure ‘world-renowned’ muralist for Mirror Lake tower

The local developers behind an 18-story luxury condominium tower plan to elevate St. Petersburg’s reputation as a city that proudly promotes the arts.

April 25, 2024

Chris Ballestra, managing director of development, discussed the southern waterfront's future Tuesday with the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership.

What’s next for St. Pete’s downtown waterfront?

City officials are asking stakeholders to help reimagine a downtown St. Petersburg waterfront with new and enhanced arts institutions.

August 28, 2024

Report: How St. Pete is meeting housing, office demands

St. Petersburg is experiencing unprecedented residential construction and low office vacancy rates as it continues to be among the top corporate relocation dest

February 28, 2023

St. Petersburg developers and downtown stakeholders meet to learn more about the Atlanta BeltLine

Is Atlanta’s BeltLine a model for local success?

St. Petersburg developers and downtown stakeholders now wonder if they can apply the Atlanta’s BeltLine’s most successful aspects to the Pinellas Trail

October 25, 2023

Community leaders visit Atlanta, Georgia

Local leaders glean insight from Atlanta developments

Nearly two dozen civic and business leaders recently toured The Battery Atlanta, Truist Park and the Atlanta Beltline

November 29, 2023

A rendering of The Nolen. Image: DDA Development.

Will St. Petersburg see more ‘boutique’ condo towers?

Jason Mathis, CEO of the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership, called boutique towers like the Nolen “a labor of love.”

January 2, 2024

Monica Kile historian and tour guide with I Love the Burg, believes preservationists and developers could achieve similar goals through better dialogue and increased incentives.

Developer's Council Recap: Can preservation and development offer mutual benefits?

Earlier this week, we were joined by our friend and local historian, Monica Kile, to take a trolley tour of St. Pete, highlighting historic properties that are

December 1, 2023

Tampa Bay Rays Here To Stay Press Conference

For Rays’ partner Hines, $6.5B stadium development will be ‘transformative’

Hines is working alongside the Rays to lead a monumental 20-year, $6.5 billion plan for a stadium and mixed-use development on the Trop site.

October 10, 2023

Development stakeholders hear the power of partnerships

A group of national experts from WSP urged local developers to form partnerships long before breaking ground when seeking project funding.

September 28, 2023

Will increased density allowances bring more development?

Community members discussed proposed land use changes around the region’s first bus rapid transit (BRT) service, the SunRunner.

August 30, 2023

Downtown St. Pete has a construction conundrum

City officials, developers and construction leaders came together to discuss construction and its effects on the walkability of our downtown.

May 24, 2023

Stu Sternberg announcing that the Rays will stay in Downtown St. Pete

For the Rays, St. Petersburg never seemed like the answer. What changed?

The Rays consider DTSP after 16 years, now that St. Petersburg has become a staple destination for arts and dining, featuring new, high-end buildings.

September 25, 2023

NOAA looking to expand in St. Pete?

The city has been working for years to woo a Miami-based research agency to its Innovation District near downtown.

July 5, 2017

St. Pete City Council pushes back on outside consultant on Trop selection

Debate over how to redevelop Tropicana Field causes tensions, especially in the topic of utilizing outside expertise to guide the situation.

January 25, 2021

Seven proposals revealed for the redevelopment of the 86-acre Tropicana Field site

The City of St. Peter and Mayor Kriseman released 7 submissions of the Request for Proposal for the redevelopment of the Tropicana Field site in downtown.

February 1, 2021

Collage of 5 proposed developments to take place in 2021

A Year of Rising: Here’s What’s Planned for Downtown St. Pete in 2021

After 2020 seemed like a never-ending year, we are optimistic about what 2021 will bring for St. Pete.

February 1, 2021

Rainbow flag flowing in the wind with Tropicana Field in the background

St. Pete is abuzz about prospects for redo of The Trop

Tropicana Field remains unchanged, a parking lot around a domed stadium with more in common with Houston’s 1960s-era Astrodome than today’s modern ballparks.

February 2, 2021

Proposal drawing of one of the proposed Tropicana Re-developments

Three Trop site proposals out of the running as city narrows list

The City of St. Petersburg has shortlisted four proposals for the redevelopment of the 86-acre Tropicana Field site.

March 8, 2021

Rainbow City of St. Pete flag in front of Tropicana Field

Tropicana Field Site - Public Comment

There are currently three ways for residents to provide input regarding the proposals leading up to the final development partner being selected.

March 30, 2021

Tampa Bay Rays will meet with community stakeholders to talk Trop site redevelopment, City Council member says

While reviewing the Tropicana Field redevelopment process, an off-hand remark by St. Peter City Council member Deborah Figgs-Sanders redirects the conversation.

March 30, 2021

SPDP Legislative Talking Points 2021

The Partnership is grateful to work with partners Suskey Consulting, Corcoran Partners and Pinellas County political leaders on urban development in St. Pete.

