St Petersburg / St Pete Beach / South Pinellas Development News

[Jasonhouse]

List compiled courtesy of multifamilyinvestor


Signature Place- 36 stories, topped out, 366 feet, completion 2008, 221 units
http://www.signaturestpete.com/
http://www.stpetetimes.com/2005/04/07/images/large/B_6_6bcondo_211580_0407.jpg

Tropicana Block- 33 story condo, 36 story hotel, 585 units, proposed
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/04/27/images/large/Local_carlton_1566960.jpg

Fuel Group Tower - 32 stories, 260 hotel rooms, 111 condos, proposed
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/04/25/images/tb_hotel.jpg

The Edge: 31 stories, 176 units, 369 feet, site cleared, site being used for equipment storage
http://www.attheedge.com/
http://www.lordaecksargent.com/Images/ACFE384.jpg
http://www.lordaecksargent.com/Images/ACFE388.jpg

400 Beach Drive: 28 stories, 91 units, recently complete
http://www.400beachdrive.com/
http://www.opuscorp.com/assets/img/projects/f_mul_ext_beachd_l_01.jpg

Progress Energy Florida Office Building & Grand Bohemian- Office building complete, condotel building in sales, 26 stories, 22 condo units, 350 feet
http://www.grandbohemianresidences.com/
http://www.sptimes.com/2005/05/13/building_block/buildingblock.gif

The Tamarind On Central - 27 stories, 270 units, 300 feet
http://www.tamarindoncentral.com/
http://www.lordaecksargent.com/Images/XX_060207(rendered)small-L.jpg

The Arts- 35 story buildings, approved, in sales, 503 units, 310 feet, Cuhuly Art exhibit
New:
http://www.alfonsoarchitects.com/images-news/Arts%20center-02.jpg
http://www.alfonsoarchitects.com/images-news/Arts%20center-03.jpg
http://www.alfonsoarchitects.com/images-news/Arts%20center-01.jpg

Old:
http://theartsofstpete.com/
http://www.kobikarp.com/images/theartnew003.jpg
http://www.kobikarp.com/images/theartnew004.jpg

Ovation- 26 stories, 40 units, 358 feet, retail, U/C
http://www.ovationjmc.com/
http://www.newcondosonline.com/photos/th_off1493.jpg

La Vista - 25 stories, 97 units, 375 feet
http://www.bisonfinancial.com/sale/images/lavista_northelev_400.jpg

Liberty Bayfront Hotel- 22 stories, 260 feet, 252 hotel rooms, PRP
http://www.tampabay.com/multimedia/archive/00023/nal_biz051808_23831c.jpg

Bayway Lofts:
http://www.sptimes.com/2006/02/24/images/large/B_1_1bnewloft_235165_0224.jpg

The Vanguard
http://www.condoinvestmentrealty.com/images/property_pics/vangard_condos/project_lead_big.jpg

The Sage Condominiums- 13 stories, 140 units, 130 feet, topped out
http://www.thesagecondos.com/
http://www.lordaecksargent.com/Images/ACF8F7.jpg

The Winward: 2x 11 stories
http://www.thewindwardfl.com/
http://www.weddingarchitects.com/images/company/people/windward%20large.jpg

All Children's Hospital Expansion
http://www.karlsberger.com/images/projects/All%20Childrens/MainEntryRndr-AllChld-0306.jpg

USF St. Petersburg Dorm- complete
http://www.bn9.com/images/news/2006/2/11/lgres.jpg

Plaza on Fifth Ave
http://www.stpetedna.org/wPlaza.jpg

1010 Central
http://www.lordaecksargent.com/Images/X_24605R01S-L.jpg

Corey Landing- 77 feet tall, Wyndham Hotel, 200 hotel rooms, 336 unit marina, retail, APR

Treasure Island Publix- 2 stories, 25,000 sq. feet, topped out

http://stpeteshines.stpete.org/projects/spedd/18-spedd121702/current%20dev%20map%203-06.pdf

http://sptimes.com/2006/03/19/skyline/

[smiley]

Building to fall so another can rise
By PAUL SWIDER
Published June 7, 2006

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ST. PETERSBURG - The old makes way for the new Thursday on First Avenue S when a 13,000-pound wrecking ball will have at BayView Tower to clear land for Signature Place, the angular tower slated to be Pinellas County's tallest residential building.

The nondescript BayView, with its blank concrete and tiny windows, was once the Cramer Federal Building, an eight-story block built in 1967 and sold to Joel Cantor of Gulf Atlantic Real Estate in 1999. Cantor will now replace it with a soaring 35-story wing of glass and steel, a luxury tower featuring a water wall and bay views from every unit.

"Signature Place was born from a passion ... to design a thought-provoking building that stands the test of time in terms of style and vigor," Cantor said.

Many have felt Cantor's passion as 70 percent of the complex's 243 units have been sold. Those buyers have been invited to the BayView demolition and one of them will win a raffle for the chance to command the wrecking ball into action. Demolition will take some six weeks, but construction of the new building may begin sooner because its footprint does not overlap the existing building.

At one point, the project envisioned keeping BayView, said sales director Debbie ******, but architect Ralph Johnson decided the office and retail space for the project would better fit in newer buildings so the entire project would match.

"We didn't want to put this amazing building next to that," she said. "In order to create a true landmark, we need to take the whole block."

In addition to the tower, the Signature complex will include 19,000 square feet of retail space and 36,000 square feet of offices, as well as a five-story parking garage and waterfall. Some of the less-expensive loft units in the complex will be in the two low-rise buildings adjoining the tower.

The $200-million Signature complex is expected to be completed by the end of 2008. Prices range from $400,000 to $4-million, ****** said.

Crews have been demolishing the interior of BayView for several months in preparation for tearing it down. Before the big hits, Cantor let the St. Petersburg Police Department use the empty interior for training exercises, ****** said, because it provided a real-life environment in which they need not fear injury to bystanders or damage to property. The developer had hoped to have a police rappelling demonstration down the face of the building before demolition began, but plans have not been finalized, ****** said.

Invitations went out to about 150 people for the demolition party, ****** said, but she doesn't expect all the buyers to attend. Units have been sold throughout the building, including two of the five penthouses - one for $1.4-million, the other for $2.9-million - including a couple to unnamed Tampa Bay Buccaneers players.

****** said buyers have already started to get to know one another at a party for the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, which residents will be able to watch from above once Signature is completed. She said about half the buyers are from the Tampa Bay area, but others are from all over the United States and some from Europe. Cantor's stated intention is to create a building of international renown for a changing downtown.

"People want to be in a landmark," ****** said, noting that the Signature, slightly taller than the Bank of America building, will be as or more visible on the city's skyline. Principal designer Ralph Johnson, of Miami-based Perkins+Will, has said he had the city's skyline in mind while working on the project.

"It is art and architecture that defines great cities," Johnson said.

Paul Swider can be reached at 892-2271 or pswider@sptimes.com or by participating in itsyourtimes.com.

[Last modified June 7, 2006, 06:44:22]
http://www.sptimes.com/2006/06/07/Neighborhoodtimes/Building_to_fall_so_a.shtml

[kjd4591]

Anyone who would care to visit their website can go to http://www.signaturestpete.com/
I'm working the wife about this place. It looks to be the class of St. Pete (yeah, I know about The Ovation).

[I-275westcoastfl]

Good to know its finally starting.

[Maxim98]

Hottest project in the Bay Area.

[Tallaman]

I'm glad to see this one get started. From what I've seen and read, it looks truly world class. It'll be a real plus for ST Pete.

[Quegiebo]

The architecture is incredible and the 5-story waterfall looks amazing!

Keep "working the wife," kjd45. :)

[Hannibal]

Here's an interesting article in the "Weekly Planet". Seems like the author believes St. Pete has a lot of potential!
http://www.weeklyplanet.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A52700

[smiley]

You know, St. Pete is doing a great job, but the authors of the article are idiots. They define downtown St. Pete as basically being anything while downtown Tampa is basically seven blocks.

[FloridaFuture]

You know, St. Pete is doing a great job, but the authors of the article are idiots. They define downtown St. Pete as basically being anything while downtown Tampa is basically seven blocks.

You're very right, this article reminds me of a St. Pete Times Tampa sucks/ St. Pete Rocks article.

[Hannibal]

A little touchy eh? I was born in Tampa at St. Joe's almost half a century ago. I'm anxious to see Tampa come back to life as much as anyone. Maybe more. But what I read seemed to have at least some truth and accuracy to it. A little constructive criticism may be hard to bear but, if it's the truth, it could be used to help decide our future. St. Pete has a reputation of old geezers playing shuffle-board and bums on green benches to rid itself of. So far so good. If DT Tampa shuts down at night, hopefully that'll change with the residential buildings going up all over the place. To see what the Amtrak station has turned into with the area around it is sad. That area of DT has potential. I have high hopes for it. To have a nice lunch in a nice restaurant across from a beautiful train station in the middle of an attractive downtown neighborhood before catching the train means as much to me as an active nightlife to others. I have high hopes to experience that before my number is up. The train doesn't even come to St. Pete anymore. I like to think of St. Pete as a little tiny Chicago and Tampa as a little tiny Manhattan. Both cities have come a long way in the past few years and both have a long way to go. I'm proud to have been born in Tampa and proud to live in St. Pete. Tampa and St. Pete can both feed off of each others successes and both can suffer each other's losses. Aside from the comparisons, we're really in it together. Tampa was a beauty last night while driving back from Brandon. It looks waaayyyy bigger at night! :cheers:

[Maxim98]

Like the article, but not the slant. Read this at work on my break.... pretty decent.

[kentski]

It's finally happening (seems like we've been waiting for two years to get construction started). All of the tenants are out of the old, dilapidated strip mall at US 19 and Belleair, and the entire area has been fenced in with the fronts taken down. Now demolition begins with a Ground Breaking Celebration on June 29th, with the ribbon cutting scheduled at 4:30pm in case anyone is in the neighborhood.

It's going to be a great project if it gets built as planned.

[I-275westcoastfl]

^what exactly are they going to build there?

[kentski]

^what exactly are they going to build there?

Don't know how much of this has changed, but I doubt very little ... if I recall correctly, the hotel was 10 stories, and the other buildings were 6 to 8 stories.

Mystery at the cay
What's in store for Clearwater Cay and Cove Cay Marina? Neighbors and city officials want to know more.
By WILL VAN SANT, Times Staff Writer
Published August 28, 2005

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


CLEARWATER - It's envisioned as a bit of Venice by the shores of Old Tampa Bay.

Developers plan to invest millions in the redevelopment and expansion of the Clearwater Cay Club on the north shore of Allen's Creek. The Mediterranean-themed project would boast housing, a hotel, spa, shops and a main street called Via Veneto, according to documents filed with the city.

To pay for the 49-acre project, the owners of Clearwater Cay have asked the city to create a community development district. The designation, the first of its kind in Clearwater, would allow the owners to borrow money on the bond market to pay for construction, then repay the debt by collecting mandatory assessments from anyone who owns property in the district.

Developers have declined opportunities to discuss their plans with a reporter. But at least two groups, Clearwater officials and residents of a nearby condominium complex who fear their marina may be in jeopardy, have questions.

Clearwater officials will discuss the proposal at a workshop Monday. The first of two public hearings on the issue is scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m. Both meetings will take place at City Hall.

If the district is approved, the city would continue to receive property taxes from the area but would no longer be responsible for maintaining infrastructure there. But officials are wary because similar independent districts have sought to come under municipal oversight when maintenance costs climb.

"To us, it's interesting," said Garry Brumback, assistant city manager. "The downside is, talk to me in 20 years. They have a tendency to want to give it back."

Clearwater Cay now has some 336 residential units on 24 acres. The expanded development district would total 49 acres with 195 residences, 119 hotel rooms, 17,300 square feet of office space, 103,000 square feet of retail and 27,000 square feet of restaurant space, according to documents.

The plan, which calls for an initial bond issue of up to $34.4-million, would involve replacing the nearby Levitz shopping mall with new stores.

Clearwater officials stress that what's being considered now is simply the creation of the district. Approval of specific projects at the site would be subject to the standard development approval process.

That's small comfort to some residents of Cove Cay condominiums, which lie just south of the proposed district across Allen's Creek.

The proposed district includes the submerged lands beneath the creek and terminates on the shores of a 4-acre site, the Cove Cay Marina, that's home to a few boat slips.

Some Cove Cay residents fear that the developers want the land for the future site of an upscale marina, complete with high-rise dry storage for boats and perhaps deepened channels that could service the pricy yachts of future Clearwater Cay tenants. Expanded water access and marine recreational facilities could prove a big draw, Cove Cay residents point out.

Just what plan exists for the Cove Cay Marina site is unknown. The owners of Clearwater Cay who have petitioned the city for creation of the district, David Schwarz and Dave Clark, did not return calls from the Times.

However, evidence suggests that a plan does exist.

Cove Cay is home to four condominium villages, as well as the Cove Cay Golf & Country Club. Some residents belong to the club, but not all.

The country club has filed a lawsuit against the four condo villages seeking to abolish restrictions on the marina site found in a 1977 deed. Those restrictions require that the marina only be used by country club and Cove Cay residents for 40 years.

The lawsuit argues that the use of the marina site has changed over the years and that it's no longer used exclusively by country club members.

Attorney Scott Callahan is the registered agent for the ownership group behind the Clearwater Cay development plan. He belongs to the Orlando law firm that filed the lawsuit on behalf of the club.

Callahan did not return repeated calls from a reporter, nor did the president of the Cove Cay Country Club, Bill Torrey.

Douglas Crum is a 24-year resident of Cove Cay. He lives in the village closest to the marina and said tension in the community over what plans Clearwater Cay may have for the site is worsening because of all the mystery.

"Somebody knows," he said. "But they won't tell anybody."

Nor, he said, is this any way for neighbors to behave.

"We're not being treated like friends. We are being treated like strangers."

Will Van Sant can be reached at 445-4166 or vansant@sptimes.com

[Agent Orange]

I had a bit of free time downtown this afternoon, so I took a couple of pics. There was more activity than I had expected, I think I'll be back next month to check out the other projects.

http://static.flickr.com/48/177462955_e0d4480c49.jpg

Recently completed McNulty Lofts

http://static.flickr.com/73/177462957_5b619b39be.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/47/177464207_07660f4d89.jpg

Clearing the way for the Signature Place

http://static.flickr.com/73/177462958_98409aae7b.jpg

Progress Engery tower making a dent in the skyline (or is that the Grand Bohemian? Wouldn't know because I can't find the old Pinellas Development thread)

[smiley]

That's Progress Energy - I hope it does not end up that boxy

[kjd4591]

Went by it yesterday. That's the Progress Energy building. They have not started on The Bohemian yet, which is a shame, because that will put a dent in the skyline. Echo comments on Signature Place.

[TampaMike]

The Old Thread

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=78730

[I-275westcoastfl]

That's Progress Energy - I hope it does not end up that boxy
Box or not i think the building will turn out good.

[Agent Orange]

That's Progress Energy - I hope it does not end up that boxy

Thanks for the clarification. I thought the same thing about the shape when I saw it.

And thanks for the link NPRguy. I figured the thread had been moved to the archive subforum.

As an aside, yesterday I was reminded of an urban feature in downtown St Pete that needs to be replicated. That would be the balconies above the sidewalk on Central (particularly the 200 block.) This allows for nearly day long shade, which is essential in the summer months. I believe this is common in New Orleans’ French Quarter, and it makes sense. No one enjoys walking around in urban areas with the radiant sunlight, scorching heat and stifling humidity that we're known for in Florida. Street trees do not always provide enough shade (plus they take years to reach maturity). The balcony-shaded sidewalks provide an assurance of sun protection. I think new, urban developments in hot, sunny locales such as Florida would benefit from using this model. It would encourage pedestrians to linger, sidewalk cafes would be viable year round. Sounds like a win win for everybody, but I’m sure it’s highly illegal.