April 2, 2021

Kelli Stargel budget proposes $50M for Lakeland appeals court, despite 2020 request for Pine

The Mirror Lake project fell victim to Gov. DeSantis’ “Red Wedding” veto spree, spurred by expected revenue shortfalls due to the pandemic.

April 5, 2021

Community Voices: Downtown Partnership supports engaging outside development counsel for Trop

The Partnership spoke out about need for more resources to support the City of St. Pete in efforts to find and negotiate with a development partner on the Trop.

April 19, 2021

City releases appraisals for Trop site

The Tropicana Field site has an estimated market value ranging from $66 million to $277.4 million, according to three appraisals on the property.

April 19, 2021

City Council wants to ‘hit the pause button’ on Trop redevelopment and work with the Rays

The St. Petersburg City Council wants to work with the Tampa Bay Rays on the future of the Tropicana Field site.

April 19, 2021

State lawmakers agree on new Bernie McCabe Courthouse in Pinellas County

State lawmakers agreed Friday night to spend $50 million on a new courthouse in Pinellas County named after former State Attorney Bernie McCabe.

April 26, 2021

St. Pete Downtown Partnership's Tropicana Field Redevelopment Recommendations

The St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership appreciates the opportunity to provide recommendations and suggestions as the City pursues the redevelopment of the Trop

May 12, 2021

Kriseman to trim Trop redevelopment shortlist to two

Mayor Rick Kriseman is set to whittle down the field of Tropicana Field redevelopment proposals from four to two.

May 27, 2021

Rays lawsuit impacts plans for talks between city, county, team

Pinellas County & City of St. Pete are holding on the process to hire a consultant to negotiate with the TB Rays on what could be the future of the team.

May 27, 2021

Tampa Bay Rays flag on the side of a field with cones

St. Petersburg business leaders urge Kriseman to keep working with Rays

City business leaders sent a letter to Rick Kriseman imploring him to resume working with the Tampa Bay Rays on a deal that would keep the team in St. Pete.

May 28, 2021

Tropicana Field Redevelopment Partners Shortlisted To Two

The City of St. Petersburg has announced a 2 firms that remain in the running to become the development partner for the Tropicana Field Redevelopment.

May 28, 2021

St. Pete Downtown Partnership Supports Marina Redevelopment

The St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership supports efforts to redevelop the St. Petersburg Municipal Marina.

June 9, 2021

City Council Public Meeting Recap Regarding Mirror Lake's historic district application

On 07/15/21, the City Council conducted a public meeting on their consideration of initiating a local historic district application for Mirror Lake neighborhood

July 19, 2021

Downtown St. Pete skyline from ferry, during early sunset

St. Pete City Council approves Community Benefits Agreement program to require reinvestment on certain projects

On Thursday, the St. Pete City Council unanimously passed a community benefits agreement program following a public hearing.

July 23, 2021

Jason Mathis giving a presentation at Luncheon

Downtown Partnership Luncheon showcases Innovation District’s recent success

Last week, our Leadership Luncheon was all about highlighting the many remarkable projects that have recently come out of the Innovation District.

October 26, 2021

Skyline with floating construction cranes on waterfront

Facilitating Transformative Land Use Projects

As a nexus between public & private sector interests, SPDP invests political capital, administrative support, & seed money to support land projects.

January 14, 2020

How Long to Redevelop the Rays’ Home Turf in St. Petersburg? Mayor Kriseman Won’t Say

The future of the Rays' home in downtown St. Pete remains uncertain, yet Mayor Rick Kriseman says development can begin anyway. So when will it start?

March 8, 2020

Coastal High Hazard Area map for Pinellas County

Coastal High Hazard Area (CHHA) Amendments Scheduled For Public Hearing

The CHHA amendments have now been scheduled for public hearing. The subject matter will be taken up in two different agenda item formats.

May 22, 2020

Red pelican statue next to St. Pete Pier sign

A Socially Distant, Closer Look at the St. Pete Pier

Whether you have seen the Pier already, or plan to see it soon, here are some fast facts about this new world-class amenity to our downtown.

July 22, 2020

City Releases RFP To Develop Tropicana Field Site

The City of St. Pete has dedicated a minimum of $75mil for infrastructure development of the Tropicana Field site with plans to partner with a development team.

July 28, 2020

St. Pete 2.0: Imagining the New Tropicana Field Site [Survey]

The planned redevelopment of the 86-acre Tropicana Field site hit a milestone in July when the City issued a request for proposals to find a master developer.

July 30, 2020

St. Pete 2.0 Results: Imagining the new Tropicana Field site

We used the forum of St. Pete 2.0 to get a sense of what’s most important to the community as the Tropicana Field site is redeveloped.

August 19, 2020

Council Passed the First Reading of the Coastal High Hazard Area (CHHA)

With a vote of 7-1, City Council voted to continue to make progress with the Coastal High Hazard discussion.

August 21, 2020

Trop Redevelopment Will Live Up to Promises to Black Community, City Leaders Say

City leaders emphasize promises to the Black Community to ensure their wellbeing and opportunities as the Trop redevelopment project take way.