[TampaMike]

Thanks for the clarification. I thought the same thing about the shape when I saw it.

And thanks for the link NPRguy. I figured the thread had been moved to the archive subforum.

As an aside, yesterday I was reminded of an urban feature in downtown St Pete that needs to be replicated. That would be the balconies above the sidewalk on Central (particularly the 200 block.) This allows for nearly day long shade, which is essential in the summer months. I believe this is common in New Orleans’ French Quarter, and it makes sense. No one enjoys walking around in urban areas with the radiant sunlight, scorching heat and stifling humidity that we're known for in Florida. Street trees do not always provide enough shade (plus they take years to reach maturity). The balcony-shaded sidewalks provide an assurance of sun protection. I think new, urban developments in hot, sunny locales such as Florida would benefit from using this model. It would encourage pedestrians to linger, sidewalk cafes would be viable year round. Sounds like a win win for everybody, but I’m sure it’s highly illegal.
Actually it was on the next page. :)

I agree. I wouldn't like drinking my work lunch drinking my cappuchino9sp?0 in the burning heat. How is it illegal?

[multifamilyinvestor]

That's Progress Energy - I hope it does not end up that boxy


I think you are reacting to the first several floors which are the parking garage. Once they finish the outside it will look different. The facade will vary between concrete and glass. Plus there are several floors to go which will make it taller and less square. These two pics are almost looking at the exact same angle:

http://static.flickr.com/73/177462958_98409aae7b.jpg

http://www.sptimes.com/2005/05/13/building_block/buildingblock.gif

I know the building is not Signature Place, but it is a new Class A office building downtown with a Fortune 250 Tenant who is commited to developing downtown St. Petersburg as they lured the hotel next door and are developing space for the college and museum

[smiley]

My point is that the rendering looks fine, but the reality does not appear to comport with the rendering. Hoepfully it will.

[Agent Orange]

How is it illegal?

I mean that it is likely that there are laws preventing overhanging stuctures from being built above the sidewalks and so close to the street.

[Agent Orange]

Facing a slumping area condo market, the developer of the Grand Bohemian redraws plans.

By STEVE HUETTEL, Times Staff Writer
Published July 1, 2006
------------------------------------------------------------------------

ST. PETERSBURG - With downtown condominium sales weakening, the developer of the Grand Bohemian Hotel & Residences is redesigning the $100-million project with more hotel rooms and fewer condos.

Richard Kessler has asked the city to modify development plans for the 28-story tower to include 260 hotel rooms, an increase of 50 percent, and nearly twice as much event and meeting space.

http://money.tampabay.com/2006/06/30/images/hotel.jpg

He wants to cut the number of residential condos, priced from $500,000 to $5-million for penthouse suites, from 82 to 52.

Representatives of Kessler met with St. Petersburg officials last week and "were concerned about getting enough condos sold to complete the project," said Rick Mussett, the city's development administrator.

Kessler said "several" customers made condo reservations, which don't require nonrefundable deposits. The main reason for the change, he said, is the hotel would be more profitable with more than 200 rooms.

His development deal with the city requires Kessler to close on the property, part of the old Maas Brothers department store site, by Aug. 15. A contract amendment scheduled to go before the City Council on Thursday would move the deadline back one year and allow the project changes.

Construction was originally set to begin last month but has been moved back to early 2007, said Kessler. The Grand Bohemian will open sometime in 2009.

Some 3,000 new condos are under construction or planned for downtown. "We've got so many condos going up, we'd like to see more different types of uses," said Mussett. "We've been encouraging them all along to have as many hotel units as possible."

Kessler's company, the Orlando-based Kessler Collection, specializes in high-end resort hotels built to AAA four-diamond standards. Pinellas has five four-diamond hotels, but only one downtown, the Renaissance Vinoy Resort.

The Westin Grand Bohemian across from City Hall in Orlando features original artwork in rooms, a fine-dining restaurant at street level and nightly performances on an Imperial Grand Bosendorfer piano, one of two in the world.

The St. Petersburg hotel will reflect the same standards and raise the bar for Tampa Bay area hotels, says Kessler. "It will be the first one of that quality, the first true luxury hotel in Tampa-St.Petersburg," he says.

But unlike the Orlando version, the local hotel won't carry the brand of Westin or any other chain.

A hotel "nameplate" establishes a level of quality. More importantly, it brings in bookings through the chain's powerful reservations system and customer loyalty programs. But it also costs hotel owners a significant share of revenues

About one-third of reservations at the Orlando Grand Bohemian come through Westin or its parent, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, said general manager Roger Ploum.

The success of the first Grand Bohemian in Orlando makes Kessler "quite confident" the brand can stand on its own and he plans to expand it to future properties, said spokeswoman Mary Kenny.

Steve Huettel can be reached at huettel@sptimes.com or 813 226-3384.

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/07/01/Business/More_hotel__less_resi.shtml

[I-275westcoastfl]

^As long as they dont cheap out by lowering the height,etc then its all good.

[Dale]

Makes me wonder about the strength of the St. Pete market, that they can't sell the better part of 82 units.

How about Arts ? Ovation ? Edge ? Are they likewise questionable ?

[Quegiebo]

It's definitely the first time I've heard of a slowdown in St. Pete. I hope all of the currently approved projects get a chance to see daylight.

[I-275westcoastfl]

The real estate market has crashed (yes i used crashed its doing poorly) in st.pete due to the idiot insurance problems. :bash: Before that it was doing good.

[Jahi98]

In addition to the recent insurance rate hikes are hitting hard, a lot of projects are hitting the market right now. Perhaps the market isn't as deep as projected. I still think a good number of these projects will still get built. I could see the Arts doing one tower as rental, though. DT, and St. Pete in general, could use some new rental.

[John F]

I've heard more of people getting out of Pinellas (and Florida) than buying in with thanks to Insurance rates...

[Dale]

That bad ? I haven't heard of the insurance rates eviscerating other markets.

[I-275westcoastfl]

^Here it is that bad Dale, all big insurance companies have moved out and arent writing policies and that idiot citizens insurance is left. Also to get a loan you need insurance and think how many people can buy a house here without a loan so our shitty market people are still selling but not buying, plus moving out.

[Dale]

But I'm curious as to why this would be a St. Pete thing. I haven't seen these kind of rumblings in connection with other Florida markets.

[I-275westcoastfl]

I cant really say much about other florida markets but i know its affecting the bay area pretty good ive been looking it up because we have a house we are trying to sell and then we will buy. All i gotta say its buyers market, ive noticed you can get better deals on pre-owned houses than before, not to mention every street has a few for sale signs.

Id like to know how other areas of florida would be affected and and answering your question i think its because st.pete is a blue collar city and the rise in insurance is affecting people greatly. But with developers i think they see the way things are going and arent willing to risk as much. Also i think until the insurance issue is solved we will see less developments. The insurance compaines like oil companies can kiss my ass.

[Maxim98]

Insurance is a horrible problem here. Horrible.

Hopefully the hotel redesign won't alter the interesting design of the structure...

[smiley]

While insurance may be an issue to some people in some areas, it should have little to do with a big condo tower. I would say that the market is just a bit saturated and interest rates have risen . . .

As for people selling houses, a lot of them bought more than they could afford on adjustable rate or some gimmick mortgage and can't keep going. That will only increase over time.

[John F]

While insurance may be an issue to some people in some areas, it should have little to do with a big condo tower. I would say that the market is just a bit saturated and interest rates have risen . . .

As for people selling houses, a lot of them bought more than they could afford on adjustable rate or some gimmick mortgage and can't keep going. That will only increase over time.

While the condo statement is true...

...I know people who have lived in theior neighborhoods for 10-20 years. This isn't a product of the BS real estate market that's helping to force them out. It's the state expecting insurance policy holders to accept large rate increases again and again and again.

[I-275westcoastfl]

EDIT nevermind

[Jasonhouse]

Wierd.... My insurance on my townhouse was $780 this year, and the renewal for next year already came and it will be $880 now, but that's partially because I jacked up the coverage by $50k to $260k... And no, it isn't new construction (1983), though it is block wall all the way to the roof...

Of course, I'm in Hillsborough County, outside of the 100year flood plain, and not in any evac zone...

[smiley]

Well that helps. People who ive in flood zones and evacuation areas should not be shocked to see their insurance increase. Insurance covers risks. If you have higher risk, your premium should be higher.

[John F]

I got a friend living in my neighborhood in Palm Harbor -- we're on the highest county in the land. 27 year old building. Not in a flood zone...

3700 a year on insurance right now with more threats of another rate increase.

[kjd4591]

I am writing this from the shores of Lake Michigan (Holland, Mi.). The wife and I are looking for our retirement home (still 10 years way).
Why Michigan? Why move to the (local) bastion of the GOP?
After Nationwide cancelled us and we were forced to go to Citizens and pay over twice what we paid last year when we have never filed a claim, I said to myself, self...this is bullshit.
I was born in Tampa and grew up in Treasure Island. We currently live on Tampa Bay in N.E. St. Pete. I have spent my life living on the water, something I will not give up. But I'll be God-Dam%^& if I'm shuching out that kind of money to a shitload of empty suits who ain't there when you need them, and annoy the hell out of us with stupid commercials (No profit's ?).
This is another classic example of how our elected officials care more about big money than those who elected them.
:bash:

[smiley]

These guys also have a billboard on 275 with a website - but I was driving so I couldn't remember the webaddress by the time I got home . . .

Twin tower project downtown opens sales office
The Arts boasts condos, retail space and a glass artist's gallery.
By PAUL SWIDER
Published July 16, 2006

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ST. PETERSBURG -- While the downtown waterfront fills up with condominium complexes, the western edge of the city's core doesn't lack for attention as city officials and business people witnessed Thursday with the opening of the sales office for the Arts, a 503-unit complex in twin towers straddling Central Avenue at Eighth Street.

"I remember when you could drive down Central Avenue and park illegally and no one would care," said City Council member Rene Flowers during the event at 850 Central, an area once known more for fading retail than gleaming glass and steel.

Dozens of condo projects are on the books, but some have lagged as the market has cooled. That the Arts is moving ahead is a testament to its conceptual appeal, according to the managing director of the project, John Hopengarten of BSR USA, an international development firm.

"A lot of projects sell a lifestyle," Hopengarten said of the standard pool-and-palm development brochure. "We're introducing creativity."

The Arts is so named because of its affiliation with the Arts Center, an educational nonprofit that will become part of the complex, but more so because it will house a 6,000-square-foot gallery of the world's only permanent collection from artist Dale Chihuly. The complex is centered on its association with art and creativity.

"If your project is not differentiated, you might stall," said Yaron David, business development manager for ANB, the St. Petersburg development partner started by Jimmy Aviram. "Any project needs an anchor hook. Beach Drive has the water. Our anchor out here is the arts."

David said Aviram could not be at the opening because he was in Europe scouting for more artistic elements and people to infuse the project. He said sales efforts overseas and in the United States are progressing well for what he said was a development looking forward to the 21st century's "idea-based economy."

"This is so cool," said Mayor Rick Baker, who cut the ribbon at the sales center. "It's really remarkable to see what's going on in our little burg."

Unlike some other developments that are founded strictly on advanced sales, BSR and ANB provide more patient capital for the $370-million project. Hopengarten said bringing such partners together on a project here is evidence of the city's overall development.

"For us to come to St. Petersburg is good for St. Petersburg," he said, adding that BSR is also eyeing at least two other projects in the downtown area. "We've made a long-term commitment."

Hopengarten said construction on the northern half of the project and its first tower will start this year and be completed in 26 months. The second half will start before the first is completed, but when it starts is a matter of how rapidly it sells, he said.

Also on the northern portion will be a redevelopment of the Arts Center within the old Union Trust Bank building. At full buildout, that $23-million project will rise as high as eight stories adjacent to the bank, with 123,000 square feet of gallery, education and working space for artists. The four-story Chihuly gallery, designed by Alfonso Architects of Tampa, will sit next to what will later be known as the Beth Ann Morean Arts Center.

The condo towers themselves will be 31 stories each with a total of 850,000 square feet broken into two- and three-bedroom units and penthouses. Prices start in the high $300,000s, Hopengarten said. There will also be 30,000 square feet of retail space in the complex designed by Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design of Miami.

BSR has an established international reputation for developments in Israel and Eastern Europe, but has ventured into the U.S. market only recently, Hopengarten said. He added that when BSR chairman Kalman Sufrin visited St. Petersburg, he phoned back to the company's European headquarters and told the staff he was in paradise.

"The city has been wonderful to work with," Hopengarten said. "This is the most prodevelopment city I've ever been in."

Paul Swider can be reached at 892-2271 or pswider@sptimes.com or by participating in itsyourtimes.com.

[Last modified July 15, 2006, 23:32:23]
http://www.sptimes.com/2006/07/16/Neighborhoodtimes/Twin_tower_project_do.shtml

[smiley]

St. Peter's, developer rethinking condo plan
A cathedral official says it will proceed with plans to get the space it needs to remain a viable congregation downtown.
By WAVENEY ANN MOORE, Times Staff Writer
Published July 16, 2006

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ST. PETERSBURG - Redevelopment plans for St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral, which more recently had called for a 22-story condo tower with a six-level garage in the city's downtown, might be changing again.

This time, the congregation's desire for updated facilities and additional parking could fall victim to climbing interest rates, a slowing real estate market and soaring construction costs.

Even if the cathedral has to scuttle its multimillion-dollar project, it will proceed with plans to get the space it needs to remain a viable congregation downtown, said Pam League, St. Peter's business administrator. A decision probably will come this week, she said.

St. Peter's deliberations come at a time when at least one developer is rethinking the downtown condo market. Richard Kessler, developer of the Grand Bohemian Hotel & Residences, has announced plans to redesign his $100-million project to provide more hotel rooms and fewer condos.

St. Peter's is mulling the feasibility of building office space, besides its own. "I don't think it will be a high rise," said League, who said it would be "limited."

Any decision would be driven by costs, she said.

Kevin Dunn, managing director of development coordination for the city, said the number of development applications for condos in the city's downtown is slowing slightly.

There's room for new office projects, he said. Apart from the Progress Energy building, there has not been a new office project in the city's downtown in years, he said. "The addition would be well received," he said. "It's good to have diversity and balance in your downtown."

The cathedral's condominium project has been planned with Cathedral Partners LLC, a subsidiary of the Bullard Group. St. Peter's, at 140 Fourth St. N, has an agreement with the developer to build a tower that would include 80 condos ranging from the mid $300,000s to $1-million. Under the agreement, Cathedral Partners would give the 900-member congregation 51,700 square feet in the new building for a parish hall, nursery, kitchen, new chapel and other facilities. The congregation would also get 35 permanent parking spaces and a minimum of 95 on Sundays in the garage. In return, St. Peter's would give Cathedral Partners $5-million and the right to build on its property. St. Peter's historic Gothic revival cathedral would remain untouched.

The project has been opposed by some longtime congregation members, who have called it financially unsound and claim that the developer would benefit at the cathedral's expense. Now it seems St. Peter's leaders and the developer might be rethinking the controversial project.

"We've been in discussion over the rising cost of building, the cost to borrow, the actual real estate market," League said Friday.

"Yet we have a very great need for new buildings. We're in flux in just trying to pull it to a conclusion, but no matter what, we are going to build the space that we need. No decision has been made. We probably won't know until next week. We're very determined to build. Whether we can do this in cooperation with the developer, or whether we need to find other ways, needs to be seen."

The developer, she added, has been "great partners and we have been treated very well by them."

Marie Dahm, who has opposed the project, believes the cathedral should drop Cathedral Partners.

"As a real estate broker, I have the privilege of knowing about real estate transactions before the public learns about them. Unfortunately, I am not at liberty to disclose a real estate transaction that is within walking distance to St. Peter's. The selling price of that parcel, which does not have Fourth Street frontage and is much smaller, is contracted to close for $7-million," she wrote in an e-mail.

St. Peter's should thank Fred B. Bullard III of Cathedral Partners "for his efforts and wish him well," she said.

Bullard did not return calls to either his office or cell phone to talk about the project.

St. Peter's has struggled for almost a decade to redevelop its property, which includes the former First Baptist Church of St. Petersburg. Preservationists opposed plans to raze the historic neoclassical former Baptist church for the cathedral's redevelopment plans, which at one time were more modest than the current ones.

In 2001, St. Peter's won support from Mayor Rick Baker, who told the City Council he thought it was more important to save a congregation than an unused building. That year the council agreed to let the cathedral demolish the old sanctuary, provided it could demonstrate it had money for new construction. The church was given until December 2004 to raise the money.

As the deadline approached, the City Council granted a request for a one-year extension to the demolition permit, if the cathedral preserved the Baptist church facade. The church won another extension late in 2005.

This year, the plan hit another stumbling block when the city's Environmental Development Commission said that the six-level garage must be enclosed. Bullard said then that the requirement would drive up the cost of the project.

League is not discouraged.

"I've been working on this project for seven years, but we've learned that there's no one right answer, that you've got to be constantly open to looking at your options and understanding the environment you're in," she said.

[Last modified July 15, 2006, 23:32:56]
http://www.sptimes.com/2006/07/16/Neighborhoodtimes/St_Peter_s__developer.shtml

[Dale]

I was just reading the latest Maddux Report and I did not know that downtown Clearwater is perched atop the highest coastal bluff in Florida - 27' !

Anyway, there's a nice article about downtown Clearwater's emergence with renderings of Water's Edge, Station Square and info about other projects I didn't know about.

[I-275westcoastfl]

^^ haha clearwater is pretty hilly especially downtown, the house i live in sits on a 6ft foot hill above street level so it has a small chance of ever flooding.

[smiley]

Indeed, northern Pinellas has some nice hills (especially for Florida) - too bad they don't do anything interesting with them.

[I-275westcoastfl]

Like what? I mean they arent that big to do anything that nice?

[TPAMAN]

Dale,
I also read the Maddux Report and specifically the last page each month which lists projects by county. Anyhow, under Pinellas I remember reading about 4, that's right 4 34 story towers being proposed/developed in the downtown area. There is a contact name for the developer but I believe it was located on 2nd or 3rd close to central. There are quite a few developments in Pinellas which may/may not already be listed here.

[kjd4591]

If you have ever played The Islands, and Highlands courses at Innisbrook, you will know that at least some of the hilly area didn't go to waste.

[smiley]

IF they are golf courses - they are wasted

[Jasonhouse]

^Indeed... The water consumed by a golf course automatically makes it a waste, hills or not...

[John F]

Like what? I mean they arent that big to do anything that nice?

Parkland is something nice.

Anyone ever been up at the McMullen property on ALt. 19 (before it was developed) near the water treatment facility? There were rolling hills on the property and when you looked at it, it looked like some of the scenes straight out of "Jurrasic Park" (if there was a brontosaurus reaching up for leaves on the towering trees).

The property was sold to a developer and made into a gated community... If that had become a public park, THAT woudl have been doing something with the hills.

[smiley]

And it is not an area that can be enjoyed by most people - it is not a park - it is not a district -

[kjd4591]

So I understand you guys (Smiley & Jason) we all get excited when developers want to build 55 story condo towers, that very few of us will ever see the inside of, but not when they build a golf course that the public can play.
The 'recliamed' water goes right back into the ground and eventually the aquafer to be used again years from now.
Makes no sense to me, but then again I think the St. Pete Times doesn't have a bias against Tampa.........

[I-275westcoastfl]

^^i think its because golf courses sprawl i have no problem with them this is florida after all. And reclaimed water is used water that is cleaned to a certain extent and used in sprinklers and stuff i hope it does not go back to the aquifers.

[Jasonhouse]

I would rather see a large public park instead of a golf course... Not like there shouldn't be any golf courses, it's just that I think that when they have lived out their usefullness as a golf course, then the local governing body should be all over the land like white on rice.

[kjd4591]

Jason,
I understand the public park thing, and across 19 is Anderson Park on Lake Tarpon.
A great (even good) golf course will never outlive it's usefullness.
I hope you agree that we need the green space a course provides coexisting with the commercial development we follow here.
Go rent Happy Gilmore, Tin Cup, or the greatest, Caddyshack....maybe you'll change your mind about golf. :)

[smiley]

A small step forward

Does West Bay's future point upward?
Largo's plan for a "city center" in the area would increase density and perhaps allow buildings of six stories or taller.
By LORRI HELFAND, Times Staff Writer
Published August 4, 2006

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LARGO - Most who attended the city's first Downtown Economic Summit welcomed the idea of a very different West Bay Drive.

About 60 residents, property owners and business leaders attended the summit Friday at Largo Library, featuring an explanation of the city's plan to make the West Bay area a "city center," with as many as 40 units per acre in residential and mixed-use areas.

The area of about 300 acres has mostly one- and two-story buildings and allows a maximum density of 15 units per acre. Officials discussed increasing units on or near West Bay Drive by building structures six stories or higher.

Mike Staffopoulos, community development director, said market research showed the city had to increase the number of homes to support current and future businesses in the district.

Most at the summit were open to the idea of doubling or tripling the number of homes allowed in the district, which spans from west of the Pinellas Trail to Largo Central Park.

"It seems to me the city center concept would be absolutely ideal," said Jim Parker, a property owner and former president of the Downtown Largo Main Street Association.

Largo/Mid-Pinellas Chamber of Commerce president Tom Morrissette said chamber members would back as many as 45 units per acre.

Chamber members also suggested increasing parking options and improving signage, he said.

Property owner Jim Janowski said he supports taller buildings, too, but he wants the city to make sure it can handle the increased traffic that comes with more people.

"I'm all for a vertical increase in density, but what about traffic management," he said. "I don't see the city doing anything to attack that problem."

Staffopoulos said mixed-use developments encourage people to use their cars less. He also said the city is exploring improvements to local mass transit.

Resident Marie Singer said she also was concerned about traffic and the increased crime that comes with cramming lots of people in one place.

Another resident, Curtis Holmes, asked if the area could handle more stress on utilities. He also questioned building up in an area that would be difficult to evacuate in case of a hurricane.

"Why would we continue adding people into a zone where we could be looking at the jaws of death?" he asked.

Plans for the district have been in the works for about a decade. For years, the vision of downtown has been a quaint mix of shops and townhomes.

"Quaint is dying. Quaint has not worked," said City Manager Steve Stanton.

So, in recent months, city leaders have moved toward a more urban vision.

"The only fault I can find is that it's taking this long," said Aleta Higgins, a resident and restaurant owner in the Clearwater-Largo Road area.

Development along West Bay Drive has been sporadic and limited. Most of it has been spurred by city involvement.

In 2002, after several unsuccessful bids, the city sold the former City Hall property to Hyde Park Builders for $1.08-million, half of what officials said it was worth. The developer built 54 townhomes and a commercial complex called West Bay Village.

Two years later, the city sold its old Police Department property for $800,0000 to BayStar Hotel Group, which built the Hampton Inn & Suites. The 2.6-acre site was appraised at about $1.3-million.

During the past 15 years, the city has amassed about a dozen properties near the Community Center in the district. It now plans to combine those properties and market them to a developer.

Stanton said he was pleased that most people who attended the meeting supported the concept, but wished more showed up. The city will hold many more meetings to get feedback from those who live, work and own property in the district, he said.

A City Commission work session on the West Bay Drive area plan is scheduled for September.

[Last modified August 3, 2006, 20:19:17]
http://www.sptimes.com/2006/08/04/Northpinellas/Does_West_Bay_s_futur.shtml

[Jahi98]

Hope a new, more urban plan gets approved. Seminole and Pinellas Park should follow suit.

[I-275westcoastfl]

A city center for largo would be nice but they have a good question about traffic because that area has alot of traffic i know because i go to largo high school.

[I-275westcoastfl]

I like this idea i think it would make St.Pete a very nice, unique, dowtown and also spark more developement in the area.


------------------------------------------------------------------------

Seattle, San Francisco and St. Petersburg?
The push is on to create a fisherman's wharf along St. Petersburg's waterfront. It would revitalize the area, some say. The city isn't so sure.
By AARON SHAROCKMAN and STEPHEN NOHLGREN
Published August 13, 2006

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ST. PETERSBURG - Desperate for space to unload their catch, commercial fisherman want the city to make the Port of St. Petersburg into a thriving fisherman's wharf.

The open-air seafood market - like ones already in Seattle, San Francisco and other major coastal cities - would draw curious tourists and give new downtown residents another destination along St. Petersburg's sprawling waterfront, the fishermen say.

The fisherman say the public wharf also could reinvigorate Florida's smallest port, which has lost $1.2-million since October 2003. It stands to lose an additional $748,000 next year, according to the city.

But city leaders aren't sure what they want to do on the waterfront.

The area already serves as a base of operations for the Coast Guard and several marine research institutions, and the city has long wished the port would become a cruise destination.

Presented recently with the idea of adding a fish market, Mayor Rick Baker was reluctant to commit to any specific future.

For local fishermen, however, St. Petersburg may be their last great hope.

"We are not asking for a free lunch," said Will Ward, a St. Petersburg resident and third-generation fisherman who owns Captain's Finest Seafood in Tampa. "We are asking for something that will provide revenue.

"We could put 100 boats down there tomorrow."

Nowhere else to go

Commercial fishing is a $100-million industry in Pinellas County, Ward estimates. But the local industry is in risk of dying because there is nowhere left for commercial fishermen to dock.

In the past seven years, Pinellas County has lost three of its four largest fish houses to development. The last remaining one, Madeira Beach Seafood, sits on leased land that is for sale.

A handful of small fish houses operate in Tarpon Springs, Madeira Beach and Redington Shores, but their slips can hold only a few dozen boats.

Ward and Bobby Spaeth, who owns Madeira Beach Seafood, are searching for new locations to develop, but coastal land is too expensive.

That's why both have turned to St. Petersburg, a city that still owns much of its waterfront.

Though the two men are working independently, their ideas for the port are similar.

Both want to turn the area into a working waterfront for commercial fisherman.

They believe the spectacle of huge fish being unloaded, hundreds of pounds at a time, is enough to create a tourist attraction.

Plus, visitors could purchase fresh fish right on the waterfront. Where grouper would cost $16 a pound at a grocery store, Ward said it could sell for $10 a pound directly from the fishermen.

There could be flowers and produce and antiques for sale nearby, even a seafood restaurant, Ward and Spaeth say.

"This could be an East Coast San Francisco if they could do it right," said Martin Fisher, a commercial fisherman who sells his catch at St. Petersburg's Saturday market.

"It's just not a place for us to unload our fish," added Ward. "It becomes a BayWalk Two."

Besides dock space, the fishermen would need a place to refuel and huge ice machines to keep their catch fresh, Ward and Spaeth said. They're unsure how much the changes would cost, or who would pay for them.

For it to happen, though, city officials might have to finally abandon one of their longest-held hopes, that St. Petersburg can become a destination for cruise ships.

'Call' unanswered

St. Petersburg leaders have hoped to make their city a port of call for the cruise industry since at least 1986. But cruise ships, including the troubled Ocean Jewel gambling casino, have failed to stick here.

City officials, however, continue to hold some hope.

The city is waiting on a Army Corps of Engineers report to see if a channel could be dug to accommodate hulking, modern cruise liners. That report, due later this year, will likely determine the city's next step.

In the meantime, a series of expansions are being considered along the 1,200-foot-long port wall, including 25,000 additional square feet of retail space and a marine educational component called Port Discovery. That plan, fishermen say, could adapt well into a Fisherman's Wharf-type concept.

Such a partnership would not be unique.

In Martin County, the government agreed in 2004 to lease 600 feet of public dock space to commercial fishermen.

Mike Baker, president of the nonprofit group formed to run the dock, said a riverwalk has already been built and plans are being discussed to add a market component.

And just last month in Indian River County, county commissioners agreed to purchase an old fish house for $1.5-million. Commissioner Wesley Davis, who had pushed the county to purchase the property for more than a year, said it's part of the county's fishing history worth preserving.

Like Martin County, Indian River plans to form a not-for-profit to operate the fish house, located in Sebastian.

"You know the draw people have to the water," Davis said. "Anybody who has had opportunity to watch a working fish operation knows it turns into a tourist attraction."

Could it work here?

City officials like the thought of a working waterfront, though they differ on where it might work best.

Rick Mussett, the city development administrator, said conceivably a wharf could be constructed into the approach to the city's Pier, which is scheduled to be rebuilt in the coming years.

And Mayor Rick Baker said there may be possibilities at the south end of Bayboro Harbor, opposite the port facilities.

"Over the past few years, with the real estate industry being as hot as it is, lots of folks said to change the zoning to allow residential," Baker said of the area around the harbor. "But I've resisted that. Having a marine area is a good thing."

Baker said he would meet with the fishermen to discuss the concept.

City Council member Jamie Bennett said he's interested in the fish house concept at the port, where he said something needs to be done.

"I like the idea of a fisherman's wharf," said Bennett, who offered to work with the fishing industry on a proposal. "What we have down there isn't working. It's high time to try something else.

"Tampa has the port facility," Bennett said. "We need to go for another niche."

Aaron Sharockman can be reached at 727 892-2273 or asharockman@sptimes.com.

[Last modified August 13, 2006, 01:23:13]

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/08/13/Southpinellas/Seattle__San_Francisc.shtml

[Jahi98]

The fishermen's wharf idea is worth exploring.

Ovation's website is up.

www.ovationjmc.com

[Jasonhouse]

Yeah definitely... I think it's a fine idea, and will help the county retain an industry that sounds like it would otherwise be lost... Heck, it might wind up strengthening it...

[TampaMike]

By MIKE DONILA
Published August 21, 2006

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLEARWATER - Right now, the old office building on the 1100 block of Cleveland Street is empty.

Some of its windows are busted out, the color is faded, the awning is torn and the parking lot is barren.

But builders say that's expected to change soon.

Officials with a local real estate development and investment company say they're ready to put $45-million into the Clearwater Centre, a 15-story tower at the eastern gateway to the city's downtown core.

The company, Clearwater Centre LLC, says it will transform the 34-year-old building into a trendy mixed-use development of luxury condos, stores and offices.

Work begins in early fall, and company officials say the building will be ready by spring 2008.

Local leaders say Clearwater Centre, often dubbed "the 1100 Building," will continue the city's efforts to reinvigorate the downtown area.

"Part of the downtown revitalization strategy is getting people to live there ... because once you get the people in, that creates a demand for restaurants and retail," City Manager Bill Horne said. "I think this is an excellent project that will preserve a corner in that part of the downtown in the east and serve as a catalyst for more development there."

The Clearwater Centre LLC project joins several other planned or ongoing housing initiatives downtown, including a 157-unit condominium tower called Water's Edge, which is replacing Calvary Baptist Church; the 146-condo unit Station Square; and another project along Fort Harrison Avenue.

Although the housing market is slow, neither Horne nor Clearwater Centre managing partner Guy Bonneville is concerned about being able to sell the condos, saying the market moves in cycles. Bonneville also said he wasn't worried about possibly oversaturating downtown with condos.

"It doesn't bother me in the least bit," he said. "We're looking at a unique situation that downtown Clearwater offers. This is a ground-floor opportunity.

"There hasn't been a lot happening in a long time and now the city is redoing the landscape, talking about putting a marina at our footsteps, and there are other projects going in. So, we feel really good about what's happening here."

The company bought Clearwater Centre in October 2004 for $5.7-million. In the past, it has mostly been used for offices. Now, though, Bonneville says the plan is to renovate the tower and build a three-story perimeter building connecting to it.

Overall, the property will include 71 condos, 17 one- and two-story residences, and more than 20,000 square feet of upscale retail and office space. The property also will include concierge services, a pool and spa area, as well as a fitness center and party room.