December 11, 2020

Terminal entrance to St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport

Coming Soon to an Airport Near You!

Airport Director Tom Jewsbury discusses renovation and construction developments at the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE). Read more on our blog!

April 8, 2019

Monochromatic photo of Tropicana Field and the St. Pete skyline

SPDP Press Release – The Rays in St. Petersburg and Montreal

The Downtown Partnership has been a long-time advocate for economic growth in our urban center and the Rays are an important part of our urban economy.

June 9, 2019

Molly Alexander - Executive Director, Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation

For 30+ years, Molly Alexander has enjoyed a successful career focused on downtown revitalization and economic development.

February 3, 2022

Cheryl Washington - President and CEO, East Baltimore Development, Inc.

Cheryl Washington is the President and Chief Executive Office for East Baltimore Development, Inc.

February 3, 2022

Karen Johnson - Chief Real Estate Officer, East Baltimore Development, Inc.

Karen Major Johnson joined East Baltimore Development Inc. as the Family Advocacy Department Attorney & currently serves as the Chief Real Estate Officer.

Cris Jones - Director of Community Vitality, City of Boulder Colorado

While technically a native of Colorado, Cris Jones is, at heart, an army brat with family roots in Utah.

February 3, 2022

Matt Rader - President, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

Matt Rader is the 37th President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

February 3, 2022

Cranes and a partially constructed building along a Downtown St. Pete road

NTM-1 Statement from the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership

Limited buildable residential land in St. Pete, combined with high construction costs and unprecedented demand are contributing to rapidly rising housing costs.

February 24, 2022

Aerial photo of Albert Whitted Airport and St. Pete skyline in partly cloudy weather

Albert Whitted Airport Statement from the Downtown Partnership

As St. Pete continues to grow, we support data-based, long term analysis about future land use, including the publicly owned land at Albert Whitted Airport.

March 1, 2022

Dawn Shirreffs, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) Florida Director

As the Environmental Defense Fund’s Florida Director, Dawn Shirreffs leverages scientists and economists to help Florida to better address climate change.

April 15, 2023

Mayor Welch Highlights Progress and Priorities After 100 Days in Office

On Friday, Mayor Kenneth T. Welch celebrated his 100th day in office. The milestone is an opportunity for him to reflect, evaluate, and look forward.

April 18, 2022

Paper heart cutout held in front of St. Pete skyline

City of St. Petersburg Holds Public Meeting for First Community Benefits Agreement Development Project: 800 1st Ave. S.

Earlier this year, the City of St. Petersburg announced the launch of the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) program.

May 9, 2022

Community Benefit Commitments of the Two Finalist Developers for Tropicana Field

The Tropicana Field redevelopment project marks the 1st time in the history of St. Petersburg that race equity was a required focal point of a major development

June 14, 2022

Mayor giving press conference in front of Tropicana Field

Partnership Recommendations for Historic Gas Plant District Redevelopment

SPDP recognizes the unique characteristic of the Historic Gas Plant District site to transform our urban center and expand prosperity to the entire community.

January 13, 2023

Endorsements of Tropicana Field Redevelopment Plans Sent to St. Pete City Hall

Endorsements and letters of recommendation are trickling in about which team the city should pick to redevelop the Historic Gas Plant district, home to the Trop

January 17, 2023

Downtown St. Pete skyline showing Tropicana field in the early evening

St. Petersburg Bets on Affordable Housing at the Trop. Can it Deliver?

Mayor Ken Welch ripped up his predecessor’s plans for the Trop site and prioritize affordable housing for the historic Gas Plant district.

January 18, 2023

The rainbow City of St. Pete flag in front of Tropicana Field

Rays Have a Developer and a Plan For a Stadium. Do They Have a Partner in St. Pete?

It’s decision time in the city. The same momentous, once-in-a-lifetime decision that keeps playing round and round in these parts.

January 30, 2023

Partnership Statement of Support For the Gas Plant Redevelopment Plans

We appreciate the approach Mayor Welch used to make this decision. The Hines-Rays team has the means to deliver and honor the history of the site.

January 30, 2023

Photo of people walking in Downtown Tampa

St. Pete Partnership Tours Downtown Tampa

Thank you to the Tampa Downtown Partnership for a tour of Water Street, and thank you to the Looper Trolley and Cross-Bay Ferry for providing our transportation

February 14, 2023

Photo of single family home next to trees

St. Petersburg Approves Allowing Some Single-Family Homes to become Multifamily

The City Council on Thursday approved allowing owners of nearly 3,000 properties in the urban core to turn them into up to four residences.

March 30, 2023

Partnership Attends Chambers Thinking Outside the Burg Trip to Austin

The Downtown Partnership’s, Jason Mathis, and Nicole Roberts, plan to attend the St. Pete Chamber of Commerce’s "Thinking Outside the 'Burg" Trip to Austin.

April 13, 2023