Bonneville said the condos will range from 1,100 square feet to 3,300 square feet in various configurations with one, two and three bedrooms. They will cost between $230,000 and $1.5-million.

Bonneville says, so far, Violet's Caf, a bakery, will move into the building, and he's meeting with two other retail companies, but declined to provide any details about those discussions.

In addition, the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce is moving in. Clearwater Centre LLC recently bought the chamber's 22,000-square-foot building next door for $1.9-million.

Chamber officials said they didn't need as much space, but wanted to stay in the downtown.

"We certainly feel it's very important ... and with all the revitalization and renewal projects going on ... we think in a couple years time it will be a totally different place for people to come and see," said Beth Coleman, chamber president. "It's a very exciting time for downtown Clearwater."

Clearwater Centre LLC officials are still ironing out the details for the chamber building, as well as a 4-acre site they own across the street at Cleveland Street and Madison Avenue.

They say that site - the former Stone Buick dealership - might not tie in with the Clearwater Centre tower project.

Bonneville said the focus for this area is a "lifestyles center" that includes restaurants, retail and offices, but "nothing is firm right now."

Mike Donila can be reached at mdonila@sptimes.com or (727) 445-4160.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

What: Clearwater Centre LLC has plans to turn the 15-story tower at 1100 Cleveland St. into a mixed-use development that will include 71 luxury condominiums and more than 20,000 square feet of retail space.

When: Work starts in the fall, with a scheduled spring 2008 opening date.

COST: About $45-million, according to developers.

Who: So far, the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce and a bakery, Violet's Caf, have committed to moving in.

More information: To check out pictures of the proposed condominiums, visit 1021 Cleveland St. in downtown Clearwater or call (727) 443-1797.

[Dave01walk]

Demolition finished at Signature Place worksite
Tampa Bay Business Journal - 3:02 PM EDT Wednesday

After nearly 10 weeks of wrecking ball demolition, BayView Tower in downtown St. Petersburg is now completely gone. The site where the seven-story, 182,000-square-foot building that was once the William C. Cramer Federal Building once stood will now make way for the 35-story Signature Place tower being constructed by Cantor Development.

JVS Contracting Inc. started the $1.1 million demolition project on June 8 and wrapped up Aug. 15. Demolition workers are now clearing the site of nearly 900 tons of debris, which is expected to take another four to six weeks. Groundbreaking for what will be the tallest building in Pinellas County when finished will take place in the fall.


"We are making steady progress and look forward to finishing off the summer with a blank canvas of a site in which to create the most spectacular livable work of art this city has ever seen," said Joel Cantor, chief executive officer of Cantor Development, in a release.

Signature Place will feature 203 condo residences, with prices beginning at $400,000. There also will be 40 lofts, more than 19,000 square feet of ground-floor retail, more than 36,700 square feet of office space, and a 505-space parking facility. Signature Place also will feature a 35,000-square-foot Sky Garden Oasis, an urban plaza with a six-story waterwall, as well as a spa.

The structure will take up an entire city block at 100 First Ave. S. in St. Petersburg. The first residents are expected to begin moving in by the end of next year.

http://tampabay.bizjournals.com/tampabay/stories/2006/08/21/daily28.html?jst=b_ln_hl

[Jasonhouse]

I'm surprised that there isn't more buzz around here, considering that Pinellas County's new tallest is about to break ground soon.

[smiley]

I don't think the heights are really understood - Iget confused and I have a very nice list.

By thw way, where was the forum

[Jasonhouse]

Getting worked on... It will go down again for a couple of days around this weekend too. The whole server configuration was upgraded, and a powerful database server is being installed to the network.... yeah, something like that.

[Maxim98]

Didn't realize it was THAT building. Awesome stuff.

[TampaMike]

I'll have to find the article, but the condo project in Dunedin has been scrapped.

[Jahi98]

I think One Windward just wasn't in the best location, neither was it all that remarkable, for the prices they were going for.

Snell Isle project gains key support

Neighbors are pleased that SunTrust and Mickey's market would remain in the condo-marina-retail project.

By PAUL SWIDER
Published August 27, 2006

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/08/27/Neighborhoodtimes/Snell_Isle_project_ga.shtml
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ST. PETERSBURG -- After 18 months, several community meetings and numerous rewrites, Carlos Yepes thinks he finally has neighborhood approval for his plan to redevelop Snell Isle Plaza.

Yepes, of Belleair Development Group, will take his $30-million condo-retail-marina project before the city's Environmental Development Commission next month, but he doesn't expect much opposition. Prime among neighborhood concerns was retaining the SunTrust Bank and Mickey's Snell Isle Market, which he has pledged to do.

"Those two elements were very important to the neighbors," said Yepes, who has partnered on the mixed-use project with West Palm Beach developer Kolter Communities. "Now everyone's very supportive of the project."

A commercial building would be constructed first on the property's northern portion, so the bank and market would not need to close during construction, he said. When the new building is ready, they'll move over before the existing building makes way for a 14-story tower containing 68 condominiums.

"We're very excited about what's going in," said Barbara Heck, president of the Snell Isle Property Owners Association. "It's a very big change for everyone."

The project includes an arrangement with the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, which operates the Snell Isle Marina next to the site between Placido Bayou and Snell Isle Boulevard. In exchange for a small waterfront parcel on the east and 14 slips in the marina for his condo residents, Yepes will provide a new dockmaster building, new fuel tanks, a parking lot and other marina improvements for the yacht club.

The plan originally was two condo towers, but now it's one 168-foot building, 50 feet taller than the adjacent Brightwater Towers. Yepes also moved the placement of the building on the property and adjusted entrances and landscaping to accommodate neighbors.

Each condo is to stretch across the width of the building and have balconies facing both east and west. Sizes range from 2,500 square feet to double that for penthouse units. Yepes hasn't set prices yet but said he expects them to run from about $1.1-million to $3-million.

"It's all going to be really first class," he said.

Twelve stories of residences would sit on top of a two-story garage. An amenities deck would also rest on the garage and include a pool and spa.

Yepes won't start building the condo tower until half the units are sold, a feat proving difficult for some developers. One, Windward at Harborage, just closed its doors recently and returned money to those who had put down deposits. Without a certain number of sales, developers can't get the required financing to build. Yepes said he remains confident, particularly because the Pinellas Park developer has prominent Kolter as his partner.

Construction of the commercial building could start as early as January, he said, assuming he gets approvals from the city on his site plan and a special exception for the mixed-use development.

The 7,425 square feet of retail space also may include room for some of the other existing tenants, but Yepes said he can't make any guarantees.

Yepes also is creating a contest to let Snell Isle residents choose the name of the complex.

"Whoever picks the name, we'll put them up at the Vinoy for a weekend," he said.

Residents are looking forward to the contest and the project, Heck said. "It's a nice chance for us to have some input," she said. "That'll be fun."

Paul Swider can be reached at 892-2271 or pswider@sptimes.com or by participating in itsyourtimes.com.

[Last modified August 26, 2006, 20:45:02]

[Jahi98]

I know it's not a skyscraper, but it's a step in the right direction for the creation of a more urban environment, and some needed affordable housing.

Land beckons affordable units

Developers have been invited to submit ideas for 3 city-owned acres in Midtown.

By JON WILSON, Times Staff Writer
Published August 27, 2006

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/08/27/Neighborhoodtimes/Land_beckons_affordab.shtml
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ST. PETERSBURG - Hoping to augment the city's affordable-housing stock, officials want a developer to build homes for people who earn less than the median income.

Townhomes are envisioned for 3.1 acres at 13th Avenue S and 21st Street, right behind the Johnnie Ruth Clarke Health Center. New development regulations are expected to allow 27 units per acre.

The homes would generally be reserved for households with an income of no more than 80 percent of the median, as figured by city housing programs.

For a family of four, that would mean an annual income of $43,500 or less, according to current figures - which are subject to change.

"If (developers are) building at this time next year, there could be a new median income," said Mike Dove, a deputy mayor.

About two weeks ago, officials invited developers to submit their ideas. The deadline is Nov. 13.

Construction might start in 12 to 18 months, officials say.

"I know there's interest. As soon as somebody can get on that land, I think they'll probably start," Dove said. He couldn't recall another affordable-housing project in Midtown initiated by the city.

The property is city-owned and close to several new projects along 22nd Street S, including the Sweetbay Supermarket at 18th Avenue. New housing is important to rejuvenate neighborhoods, said Goliath Davis, deputy mayor for Midtown.

"To have businesses, you need rooftops. We need to get ample housing in the area," Davis said. He said community approval of the housing emerged during meetings officials held with residents, and some of their ideas were included in the request for developers to submit proposals.

It's not certain whether the city will sell or lease the land.

"We're trying to see what the best option is," Davis said. "I would suggest it would either have to be a lease or a pretty reasonable sale."

[Last modified August 26, 2006, 20:59:19]

[I-275westcoastfl]

Snell Isle isnt a good place to live with a single family home but with a condo i guess it could work because nobody lives on the first floor so even when it floods alot it wouldnt affect the units as much except for street access.

[Dale]

Very upbeat feature on St. Pete's downtown development in the latest Maddux Report. Of course Signature Place is underway. And it sounds like Arts Plaza, Ovation and Bohemian are pretty much done deals, although Bohemian is delayed until early 2007 due to reconfiguringation.

[TampaMike]

I drove pass the area when heading to/ back from Ft. Desoto and saw about 4-6 cranes up in the area. Looks pretty sweet!

:)

[smiley]

Downtown may get taller look
By LORRI HELFAND, Times Staff Writer
Published September 13, 2006

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LARGO - The city is moving forward with plans to change the character of downtown.

At Tuesday's City Commission work session, city leaders advised staff to revise a plan for the district that includes buildings up to 10 stories tall along or near West Bay Drive.

"We want to bring the people downtown and we want the densities to get them," Commissioner Rodney Woods said. "I don't think we want to be so restrictive that developers don't want to be there because they can't make money."

Mayor Pat Gerard said the goal was to create a community where people could live, work and play.

While all commissioners said they were open to a handful of taller buildings downtown, Vice Mayor Harriet Crozier and Commissioner Mary Gray Black said they couldn't envision buildings with more than seven stories downtown.

"I just don't see that right in the middle of Largo," Crozier said.

Since a spring city retreat, Largo officials have talked about building more homes downtown to create a stronger market for retail development. Right now, the majority of homes and businesses near the corridor are one- and two-stories tall.

In July, about 60 residents, property owners and business leaders attended a downtown economic summit. Most supported the city's plan for the area, which included taller buildings.

The area of about 300 acres, known as the West Bay Drive Community Redevelopment District, allows a maximum density of 15 units per acre. City staff proposed increasing units in certain areas to allow as many as 45 units per acre for developers who planned to set aside units for affordable housing.

While the proposal would allow taller buildings, there would be requirements to transition the heights of buildings so that multi-story buildings would not be built next to single-story homes.

Mixed-use areas currently hug West Bay Drive. The revised plan also would expand areas slated for a mix of retail and residential to Second Avenue NW and Second Avenue SW.

In the past, development along West Bay Drive has been sporadic and limited, mostly spurred by city involvement.

In 2002, after several unsuccessful bids, the city sold the former City Hall property to Hyde Park Builders for $1.08-million, half of what officials said it was worth. The developer built 54 townhomes and a commercial complex called West Bay Village.

Two years later, the city sold its old Police Department property for $800,000 to BayStar Hotel Group, which built the Hampton Inn & Suites. The 2.6-acre site was appraised at about $1.3-million.

During the past 15 years, the city has amassed more than a dozen properties near the Community Center in the district and along West Bay Drive. It plans to combine those properties and market them to a developer.

[Last modified September 13, 2006, 02:22:43]
http://www.sptimes.com/2006/09/13/Northpinellas/Downtown_may_get_tall.shtml

[Jahi98]

Betting the rent on Central Plaza
Plaza Fifth Avenue apartments will go upmarket, thanks to a bullish Chicago developer.

By PAUL SWIDER
Published October 8, 2006

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/10/08/Neighborhoodtimes/Betting_the_rent_on_C.shtml
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ST. PETERSBURG - Placing a huge bet on the revitalization of the Central Plaza area, a Chicago developer is planning to turn the Plaza Fifth Avenue apartment complex into an upscale rental community.

"We're creating a new product for this community," said Craig Knight of Providence Management Co., which paid $6.7-million in July for the 200-unit, 12-story building at 441 33rd St. N. "This is exactly what we are experts at redeveloping."

Knight said the redevelopment of the building will take two years and include adding "Class A" amenities like a fitness center and pool, as well as new fixtures, appliances and flooring in the apartments. In August the company secured nearly $23-million in financing for the effort.

"It will be a significant transformation," Knight said.

Knight said the 1962 building had been empty for more than a year when his company bought the property. He said he is working on details of design and branding with architect Tim Clemmons. The resulting complex may have fewer units as the interior is reconfigured.

Knight said the company also owns Lakeside Village Apartments on Fourth Street N, Carrollwood Cove in Tampa and a condominium complex in Fort Myers. Providence owns about 4,500 apartment units mostly in the upper Midwest and is just beginning to reach into Florida.

Central Plaza was once a thriving shopping area but fell out of favor as new malls attracted shoppers. It is undergoing revitalization as buyers rehab bungalows around the Central Avenue corridor and retailers follow. The city's planning efforts focus on Central Plaza as an ongoing center of commerce.

Knight said he identifies the apartment complex with the resurgence of the Kenwood neighborhood that is part of redevelopment's westward march.

He said the nearby bus terminal on Central Avenue, plans for bus rapid transit, and the site's positioning near downtown, Interstate 275 and the beaches will make it an attractive location for tenants. He said his company has been waiting for years for the property to come on the market.

In recent years, several apartment complexes have been sold with the buyers aiming to convert them to condos. Many conversions did occur but, as the condo market has fallen off, some have stalled. Knight said there is still a need for apartment living.

"Pinellas County has lost 11,000 apartments to condos since 2001," he said. "There is a strong demand for quality rental product."

Paul Swider can be reached at 892-2271 or pswider@sptimes.com or by participating in itsyourtimes.com.

[Last modified October 8, 2006, 07:55:14]

[dave8721]

I dont know if you guy have seen these renderings or if they have been posted before but I ran across these on a Miami's architect's (Kobi Karp) webpage:

The Arts:
http://www.kobikarp.com/images/theartnew001.jpg

http://www.kobikarp.com/images/theartnew002.jpg

http://www.kobikarp.com/images/theartnew003.jpg

http://www.kobikarp.com/images/theartnew005.jpg

http://www.kobikarp.com/images/night-scene2site.jpg

[TampaMike]

^^^^

Is all the renders the same? Because on the last one one, the top is different thanthe other renders.

I haven't seen the towers, but I think I heatd about them before

[FloridaFuture]

^^ That's 'The Arts' project. They're nice buildings. nothing earth shattering and a little beachy for downtown. Even though they're a little spread out from downtown. But the key is the Cuheley Art exhibit which makes this a huge plus. If anything it'll make a nice entrance to downtown, and add another addition to St. Pete's abundance of museums and art exhibits.:applause:

[TampaMike]

Look at St. Pete in the renders makes me notice how much oppurtunity there is for the city to grow. More than any other city in the Tampa Bay area, even Tampa

[FloridaFuture]

I went by DT St. Pete today on I-275, and the Progress Energy tower looks great. It's excellent infill. Also the Opus project is about half as tall as Parkshore Plaza, or about 15 stories up. There's also a mess of cranes on the Southern end of Downtown, not sure which projects though. Are there any updates on Edge, Signatue Place, or Grand Boheimian?

[TampaMike]

When I have my whole company and all, My first proposal will be for St.Pete. You have an open canvas of oppurtunity just waiting to be painted on.

[Maxim98]

I'd love to see updates on what is U/C and what is proposed.

Hint, hint.

I'll finish the Tampa thread if someone does St. Pete. ;-)

[I-275westcoastfl]

When I have my whole company and all, My first proposal will be for St.Pete. You have an open canvas of oppurtunity just waiting to be painted on.
LOL dont wanna be president anymore? Anyway i agree with you DT St.Pete has lots of potential to grow and already has a more urban feel than downtown tampa. The towers look ok nothing spectacular but just normal towers it would also ruin getting a good skyline pic from the interstate because they block the view.

[thehappysmith]

Help me out guys; I live in that OTHER city across the bay and can't tell where this Arts project is supposed to be. My only landmark in downtown is the ball field, which is about where I'm guessing the camera in the first shot is. That would make the triangular building on the right the AAA, and across the street toward the edge of frame is the old Winn-Dixie, and then at the very bottom of frame left of center is the U-Haul building. Am I right? And has there always been a huge pond with a fountain in downtown? I would swear I've never seen that before.

[TampaMike]

LOL dont wanna be president anymore? Anyway i agree with you DT St.Pete has lots of potential to grow and already has a more urban feel than downtown tampa. The towers look ok nothing spectacular but just normal towers it would also ruin getting a good skyline pic from the interstate because they block the view.
Who says you can't be both? :D

[TampaMike]

Help me out guys; I live in that OTHER city across the bay and can't tell where this Arts project is supposed to be. My only landmark in downtown is the ball field, which is about where I'm guessing the camera in the first shot is. That would make the triangular building on the right the AAA, and across the street toward the edge of frame is the old Winn-Dixie, and then at the very bottom of frame left of center is the U-Haul building. Am I right? And has there always been a huge pond with a fountain in downtown? I would swear I've never seen that before.
The project is between Centarl Ave. and 2nd Ave. S on Dr.MLK St N. A block east of the main parking lot.

[I-275westcoastfl]

Who says you can't be both? :D
:lol:

[TampaMike]

:lol:
stop laughing at me :cry: :banned:

:D

[Dale]

I like the design of The Arts, but am disheartened that it's so far removed from the financial district. I has assumed it would be closer to the water.

[TampaMike]

I like the design of The Arts, but am disheartened that it's so far removed from the financial district. I has assumed it would be closer to the water.

Only reason that I have come up for that they built so far is because they were trying to avoid the high property cost in the area.

[I-275westcoastfl]

I like the design of The Arts, but am disheartened that it's so far removed from the financial district. I has assumed it would be closer to the water.
Yea it looks alone, but like newport said it was costs also i think the height limit doesnt exist there? Not that it would matter in this case. But i think that whenever hi-rises start being built again its going to expand in that direction.

[TampaMike]

Yea it looks alone, but like newport said it was costs also i think the height limit doesnt exist there? Not that it would matter in this case. But i think that whenever hi-rises start being built again its going to expand in that direction.
....and expand....expand some more.......more expansion.......UNTIL THE WHOLE SOUTHERN PART OF PINELLAS IS ONE MAJOR CITY! :crazy2:

[I-275westcoastfl]

lol are you ok?

[TampaMike]

lol are you ok?
No, all the Iranians on here hate me, because I don't like their government and blame them for the increase of insurgents in Iraq. Would you be ok after that?:toilet:

[I-275westcoastfl]

Lol, screw the Iranians they are brainwashed over there you have to remember that. If not a chair upside the head always sets things right. http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f345/MK275/chair.gif :colgate: Anyway we went way off topic so if you reply to this send it in PM.

[Jahi98]

Would be cool if there was a pedestrian bridge between the two towers, or some kind of arch over Central Avenue. These towers are like a gateway to DT from the west. Something going over Central would make it more dramatic.

DT St. Pete still has lots of room to grow. Was down there on Saturday. Didn't get to see it all, but I did see the lot for Ovation is completely cleared, leveled and ready for construction.

[TampaMike]

The sky bridge is a good idea.

Also, this being close to Tropicana, this might bring in a huger project. Like an 55 story Hotel/Residential with conference rooms and all that. Can't a boy just dream?

[Dale]

Is there other development occuring in the vicinity of The Arts ? If so, that would offset a little my dissappointment with its location.

[TampaMike]

Is there other development occuring in the vicinity of The Arts ? If so, that would offset a little my dissappointment with its location.
That I know of, no. I think there is some developement near the lake that is suppose to happen, but that is townhomes. The closest major thing near it is Tropicana. But I suspect with the costruction of this, more projects will pop near it.

[multifamilyinvestor]

Is there other development occuring in the vicinity of The Arts ? If so, that would offset a little my dissappointment with its location.

Nothing to be disappointed with. St. Petersburg is a well planned city which has plenty of room to fill out. In addition to the waterfront highrises, the Central Avenue Corridor will one day have a nice row of buildings. There are lots of proposals - we will see what gets built.

See: http://sptimes.com/2006/03/19/skyline/

[FloridaFuture]

Is there other development occuring in the vicinity of The Arts ? If so, that would offset a little my dissappointment with its location.

I only know of one project i that area of downtown. It's the Tamarind, a 17 story condo. If you look at the first Arts rendering I think it's going on the lot and field at the bottom left of the rendering. But you're right it is out of the way.

[multifamilyinvestor]

According to this graphic, the 601 Central Ave Project is only two blocks away

[Jasonhouse]

This is a thread about development people, not a chatroom. Let's avoid the kind of nonsense posted in the past couple of days.

thanks.

[Tallaman]

^ Residences at 601 Central Av (with 108 condos and retail at 15 stories and 220') is two blocks east and The Tamarind (with 300 condos at 27 stories and 300' according to the info I have seen) is one block west. Both seem to be fairly considerable and won't leave the Arts Center Village out there all alone. BTW, Casablanca Towers (40 condos at nine stories) is also three blocks south and I believe it is under construction.

[Jahi98]

^^Orion, across the street from Casablanca, is also under construction. However, I believe it's only about 6 or 7 stories tall.

[Dale]

Any news on The Edge ?

[I-275westcoastfl]

^^from the st.pete graphic it showed it as construction or something but i also want to know about this project the building is great, 2nd favorite one.

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f345/MK275/TheEdge-1.jpg

[Dale]

One of my favorites as well. The reason I asked about it is that that though site clearance had begun, I thought I'd read somewhere that it had been delayed.

Also, I didn't realize that Ovation would be so prominant (right on the water) and so tall (358').

Finally, I wonder if the St. Pete Times map has a typo for The Arts. It has 35 stories and 310' I thought I'd read that they'd be 390'.

[multifamilyinvestor]

Not sure how up to date or complete this is:

Signature Place: http://www.signaturestpete.com/
http://www.stpetetimes.com/2005/04/07/images/large/B_6_6bcondo_211580_0407.jpg

The Edge: http://www.attheedge.com/
http://www.lordaecksargent.com/Images/ACFE384.jpg
http://www.lordaecksargent.com/Images/ACFE388.jpg

Parkshore Plaza: http://www.parkshoreplaza.com/
http://www.opuscorp.com/assets/img/projects/FL_ParkshorePlazaCondos_01_l.jpg

http://www.opuscorp.com/assets/img/projects/FL_ParkshorePlazaCondos_02_l.jpg

400 Beach Drive: http://www.400beachdrive.com/
http://www.opuscorp.com/assets/img/projects/f_mul_ext_beachd_l_01.jpg

Progress Energy Florida Office Building & Grand Bohemian: http://www.grandbohemianresidences.com/
http://www.sptimes.com/2005/05/13/building_block/buildingblock.gif

The Tamarind On Central: http://www.tamarindoncentral.com/
http://www.lordaecksargent.com/Images/XX_060207(rendered)small-L.jpg

The Arts: http://theartsofstpete.com/
http://www.kobikarp.com/images/theartnew003.jpg
http://www.kobikarp.com/images/theartnew004.jpg

Ovation: http://www.ovationjmc.com/
http://www.smithbarnes.com/Portfolio/Ovation.jpg

La Vista
http://www.bisonfinancial.com/sale/images/lavista_northelev_400.jpg

Bayway Lofts:
http://www.sptimes.com/2006/02/24/images/large/B_1_1bnewloft_235165_0224.jpg

The Vanguard
http://www.condoinvestmentrealty.com/images/property_pics/vangard_condos/project_lead_big.jpg

The Sage Condominiums: http://www.thesagecondos.com/
http://www.lordaecksargent.com/Images/ACF8F7.jpg

The Winward: http://www.thewindwardfl.com/
http://www.weddingarchitects.com/images/company/people/windward%20large.jpg

All Children's Hospital Expansion
http://www.karlsberger.com/images/projects/All%20Childrens/MainEntryRndr-AllChld-0306.jpg

USF St. Petersburg Dorm
http://www.bn9.com/images/news/2006/2/11/lgres.jpg

Plaza on Fifth Ave
http://www.stpetedna.org/wPlaza.jpg

1010 Central
http://www.lordaecksargent.com/Images/X_24605R01S-L.jpg

1500 Central
http://www.gradypridgen.com/pictures/ca_rendering.jpg
http://www.gradypridgen.com/pictures/ca_rendering2.jpg

http://stpeteshines.stpete.org/projects/spedd/18-spedd121702/current%20dev%20map%203-06.pdf

http://sptimes.com/2006/03/19/skyline/

[Dale]

Very nice job! Ovation is stunning. And that's quite a website for The Edge.

[Jasonhouse]

Awesome!

I have manipulated the thread so the info is inserted at the beginning of the thread, as we have discussed for some time.

[multifamilyinvestor]

Jason,

I fixed a bunch of broken image links, added a couple of projects and the url site for Ovation. Not sure if you want to make these chenges to the front page as well.

Thanks

[Tallaman]

Nice job MFI! BTW, I don't know if anyone else saw it, but I was watching public TV last week and saw a show about some artists blowing glass. They were in several foreign cities, one in Italy, and Monterrey, Mexico among others teaching local artists and they obviously were quite renowned. Their work was very impressive. Then I realized it was Chihuly, the artist to be featured in the Arts Center Plaza. He's bringing to St Pete some of his world renowned art and it will be something to see. St Pete and its visitors are in for quite a treat and it should really add to the culture in the area.

[Jasonhouse]

Jason,

I fixed a bunch of broken image links, added a couple of projects and the url site for Ovation. Not sure if you want to make these chenges to the front page as well.

Thanks

done... When I have some time later this week, I will go back and add some synoptic info for each project (if available... floors, hieght, units, prices, developer, etc)...

[Jahi98]

Windward is cancelled, I believe. That's a great rendering of Ovation. The Arts, Grand Bohemian and Edge will really add things to DT beyond more condos and retail.

[multifamilyinvestor]

Windward is cancelled, I believe. That's a great rendering of Ovation. The Arts, Grand Bohemian and Edge will really add things to DT beyond more condos and retail.

Are they cancelled? They still have their website up.

[Jahi98]

Cancelled is the wrong word. I should've said "suspended". This article describes it that way: http://www.sptimes.com/2006/09/10/Neighborhoodtimes/Wish_you_d_bought_the.shtml

I guess it's still alive, but not getting built anytime soon. They've closed the sales office and returned deposits with plans to resume once the market picks up again.

[Dale]

I've noticed that the Bohemian has started to advertise heavily again. It took me awhile to realize that the Japanese lantern is the inspirational form for the design.

[Jahi98]

'The Arts' makes a creative tweak

A return to the original plan of more studios and one-bedrooms broadens appeal.

By PAUL SWIDER
Published November 1, 2006

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/11/01/Neighborhoodtimes/_The_Arts__makes_a_cr.shtml
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The slow condo market has delayed some projects and killed others, but the Arts is moving forward.

The two-building complex will still have plenty of luxury units, but the lower half of the first 31-story building will be composed of one-bedroom units and studios for as little as $224,000. Similar design shifts in Miami and elsewhere have brought buyers back.

"This market requires more flexibility, a larger ear on the market," said Yaron David, managing director for the project being built jointly by international developer BSR and St. Petersburg developer Jimmy Aviram. "We listened hard. We looked at where the market was. And we saw a sweet spot under $500,000 where units are still getting snapped up."

The original design at Central Avenue and Eighth Street N had units with an average sales price of $800,000, David said. Now that average is $600,000. Units were in the range of 2,000 square feet, but now the studios are 700 square feet and the one-bedrooms can be as small as 800. David said this is actually a return to the original plan.

"When the project began, we had the concept of studios and one-bedrooms," he said of the development centered on an artistic lifestyle. "We got carried away from that, but now we've gone back."

The exterior of the project will not change; nor will its 50,000 square feet of retail space. Two 397-foot towers will rise on either side of Central and be the highest points from sea level in the city, David said. Upper floors will still contain larger units.

While not technically "affordable housing," the new sizes and prices in the Arts will expand its appeal, David said.

"This is almost a townhouse price in a luxury high-rise," David said. Still, "these people are not going to be struggling artists."

The project was always centered around the arts and has always incorporated artistic learning and an affiliation with the Arts Center, which will be housed in its complex. The developers recently announced that the project will also be home to a permanent collection of artwork by Dale Chihuly.

The artistic concept was its own draw, David said, which is why they had 100 cash reservations before final plans were even completed. Additional attractions were a 1-acre deck with tennis courts and pool, floor-to-ceiling windows, terraces in every unit and high-end decor. David said that all of that still applies with the newer internal structure.

"It will still have the allure," he said. "I don't think it will be watered down at all."

David said he has begun contacting those who have reservations and showing them the new designs. Rather than turning them off, he said, many have chosen units and added additional deposit money. He said he is still filing condominium documents on the new design, so no contracts have been closed.

David said sales are particularly strong among Europeans, especially Londoners, who have bought 50 units.

The white-hot condo market of the past couple of years has disappeared and affected other downtown developments. Windward at the Harborage on Third Street S closed its sales office in August and returned deposits to some of those who planned to buy its 52 condos. A 15-story, 108-unit development called Residences at 601 Central announced a delay in September as its financiers also felt the chill of the cooling market. La Vista, a more midpriced 196-unit project at Fifth Street and Third Avenue N, went on the market, with nothing built yet. The developer said he still plans to build.

David said the Arts will break ground in March 2007 and take about two years before residents start moving in. He said plans are final for the first building but that demand will drive the design and schedule for the second, on the south side of Central.

Paul Swider can be reached at 892-2271 or pswider@sptimes.com or by participating in itsyourtimes.com.

[Last modified November 1, 2006, 00:56:37]

[Jasonhouse]

^sounds good to me... So long as the prices remain attainable, there is no reason to think that the condo growth in urbanized areas and along the waterfront is going to stall anywhere in the region (or if it does, it certainly won't be for long. There are too many people in this region with money, who want to live someone where like that, and too many people moving here who feel the same). This is especially true of DT St Pete imo, as I view it as the most mature and strongest of the urban residential markets in the region.

[Tallaman]

Wow, I love the flexibility and willingness to adapt. This will be a fantastic project to watch going up.

[Paveit]

Cancelled is the wrong word. I should've said "suspended". This article describes it that way: http://www.sptimes.com/2006/09/10/Neighborhoodtimes/Wish_you_d_bought_the.shtml

I guess it's still alive, but not getting built anytime soon. They've closed the sales office and returned deposits with plans to resume once the market picks up again.

Re: the Edge, the site is supposed to be for sale. Bohemian's price points/sf were very high. It would make a great luxury hotel if the condo component fails to emerge.

Ovation is supposed to have 12-15 sales but most are Sembler family and friends. Their unit designs are awesome but so are the prices.

On a design note, can anyone explain the purpose of the "warts" on Parkshore?

[Dale]

Last I heard, Edge was going ahead, albeit not to start for another several months.

And Bohemian has already been reconfigured to account for the greater hotel demand, and lesser condo demand. It's supposed to start first quarter next year.

[kjd4591]

On Clearwater Beach, condo dreams dry up
The beach had nine major projects on the way, worth $1.4-billion. But the market dipped, and empty sites dot the sand instead of high-rises.
By MIKE DONILA
Published November 12, 2006

CLEARWATER - Not long ago, popular south Clearwater Beach was teeming with tourists staying at the Beach Towers, Days Inn, Spyglass, Holiday Inn Sunspree and the Adam's Mark.

But those hotels and others were knocked down or closed in recent years to make way for nine high-end condominium and hotel projects, valued at $1.4-billion. And more closures are expected.

The thinking was the beach community could absorb the loss of an estimated 1,100 rooms because the new units would attract more tourists, residents and money.

Somewhere amid the "condo boom," however, prices skyrocketed, the market softened, insurance rates escalated - and buyers vanished.

Developers delayed or changed projects. Some refunded deposits, downsized rooms or lowered prices. Nearly all have pushed back construction.

What was supposed to be a time of great optimism, of unprecedented construction on the famed beach, has given way to quiet and an uncertain future. It could be many years before the rooms - and the millions of dollars in business - return to the beach.

Real estate, financial and government experts say the delays - some of which have left rubble-filled spots where hotels once stood - could make the beach less accessible, shrink city business revenues and cripple the tourist industry.

"We might never make up for what we've lost," said David Little, a real estate agent and redevelopment chairman for the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce.

* * *

The nine projects cover a nearly 1 mile stretch of S Gulfview Boulevard. Work on eight of them was to begin by the fall; the ninth was to start early next year.

But all but one have stalled or changed. Only the Marquesas, a condo project that will replace the Holiday Inn Sunspree, is on schedule, with construction set for early next year.

The delayed projects are the Clearwater Grande, Sienna Sands, Marbella Condominiums, Enchantment on Clearwater Beach, Kiran Grand Resort and Spa, Aqualea Resort and Residences, Entrada and Indigo Beach Residence & Suites.

Some of the projects also have changed in scope. After plans for the Clearwater Grande were shelved indefinitely, owners decided to keep the existing Quality Hotel open and renovate it.

Owners of the Enchantment condo project refunded about 50 deposits in April as they revised their plans.

Entrada developers also refunded deposits. The first phases of the project were to renovate the Gulfview Resorts' two towers and sell the rooms as condo-hotels. But when developers finished one tower, it opened as strictly a hotel.

Likewise, Kiran Grande developers are considering running the operation as a hotel only, instead of condo-hotels, said Kirit Shah, resort president and CEO.

* * *

About 18 months ago, condos were selling at record rates countywide.

Two projects from developer Mike Cheezem - the Mandalay Beach Club and Belle Harbor - showed others the way. Built in 2002 and 2003, they were the first new high-rises on the beach in 25 years, and buyers quickly scooped up the units, in some cases turning a profit in one day.

That led to the rush of proposed private investment on Clearwater Beach, which by late 2004 was unmatched on other county beaches.

A series of events, however, brought the market to a standstill.

- Prices climbed. In 2004, beach condos averaged about $359,400. This month, they averaged $632,700.

"You have to make a heck of a lot of money to live on Clearwater Beach," said Mike Mayo, spokesman for the Pinellas Realtor Organization, which collects and analyzes local housing market data.

- Several years' worth of hurricanes sent insurance rates skyrocketing. That forced some to change condo-hotel projects to less-profitable hotels only.

"The lack of available hurricane insurance for people who signed up to buy the condos stopped us dead in our tracks," said Jeff Keierleber, president of Decade Properties, the developer behind Entrada.

Rick Alles, former Gulfview general manager, said rates increased about 400 percent. And the resort owner, which paid about $600,000 a year in insurance for a hotel, could pay as much as $2-million if the building had condo-hotels. Those costs would have been passed on to the owners of the units, Alles said.

- Increased construction and labor costs have contributed to the slowdown, said Bill Horne, Clearwater city manager, and Ray Ferrara, president of ProVise Management Group, a Clearwater-based financial planning firm.

- And the market soon became oversaturated. In April 2005, there were 1,430 condos on the market countywide, and about 62 percent were selling, according to the Pinellas Realtor Organization. In April, there were 6,100 on the market, with 5 percent selling.

Mayo and local financial experts say the market hit an impasse: Investors are now on the sidelines waiting for a fire sale, and sellers are waiting for unrealistic gains.

"People are saying 'enough is enough' and they're walking away," said Ferrara. "The prices simply got ahead of themselves."

Those factors also priced out another pool of potential buyers: retirees and second-home buyers. They generally want smaller, more affordable units, which are not offered on the beach, said Bill West, real estate manager for Opus South Corp., which is overseeing a 25-story downtown Clearwater condo project.

* * *

The changes and delays have left the beach woefully short of rooms with no clear sense of when they will be built back. Even if developers break ground early next year, many say they'll still miss at least four tourist seasons.

In the early 2000s, the beach had more than 4,600 rooms available for overnight accommodations, according to a St. Petersburg Times analysis using data supplied by the city's Economic Development and Housing Department and Smith Travel Research. But that stock began dwindling slowly, then at an accelerated pace. Within just the past couple of years, the beach has lost 1,100, bringing the total to fewer than 2,600 rooms as of July.

"That's a lot of rooms to lose in an area that touts the fact that tourism is our No. 1 industry," said Sheila Cole, director of the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce. "We're keeping our fingers crossed that we can build them back up, but we're going to be down the next couple of years as far as tourism goes."

Some worry about potential long-term effects.

"Thousands of people are looking online for hotel rooms, and if they appear filled up, they're going somewhere else," said Mike Sanders, a local historian, real-estate agent and author of Clearwater: a Pictorial History.

Others are concerned the new upscale resorts and hotels will turn off the beach's traditional blue-collar tourist base.

"We're not Naples. We're not Sarasota. A lot of people from the Midwest come here and they're not going to pay $150 to $300 for hotel rooms," said Little, an agent with ReMax, who - along with others who follow the beach activity - says the financial impact is in the "millions."

Rob Remeikis, who works at Big Kahuna's Wave Runners and Parasail, said the delays already are proving costly.

"This is going to kill the businesses out here," Remeikis said. "They're building these condos and no one is buying them. It's going to be a ghost town."

* * *

Still, developers say they remain optimistic.

Cheezem, whose latest project is the Marquesas, expects a healthy correction in the marketplace. "We're on the verge of this huge baby boomer group. ... They're in their prime second-home-buying years and vacation and retirement years coming up."

But developers say changes are in order. Keierleber said the Legislature needs to fix an insurance crisis that's making it too expensive to protect homes along the beach. Others say something must be done about the state's complex tax structure, which makes it costly to own second homes, which don't receive tax exemptions.

"They needed to do something about taxes and insurance yesterday - we are taxing people out of their homes and business," Mayo said.

Developers likely will have to redesign their projects.

Cheezem said the Marquesas is designed for retiring baby boomers and second-home owners, and units there are not as likely to be bought and resold.

"You have to listen to your customer, and they said they wanted smaller condos," said Uday Lele, owner of the Enchantment.

Mayor Frank Hibbard said he is optimistic about the beach's long-term health, but admits "there are growing pains going on right now."

"The next few years are going to be difficult. It's had a really negative impact on the beach and the businesses there," he said.

Carole Ketterhagen, executive director of the St. Petersburg-Clearwater Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the beach is in transition.

"And we'll come back stronger, bigger, better than ever."

[Dale]

Damn! That's pathetic. Very disappointing.

[TampaMike]

Damn! That's pathetic. Very disappointing.
It is. They think that when a project is approved it will get started right after that, but that isn't the case. I bet that some towers in Tampa had to wait 4-5 months to finally break ground. Same with Clearwater.

[Dale]

It's like Daytona Beach. Was there recently and there is idle construction site after idle construction as you drive down the beach.

[Jasonhouse]

Well, that's what Clearwater gets for mandating looney building hieght and density retrictions on their most valuable tracts of land... Exactly what did they think was going ot happen? Developers would pay millions for land, and turn around and build cheap housing on it? lololol

[I-275westcoastfl]

^^Do you think if they had no height limit they would build affordable housing? :lol:

[Jasonhouse]

^It's the unit per acre density that is the biggest impediment to more "attainable" housing... When the market is artifically impinged upon, it is a given that prices will be artificially inflated accordingly... The trick I guess is to balance the two...

Clearwater's leadership seems to want one thing, but creates rules which encourage another, and then wonders why what they really want isn't what they wound up with.

[Maxim98]

Meh, it pisses me off to see the old motel culture die out... to make way for empty sites. I know they'll be filled in, but it is upsetting to see such valuable space sit vacant....

[I-275westcoastfl]

Meh, it pisses me off to see the old motel culture die out... to make way for empty sites. I know they'll be filled in, but it is upsetting to see such valuable space sit vacant....

Me too i hope some of the old motels will stay. Also Jasonhouse i meant how typically beach communities work nowadays to bring the rich in and kick the rest out. I think downtowns will have affordable housing sooner than beaches.

[Jasonhouse]

Well, I think that everyone would agree that the term "affordable" is relative to the neighborhood. For Dt Clearwater (especially the eastern side), something better be like $200k or less ot be affordable... But for the beaches, basically anything under $400k is a total steal.

The point being, truly "affordable" housing just isn't reasonable to expect of developers somewhere like on the keys... But nonetheless, local govt should be acutely aware that when they impinge supply with zoning mandates, then cost is inevitably driven upwards... They can't have it both ways... You can't expect developers to build cheap, but create zoning regulations which gaurantee that the property they build on will be very expensive.

[I-275westcoastfl]

^^True especially beachfront i really was talking more about the term affordable in pinellas county which is 200k or under.

[multifamilyinvestor]

The above article is just negative. It appears to me that most of the developers are still going to build. To me this article reflects more on the viability of the "condotel" market then anything else. Instead of "condotels" we will have real hotels on the beach. All the better!!!

[Jasonhouse]

^that's good, but the overall picture isn't quite that simple.

Clearwater's problem is that sales prices and zoning severaly conflict with eachother right now... The market demands 'X' price for a parcel, but the zoning only makes such a land price 'doable' if the resulting development is upscale... The problem is, Clearwater isn't an 'upscale' market, and would require a whole hell of a lot of investment from the city and county for it to become one.

or like I said earlier, right now there is a quite a huge gap between what kind of development will work in the Clearwater market and what kind of development its zoning regulations allow for.

[multifamilyinvestor]

^that's good, but the overall picture isn't quite that simple.

Clearwater's problem is that sales prices and zoning severaly conflict with eachother right now... The market demands 'X' price for a parcel, but the zoning only makes such a land price 'doable' if the resulting development is upscale... The problem is, Clearwater isn't an 'upscale' market, and would require a whole hell of a lot of investment from the city and county for it to become one.

or like I said earlier, right now there is a quite a huge gap between what kind of development will work in the Clearwater market and what kind of development its zoning regulations allow for.

I am not sure that I know what you mean when you say Clearwater Beach is not an upscale market.

If your point is that they need to allow taller highrises on the beach so that developers can substantiate the expensive land costs I agree 100%.

[Tallaman]

Can anyone clue me in on good places to eat (especially places that have been developed recently) in and around downtown St Pete? I'll be in downtown during the first week of December on business.

[FloridaFuture]

^^Baywalk has a varitey of restaraunts, however, I've tried a few and haven't been too impressed with any of them yet.

[FLHawk]

Tallaman, I was in DT St Pete last night and ate at Ceviche, a Spanish tapas restaurant in the old Ponce de Leon Hotel, corner of Beach Drive and Central (I think). Great atmoshpere, wonderful tapas, tasty sangria. Service was a little spotty, but it was also relatively busy. You should try it when in town.

[Jasonhouse]

^Ceviche is well reputed, especially the one on S Howard.

[Tallaman]

^ I'll be there all of next week and I love Spanish food (OK I love all food). I'll be sure to visit Ceviche. I'm also looking forward to browsing through BayWalk and trying some restaurants there. Thanks!

[Jahi98]

Hospitals have more neighbors on the way

As Bayfront and All Children's add on, offices are planned nearby.

By PAUL SWIDER
Published December 6, 2006

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/12/06/Neighborhoodtimes/Hospitals_have_more_n.shtml
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ADVERTISEMENT

The near south side continues to develop its medical district personality with another proposal for an office complex to cater to Bayfront and All Children's hospitals and their patients.

Coast Capital Inc. has an approved plan to build as much as 175,000 square feet of office space in three four-story buildings at 901 Sixth Ave. S. The buildings would all sit on top of a parking garage, and an additional six-level garage would be built next door.

"Clearly what is going on in the medical district is going to drive demand," said Wade Cullis with Coast Capital. "We also know there are a number of businesses that need space near downtown that are not medically related."

The two hospitals have undertaken significant expansions in the past several years. All Children's is in the midst of adding 1-million square feet, including a new nine-story hospital, and Bayfront is adding a heart center in another new structure being built by developer Optimal Outcomes.

"There's a critical mass down there," said Patrick Marston, principal owner of Optimal Outcomes, which specializes in medical buildings. "It's one of the last areas for development in the downtown area."

The Optical Outcomes building will be four stories at Sixth Avenue and Sixth Street S. Marston said demand is so strong he has almost 70 percent of his 116,000 square feet spoken for after only one month of marketing.

Cullis said he is still testing the waters before deciding exactly what to build.

He said he may start next summer with the first building and then do one more a year until the project is completed.

Cullis' plan allows the vacation of the surrounding streets, Sixth Avenue S and 10th Street, as well as Blackburn Court, which runs through the property.

Cullis will use the brick from those streets in his buildings as he constructs around an existing structure at the corner of Fifth Avenue S and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street.

Coast Capital will also build a bike path along its property to connect adjacent neighborhoods to Campbell Park. The plan includes building gazebos and a water fountain in the park.

Paul Swider can be reached at 892-2271 or pswider@sptimes.com or by participating in itsyourtimes.com.

[I-275westcoastfl]

Thats good news.

[Tallaman]

I just spent a week in downtown St Pete and I'm very impressed with the progress the downtown has made and the lively urban atmosphere it sports. Restaraunts were not jumping, but they had good traffic (not bad for weeknights), and outdoor dining along the waterfront looked very appealing. Marino's and Gratzzi's were both good. The Columbia in the Pier was great. Ceviche was fantastic. Pedestrian traffic on the streets was encouraging. More development is bound to make the environment even better. The Progress Energy bullding and Parkshore Plaza buildings look great. 400 Beach, Signature and Sage are coming right along. Grand Bohemian, Arts Center, Ovation and Tropicana (still proposed?) will really contribute to the downtown. All in all, I enjoyed the time there and would go back in a flash, especially for Ceviche - thanks for the recommendation FLHawk, you were right on. I also saw the construction around the hospitals mentioned in the artciles above - about six cranes involved. I have pictures of it all. I'll get them posted if I have time.

BTW, Signature site is very busy pouring caissons. Ovation has an active sales center in the Hamptom Inn building with an awesome model in the window. I could not get a picture - I asked but they would not let me take a picture from inside and I never got back after they closed for a shot from outside. They also have a video playing behind the model with images of the skyline with the new building in place that can be captured by camera.

[I-275westcoastfl]

^^Post those pics here please Link (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=372402)

[smiley]

I'm not holding my breath for this guy, but we'll see

Plan may boost sales of condos
A developer says "concierge financing" would keep buyers from backing out.
By PAUL SWIDER
Published December 13, 2006


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Part of the reason the condominium market has slowed is because developers are in a bind, Frank Maggio says.

On the one hand, banks want presales years before groundbreaking while customers want in with little or no commitment. Only a too-hot market can make financing practical for projects that run into hundreds of millions of dollars, he said. But he claims to have a plan to fix this with his soon-to-be-patented "concierge financing."

"There was a time when lenders were okay with not asking the tough questions," said Maggio, who is ramping up for the Edge, a 40-story condo project at 300 Fourth Ave. S that will start sales next year. "But what you got was a bunch of cowboys out there."

Banks often require that a builder have presold 50 percent of a project before releasing construction loans. But those presales are often reservations with a refundable deposit.

As banks saw that buyers would sometimes walk even on a nonrefundable deposit, Maggio said, they clamped down. Buyers also got shy when asked to obligate themselves.

"Financing was all based on promises to close by people you don't even know," Maggio said.

Concierge financing is an attempt to cure this conundrum by making buyers partners in a project.

Maggio won't reveal the plan until his patent application is pending, but some of it involves less marketing, more customer care, and better information, at least for those on the inside.

"A lot of times, the barrier to a healthy business relationship is a lack of transparency," Maggio said.

Those who choose to become partners, not just buyers, will know the numbers of the project and share in its rewards.

Lenders will also know more about these partners and be able to judge their commitment.

Buyers will be asked to be more serious about their obligations, but Maggio will help them sell their old home, keep mortgage payments to $1,000 a month for the first year, let them lock in a mortgage rate up to two years in advance of closing, and allow that mortgage to be assumable.

He said it's all an effort to attract owners and shun speculators.

"We believe the real estate community will appreciate the lack of gamesmanship," Maggio said.

With a new sales center set to open, Maggio is hoping concierge financing will let him start the Edge within the next year. The sales center, CityHomeGallery.com on Second Avenue S, will also feature other Maggio projects, like Nautico, Tamarind, and a new one, Concourse 1.

Maggio saw that when hurricanes threatened, exotic car collectors like himself didn't have a secure place to protect their Bentleys and Ferraris. Concourse 1 will provide each of 40 "garagominium" owners three high-and-dry indoor parking spaces and an office attached to community amenities for a modern-day car club.

As soon as he can find five triangular acres near I-275, Maggio will build the first Concourse 1 of many he plans throughout the state.

Other projects are on a slower track. Tamarind on Central won't start before 2008, Maggio said, and Nautico will remain just a marina project for at least a year.

Maggio said he's selling slips in Nautico, the former Huber Marina, that will incorporate the atmosphere and amenities of a country club centered on boating.

Eventually that project will include condos in several buildings and will run south to Pinellas Point Drive. But all of that takes money.

"Financing is the biggest issue right now in kickstarting the condo marketplace," Maggio said.

Paul Swider can be reached at 892-2271 or pswider@sptimes.com or by participating in itsyourtimes.com .

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/12/13/Neighborhoodtimes/Plan_may_boost_sales_.shtml

[thehappysmith]

What's the status on the Bohemian? Is it still just a proposal?

[Jasonhouse]

^Considering its lofty prices, I've always figured it would remain just that...

[edit: I was thinking of Ovation, not the Bohemian]

[Jahi98]

I think they are restructuring Bohemian as a pure hotel as opposed to a condo/hotel. Construction on that was not to begin until the Progress Energy building is complete.

I do hope Edge gets built. It would be a very nice addition to the DT skyline.

I'm most skeptical of Nautico. I don't think that area is quite ready for a project like that. I think they would've been better off doing a townhouse development there.

[smiley]

They are better leaving it empty so that when the market matures they can do something good. There is no reason to fill every space just to fill it. IT should be good stuff

[I-275westcoastfl]

Concourse sounds intresting and i hope Edge gets built that is one of the nicest proposals

[multifamilyinvestor]

What's the status on the Bohemian? Is it still just a proposal?

I can tell you Progress Energy is 100% commited to developing that block. I have toured the new building and it has some gorgeous views of downtown St. Petersburg. I will have to bring my Camera next time I go. Maybe this weekend.

[smiley]

This sounds recycled, but I thought I'd drop it in here anyway - the lot in question surely needs to be filled:

Development plans floated for Central Avenue
By TIMES WIRES
Published December 24, 2006




The vacant block at Central Avenue and Second Street may soon see some development as owner Jimmy Aviram plans to seek city approval for a retail-condo-hotel-office complex.

Aviram said he will present a plan to the Environmental Development Commission in February or March to build 80,000 square feet of retail and an unspecified number of hotel rooms, condos and office condos in two towers that could reach nearly 400 feet. Aviram is aiming to anchor the complex with something along the lines of a Nordstrom's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's, or even a Whole Foods or another upscale grocer.

Aviram said he is partnering in the project with Tibor Hollo of Florida East Coast Realty, which is developing One Bayfront Plaza in Miami.
http://www.sptimes.com/2006/12/24/Neighborhoodtimes/Development_plans_flo.shtml

[Jasonhouse]

^Wow, that would be really something to land any of the retailers mentioned...

[Jahi98]

This sounds recycled, but I thought I'd drop it in here anyway - the lot in question surely needs to be filled:

Development plans floated for Central Avenue
By TIMES WIRES
Published December 24, 2006




The vacant block at Central Avenue and Second Street may soon see some development as owner Jimmy Aviram plans to seek city approval for a retail-condo-hotel-office complex.

Aviram said he will present a plan to the Environmental Development Commission in February or March to build 80,000 square feet of retail and an unspecified number of hotel rooms, condos and office condos in two towers that could reach nearly 400 feet. Aviram is aiming to anchor the complex with something along the lines of a Nordstrom's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's, or even a Whole Foods or another upscale grocer.

Aviram said he is partnering in the project with Tibor Hollo of Florida East Coast Realty, which is developing One Bayfront Plaza in Miami.
http://www.sptimes.com/2006/12/24/Neighborhoodtimes/Development_plans_flo.shtml

I don't think it's exactly recycled. We've just been waiting a long time to see what's going to happen with that block. With Baywalk, this development, and the space being vacated by Progress in that parking garage, there could be a nice retail complex there in the core of DT St. Pete, let alone the impact on the skyline. :okay:

[Jasonhouse]

^Is that the Tropicana block? If so, then it's no wonder the story would sound recycled, as we must have seen 10 articles on that block now, but still no movement.

[dmpeek77]

sounds like a great project

[Quegiebo]

This would be a remarkable project if it can get built. I think it would be a big plus for St. Pete. and with two towers close to 400ft. it would add to the skyline quite nicely!

[Jahi98]

Building blocks

For much of 2006, developers were announcing new projects for downtown St. Petersburg as the market began to slow . A number of them have stalled, but the allure of downtown living remains. Here's an update on some of the projects:

By PAUL SWIDER
Published December 31, 2006

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/12/31/Neighborhoodtimes/Building_blocks.shtml
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADVERTISEMENT

Bayway Lofts and Condos on Central

Developer Grady Pridgen said he hasn't given up on Bayway Lofts, a development on Third Avenue N between Second and Third streets. But the project, once slated for 500 feet and 42 stories, is not ripe for construction, he said.

Pridgen said he is in talks with investors in the United Kingdom about funding the project.

LaVista

Sheldon Perl said he's still working to bring LaVista to life.

The proposed 25-story mixed-use development slated for the corner of Fifth Street and Third Avenue N was on the market this year, but Perl said it is no longer for sale.

The $40-million project includes 196 condominiums, 6,000 square feet of office space and 307 garage parking spaces.

Signature

Developer Joel Cantor has arguably the most ambitious project in the city with the sail-like 33-story tower designed by architect Ralph Johnson. With contracts on 80 percent of the 246 units of his $120-million project, Cantor said the last of 220 foundation caissons will be in by the end of January and 500 workers will start on the project.

Ovation

Ovation will break ground in February. Fronting Beach Drive at Second Avenue N, the 27-story building targets the exclusive crowd, with prices starting at $1.6-million.

The high-rise has 45 units, of which 16 are sold. Smaller units start at 2,000 square feet, while upper floor condos are 3,600 to 7,200 square feet and cost more than $4-million.

Grand Bohemian

Originally planned as 166 hotel rooms and 82 condos, the 32-story building will have 254 hotel rooms and 52 condos. All of the $500,000-and-up condos will be above the 21st floor.

The $140-million project will break ground in 2007 and be open in two years.

The site at Second Street and First Avenue N will also contain the Bohemian Cafe and Market, the Grand Bohemian Art Gallery, the Bosendorfer Lounge, a tapas lounge, sit-down restaurant, and, on the sixth floor, the Poseidon Spa.

The Sage

As residents are starting to move into Miles Development's modest 1010 Central project, the builder is nearing maximum height on the Sage, a 12-story, 112-unit building at Fourth Street and Fourth Avenue S.

Units in the Sage range from nearly 900 square feet to almost twice that and sell in the $300,000 and $600,000 range. The condos sold well before the market cooled, but sales are picking up, said J. Jason Perry, the company's vice president of development. Residents will start moving in next fall.

Edge

Another dormant monolith getting ready to sprout is the Edge, a 40-story, 189-unit condominium planned for 300 Fourth Ave. S. Developer Frank Maggio said sales will start this year. Like other developers, he has an extension on his city approvals to vest his rights should plans or the market change.

The Arts

A two-tower, 500-unit project planned for the 800 block of Central Avenue originally included large, luxury units at $800,000. Research showed it was not a good fit for the market, so units were redesigned.

The Arts will now have one-bedroom units and studios starting at $224,000. The average price is $600,000. The project still include works of Dale Chihuly, who will have a permanent display in the complex.

Parkshore and 400 Beach Drive

The Parkshore, above, was one of the early projects and not only enjoyed the hot market but is also completed at 300 Beach Drive. Its pair, 400 Beach Drive, below, has reached its zenith of 29 stories and will be completed by the end of 2007, said Jerry Shaw, with developer Opus South Corp. Of its 93 units, 400 Beach Drive has only four left, even at prices of $400,000 to $4-million.

Allard

A proposal to build 70 condos and 5,000 square feet of retail space in a 20-story building at Fourth Street and Fourth Avenue N is on hold, said Erik Allard, vice president of Allard Investment Realty.

Whitney Plaza

While marquee projects attract rumor and speculation, Blake Whitney Thompson is topping off an unheralded but conspicuous building on Fifth Avenue N. Whitney Plaza is 14 stories tall in an area of single-family homes near the Palladium Theater. Thompson's Cypress Group quietly sold 50 of the 56 units while other projects struggled.

Residences at 601 Central

Arriving at the market's turning point, this project is on hold, though developers say it is not dead.

" 'Abandoned' is definitely not the word," said Gerry Pacella of TEF Development, the New Jersey firm that plans to build on the north side of Central.

Pacella, who said financing dried up when the market slowed, is working to find other banks and investors for the project.

The original proposal hasn't changed and includes retail space and 100 residential units in 15 stories. Prices will range from the $200,000s to $600,000.

Paul Swider can be reached at 892-2271 or pswider@sptimes.com or by participating in itsyourtimes.com.

[Last modified December 30, 2006, 21:54:45]

[FloridaFuture]

Good article. I wish other newspapers would follow the Times's lead and do articles like these. But anyway after reading the article I'm thinking if St. Pete could get Ovation and Signature Place with another project or two surprising me and starting this year, then I think 2007 will be a great year for St. Pete.

[Jasonhouse]

Yeah no shit... A very informative article.

I'm surprised to hear that groundbreaking is imminent for Ovation... St Pete's skyline is growing quite steadily it seems.

[FloridaFuture]

Especially since the units are expensive but according to the article they have only sold 16 of 45 units! That developer is crazy to start construction on those huge, expensive units with that percentage sold!

[Dale]

Evidentally the developer is sinking a bit of equity in the project, since he's been adamant about an early '07 groundbreaking for awhile now.

[smiley]

So, I was in St. Pete today and there are two cranes up at Signature. Also Sage is almost topped out and the W Plaza (on 5th ave N) is topped out. Lots of other stuff going on as well

[Jasonhouse]

Yup...I just drove through there this afternoon, saw the same... Lot's of activity down around Bayfront hospital too. DT St Pete is definitely humming right along. Surely some growth of the office market isn't far behind.

[zerobullchip]

DT St Pete is crazy at night. All up central is filled in, then there is baywalk and up beach and couple side streets. Besides Miami, I think St Pete might just have the most active DT in Florida. The linear park along the waterfront keeps it accessable to everyone, unlike DT tampa.

[I-275westcoastfl]

Downtown St.Pete is definetly a great place i wish i still lived in st.pete because i almost never get to go there. :bash: I think it wont be long until that area will become very desirable especially after all those projects finish.

[Tallaman]

The time is now. I thoroughly enjoyed my time DT last month - restaurants, shops, lots of people. Development around the hospital, the university, additional condos, some offices, and more shopping (all planned) will add to the great dynamic there. I look forward to watching it get even better.

[FloridaFuture]

Here's a newer project for Downtown Clearwater area. Its advertisements on billboards are all over I-275 from Westshore to St. Pete so I got the website and checked it out. Looks like 3 x 20 story towers. Looks nice. :) Sorry if already posted.

Rendering-
http://www.triangledevelopment.com/images/islandview.jpg

Website-
http://www.triangledevelopment.com/island.htm

[Dale]

^ Much improved over the original design, IMO. Can't beat the prominant site either.

[I-275westcoastfl]

Not bad clearwater needs a better skyline

[FloridaFuture]

I saw Downtown Clearwater from the water yesterday. The skyline is very squat but it's there. Looked like they have done a pretty good job with the waterfront, and there were some major stores downtown like a Stein Mart. They do need a nice sized downtown marina I noticed however, especially since the waterfront is very important to the area, or maybe it's just me because I'm a boater. ;) Also, the beachfront looked nice.

[Maxim98]

I saw Downtown Clearwater from the water yesterday. The skyline is very squat but it's there. Looked like they have done a pretty good job with the waterfront, and there were some major stores downtown like a Stein Mart. They do need a nice sized downtown marina I noticed however, especially since the waterfront is very important to the area, or maybe it's just me because I'm a boater. ;) Also, the beachfront looked nice.

As a boater, I have to agree. Boats bring money. Slip rentals are HUGE right now and can command thousands of dollars per slip per year for the owners. As it is getting harder and harder to find fueling stations and rentable slips on the water, let alone places to stop and dine, ANY marina project would be HUGE.

[FloridaFuture]

Yes and a public maraina please. Not the boat slips you have to buy.

[StevenW]

awesome developments! :yes: :)

[hello345]

What is the status of the edge st petersburgh? good to see that signature is U/C.

[FloridaFuture]

When I was in downtown St. Pete yesterday I noticed stakes in the ground for Ovation and ground work continuing for Signature with lots of cranes up. I also saw some of midrise development on the Northern edge of downtown.

[Jahi98]

Here's the website for a development in the dome district starting sales that will go up across from 1010 Central Avenue.

http://www.mirabellacentral.com/

Central Avenue is shaping up to be quite an urban corridor.

[Maxim98]

The Sage

http://www.lordaecksargent.com/Images/ACF8F7.jpg

I was in St. Pete last week and The Sage looks pretty much finished off. If it isn't topped off, it will be soon. Nice building- bigger than the rendering suggests.


Any hope for Bayway Lofts? I really liked that design.

Also, Progress Energy looks quite nice now that it's finished. Strong addition, imo.

[Jasonhouse]

I'm pretty sure that I haven't mentioned this before... There is a 2 1/2 block townhouse project coming in a few months for northwestern DT St Pete... I know, because I very recently drew the plat for it,

They will be 4 floors, and there's a few dozen units.

[kjd4591]

I'll give them 6 on a 1-10.
http://www.theartsofstpete.com/index.asp

[smiley]

Ok, where the hell is the street retail - interaction?

What is with the Miami-School buildings

http://www.theartsofstpete.com/images/upload/homepage_splash.jpg

[Jahi98]

Those renderings clearly weren't done in context.

[smiley]

So - what they show is quite horrible. No retail, bad color, big boxes - the lack of background does not change that

[TampaMike]

I love how they just leave the rest of the area as it is and not make any changes, area looks like it is in the Everglades. :)

Wish the could built more to the back and made lofts on that, then a mini-Main St. with retail and connected the 2 with a bridge.

[Jasonhouse]

The towers probably need pushed to one end of the blocks so that their service shafts and support columns aren't in the way of the goings on in the podiums. I don't know if it's happening on this project, but it would also be logical to do this to create a large contiguous area on the roof which could be used by residents.

[Dale]

Isn't the architect Kobi Karp ? I can't attest to this project, but he's arguably, currently the most original of the Miami architects.

[smiley]

Not sure what that means since most of the big Miami stuff looks essentially the same

[Dale]

Mmm, not really. Not IMO.

[Jasonhouse]

^i know what you mean. there is a difference in the quality of the building's feel. it's like the difference between Micheal Graves PoMo and Phillip Johnson PoMo. One is tacky and simplistic, the other is classy and refined.

[smiley]

Not much refined, just expensive and white with blue or green glass - in fact, quite cookie cutter - unfortunately - say McCondo.

As opposed to Signature - for instance - which is white - but is unlike the others - unless you look to some condo I saw advertised in Melbourne australia

[FloridaFuture]

The Arts aren't bad but I really don't like them for Downtown. If it was on the beach then it'd be good. But Smiley is right when it come to street interaction, especially when you go past the towers to what I guess would be the art gallery.

As far as Miami architecture and Signature go. There are some very nice "Miami style" refined and elegant condos, they're just outnumbered. Signature looks to be on the elegant side because the facade. In the rendering it appears to be more metallic or silver, giving it a more urban vibe and less stucco beachy feel.

[smiley]

Right - Signature is not Miami style.

[Dale]

Neither are lots of Miami projects built in the 'Miami style'. Examples would run the gamut from Capital Plaza at Brickell, which is a neo-gothic fantasy, to Carols Ott's Jade twins, one of which is sheathed entirely in aluminum and glass.

[FloridaFuture]

New hotel lines up real estate broker
Tampa Bay Business Journal - 11:40 AM EST Wednesday, February 28, 2007by Larry Halstead

The Grand Bohemian Hotel and Residences has appointed Coldwell Banker - The Condo Store as the real estate broker for the 32-story hotel and residential project.

David Greenlees and Tracey Bayer, Condo Store sales people, will lead the sales and marketing initiatives, a release said.


The Grand Bohemian is scheduled to break ground this summer with a projected completion of the fall 2009. Richard C. Kessler, chairman and chief executive officer of Kessler Enterprises Inc., is the building's owner.

Kessler owns a collection of luxury hotels in the United States and England, including a Grand Bohemian Hotel in Orlando.

Located adjacent to the new headquarters for Progress Energy Florida on Second Street and First Avenue North, the hotel will rise 379 feet and offer 254 guest rooms and 52 residences. The condos will be priced between $500,000 and $2 million plus and the two penthouses will cost more than $5 million each.

Although financing has not yet been secured for the $160 million hotel, "we have been approached by several financial institutions to finance this project," said Mary Kenny, corporate director of marketing and public relations. "We are three weeks from completing our design and will be going to financing at that time."

http://tampabay.bizjournals.com/tampabay/stories/2007/02/26/daily27.html?surround=lfn

[Tallaman]

Glad to hear that this one is moving along. It'll be an awesome-looking project if the Progress Energy building is any indicator. The condos sound a little pricey, but I guess since there are only 52 of them, the risk diminishes. The hotel should do well, especially if the other buildings proposed and under-construction get built.

[orlandonative]

Good for St. Pete. This will be an awesome addition to your downtown. From what I remember I dont recall an abundant amount of delays from announcement to construction on Orlando's GB. They usually incorporate some nice style in the designs as well as great art features once the hotel is complete. I attached a picture of Orlandos GB. Its obviously a lot shorter than the one planned in St Pete but it works well in that location

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b38/orlandonative/GrandBohemian.jpg

[Jasonhouse]

^the render for the GB here has been out for some time... It's a nice, modern design chock full-o canvas canopies, steel and glass.

[orlandonative]

Found it, thanks Jason. Definetly a nice addition for a nice location with that Progress Energy in the same area. St Pete's definetly a nice area on the way up.

[Maxim98]

The Orlando GB is classy looking. It'll age well.

[Jasonhouse]

So... Now I'm dating a girl who lives in DT St Pete.

Thus,


Plaza on Fifth is topped out

Signature Place is on the 2nd floor

Ovation has broken ground. Foundation work is well underway

It looked to me like some sort of construction was underway at the museum of fine arts or whatever it's called.

Work continues on the expansion projects around Bayfront Medical Canter

[Maxim98]

hahahaha on the "thus,"

:-x

MoFA (not to be confused with Tampa's MoPA on Tampa Street) is adding on an expansion to double their gallery size. The new area will have traveling exhibits, offices, and the like. It's a significant expansion with (allegedly) no expense spared.

[Jasonhouse]

The Sage is also topped out....

And all four expansion structures at the Bayfront/ACH complex are well underway.

Also, a pretty sizable 4 story townhouse project is u/c on Highland north of the interstate. Covers like 2 whole blocks.

[Hannibal]

In the St. Pete Times Neighborhood Times section page 4 is an article about another condo about to go up. A 19 story by the name of Sonata. Read about it here...

Well that link didn't work at all. It's on the St. Pete Times website but I had to search the archives for "Sonata" to find it. Listed under an article refering to the old Piano Exchange building and the Garden Cafateria coming down to make way for the condo. It's at 232 2nd St. North.

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/04/08/Neighborhoodtimes/Old_Piano_Exchange_bu.shtml

[smiley]

THis is much more interesting to me:

GANDY MIXED-USED PROJECT. Approved a site plan for a 19-story development at Gandy Boulevard and 16th Street N. The project will include more than 500,000 square feet of office space, as well as retail, restaurant and parking space. The site plan replaces a previously approved project and includes a realignment of the intersection now under review by the state Department of Transportation. (No. 07-31000011, G-48)
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/04/08/Neighborhoodtimes/Old_Piano_Exchange_bu.shtml

[Jasonhouse]

^Yes, that is definitely interesting... There are some pretty large projects proposed all around the Gateway area, but this sounds like it's the tallest one sfaik.

[Jasonhouse]

This one is also interesting....

NAUTICO. Approved the vacation of a 30-foot-wide street and utility easement at the south end of the Nautico mixed-use project at 5950 34th St. S. The previously approved project will include 173 dwelling units in three buildings up to 19 stories tall, and a marina with 327 high and dry slips and 143 wet slips. (No. 07-33000003, J-321)

[Tallaman]

Interesting prospects...

High-rise to replace high fly balls at Al Lang?
By JON WILSON
Published April 11, 2007

A high-rise on the property where Al Lang Field now stands?

That is one of the concerns veteran neighborhood activists are raising about the city's pending revision of land development regulations.

Such a thing isn't likely on the city-owned property at 230 First St. S, officials are quick to say.

But the possibility raises one concern among several that neighborhood leaders want to see addressed as the LDRs near the home stretch for adoption.

"My position is, it's been recreational space for at least 50 years. I want it to stay that way," said Tim Baker, president of the Downtown Neighborhood Association.

Primarily a baseball stadium - its formal name is Al Lang Field at Progress Energy Park - the site has been host for numerous sports and civic events since 1947, including Major League Baseball spring training.

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays will leave in 2009 for a new spring training site in Charlotte County, leaving questions about Al Lang's future.

A sale or lease of the property would require a referendum, pointed out Bob Jeffrey, the city's assistant director of development services.

He said if the city itself were to develop the property, it could in theory do what it wanted, subject to rules.

Among many residents, tall condominiums often come to mind, either favorably or negatively, when downtown development of any kind is discussed.

"I don't think the city would be in that (condominium) business," Jeffrey said.

Peter Belmont is an environmental lawyer who serves on the Downtown Neighborhood Association's board.

During creation of the new land use, or zoning districts, the group urged officials to create a downtown park category that would include height limits, Belmont said.

The neighborhood association wanted the park zoning for Al Lang "so that when Al Lang disappears, we are confident something big will not take its place," Belmont said in an e-mail.

But a height restrictions map in the proposed land use changes shows Al Lang as having the same designation as tall buildings such as Parkshore Plaza on the west side of Beach Drive.

On Thursday, the City Council postponed the public hearing about the LDRs for several weeks after procedural questions emerged.

In the postponement's aftermath, some neighborhood leaders are raising questions about other aspects of the proposed LDRs.

Their concerns include the process of appealing decisions by city development boards and the composition of the boards.

The neighborhood spokesmen also want more public scrutiny of new procedural rules before they are adopted and have questioned the proposed length of time between a project's approval and its actual startup.

[Last modified April 10, 2007, 20:13:43]

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/04/11/Neighborhoodtimes/High_rise_to_replace_.shtml

[dpw1983]

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/04/25/images/tb_hotel.jpg

A new 32-story hotel could rise on less than an acre along Fifth Avenue N, if a Tampa developer gets approval from a city panel next week. But some downtown neighbors aren't happy about it.

"Generally speaking, we don't oppose a project if developers follow the rules, but this stretches the limits every which way," said Tim Baker, president of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, which plans to stand against the proposed Westin Hotel and Residences. "This is so wildly out of scale for that location."

Fuel Group International is proposing to build a 260-room hotel with 111 condominiums on 0.85 acres it owns on the southwest corner at First Street. The company has designed a building that would be the tallest in the city but wants permission for unlimited floor space.

Regulations calculate floor space in terms of the land on which a building sits.

Developers can reach greater floor-area ratio, or FAR, by adding amenities such as green space. City rules for the Westin site allow basic FAR of 3, but Fuel Group wants to build an FAR of 14 to accommodate more than 500,000 square feet of building, plus another 160,000 square feet of parking.

"They're trying to jam things in," Baker said, "and doing a lousy job of design."

Fuel Group officials did not respond to questions about the project. The proposal goes before the city's Environmental Development Commission on May 2.

Baker said neighbors met to discuss the plan and are upset that the hotel would generate significant truck traffic in a cramped area next to an electrical substation. He said the developer's desire to get more floor space ignores the needs of a neighborhood of smaller homes.

The property also butts up against the 475-condo building, a seven-story project that is near completion.

Neighbors say they could accept a tall hotel, just not on that site. Baker suggested the vacant lot at Central and Second Street, but Dan Harvey said he offered Fuel Group his land next to Parkshore Plaza just a block away.

Harvey will also be presenting a nearby project to the EDC in May when he seeks site plan approval for a 21-story building where Mansion by the Bay now sits.

Harvey and developer John Lum want to move or salvage the Queen Anne structure to make way for 28 condos between Presbyterian Towers and Townview Condominiums on Fourth Avenue N.

The project would cost between $10-million to $12-million and sales would start in a few months, Lum said. He said they are hoping the real estate market has bottomed out already.

"We feel confident the market should be back" in two years when the building's finished, Lum said.

Preserving Mansion by the Bay might be a sticking point because the structure has been changed and expanded over the years. Harvey has salvaged wood from other older homes he's owned and might do the same with this building, if there is no way to move it.

"We ask that nothing happen to that building until a for-real project is ready to go there," said Bob Jeffrey, the city's assistant director of development services.

Paul Swider can be reached at 892-2271 or pswider@sptimes.com or by participating in itsyourtimes.com.

[Last modified April 25, 2007, 00:00:15]

[Jasonhouse]

^The 2nd project sounds like a gimme... And it's so small in terms of units that it might sell rather easily...


Now on the issue of the Westin project... I'm interested in knowing what Mr Baker's credentials are. He certainly presents numerous strong statements advocating specific positions, which suggests to me that he must be a professional within the fields he is critiquing. And if he isn't, then it begs the question, why is the newspaper dedicating the crux of the article to guy who ultimately has no business making public commentary on such things?

If the newspaper wants commentary on the building's design, ask an architect. If they want commentary on the traffic, ask a traffic engineer. If they want commentary on the zoning and neighborhood interaction with the project, then ask an urban planner.

[zerobullchip]

And if he isn't, then it begs the question, why is the newspaper dedicating the crux of the article to guy who ultimately has no business making public commentary on such things?



They have been doing this in the major media concerning politics for years now.

[Jahi98]

I'm not sold on the design. There is a 15-story project under construction a couple of blocks down, and some others proposed. So it's height isn't completely out of scale.

[FloridaFuture]

The tower looks pretty average and bulky. The base looks almost like an idnetical design to TTT's base. Overall it is nothing special design wise. IMO

[Hannibal]

I'm suprised this little tidbit wasn't already posted. I 33 and 36 story highrise could be going up at the Tropicana Block site.

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/04/27/Southpinellas/Tower_plan__set_to_lo.shtml

[FloridaFuture]

I'm suprised this little tidbit wasn't already posted. I 33 and 36 story highrise could be going up at the Tropicana Block site.

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/04/27/Southpinellas/Tower_plan__set_to_lo.shtml

The rendering:

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/04/27/images/large/Local_carlton_1566960.jpg

[Quegiebo]

Sweeeeeeeeeeeet! :cheers:

[FloridaFuture]

It's alright. Sure the hourglass tower is interesting and has a cool top, but the facade of all 3 building looks very plain. I'm afraid the other two towers will look much like "The Arts" project. (Same developer) It's a Miami developer, and it looks more "Miami" then I would like.

[Maxim98]

The hourglass is fun, and I actually like the inclusion of the other towers (without them, the lone tower wouldn't be nearly as dynamic). The other facades could be tweaked, but it's a very nice project.

[Dale]

St. Pete is setting the pace!

[Jahi98]

The design is ok. I like most that it will have a significant amount of retail space. St. Pete is sorely lacking when it comes to retail, IMO.

[Jasonhouse]

^DT St Pete or St Pete in general?

[Christop]

I don't know which side of Gandy the 19 story mixed-used building at Gandy and 16th Street N will be built, but I've attached two photos of the area. One is the north side of Gandy and 16th Street N and the other the south side.

Possible North Site (Metropoint) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/capf/477464357/)


Possible South Site (http://www.flickr.com/photos/capf/477464309/)

[TampaMike]

The rendering:

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/04/27/images/large/Local_carlton_1566960.jpg
Like the design, very cool, but I just think that the project fits in with the area. So far from the bay, where I think it belongs. But it is a great project. I must say, that hourglass tower is soooo f***ing awesome! :)

[Jahi98]

^DT St Pete or St Pete in general?

St. Pete in general. Outside of Tyrone, there really aren't any major shopping districts.

[Jasonhouse]

Meh, the Tyrone area isn't the worst ever... You just need a car and a lot of patience (traffic, parking)

[FloridaFuture]

I'm working on getting the St. Pete development list on page 1 up to date. However, I don't follow St. Pete as closely as Tampa so there are some projects in which I have no or maybe incorrect information. If anyone could skim through and and post missing or corrected information on any of the projects I would appreciate it. Thanks. :)

[Christop]

Mansion by the Bay will have to make wayDespite pleas, a tower will nudge out the old building.

By SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA
Published May 6, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG - Mansion by the Bay, one of the last historic buildings in downtown St. Petersburg, will be moved to another location to make room for the development of a 21-story, 28-unit condominium.

The Environmental Development Commission approved the project Wednesday, despite the impassioned protests of more than two dozen area residents and historic preservationists.

The EDC required developers to guarantee that the building would be preserved and moved, but the agency did not specify where that new location would be.

Don Mastry, an attorney for property owner Dan Harvey, said if anyone, including the city, wants the historic building and is willing to preserve it, the developer will pay up to $100, 000 of the moving costs.

The Queen Anne-style structure at 145 Fourth Ave. NE was built in 1905 as a private home for A.T. Blocker, who was the city's mayor from 1910 to 1911.

The home was expanded in 1918 and again in 1926 when it was converted into a clubhouse for the Shiners International Club. In the 1980s, it was used as a dance studio and, until recently, was used for weddings and other special events.

"The residence is of great significance at the local level, " said Corey Malyszka, a city planner. "It is the only historic building remaining on the block and one of the few remaining in what was once a residential neighborhood."

The proposed move drew protests from members of St. Petersburg Preservation Inc., who argued against redevelopment of the narrow property that is sandwiched between the Presbyterian Towers, a residential complex for the elderly, and the Townview condominium.

"The neighborhood will lose a significant part of its history, " said Will Michaels, president of the preservation group. "We are not objecting to growth and development, but all we are asking for is some balance."

That development also drew strong protests from residents who think the tower will block their light, create noise and dust during construction, and exacerbate parking problems.

"This building is going to be eyeball to eyeball with my apartment. I will have no sun, no view of the city, " said Patricia Beaver, a Presbyterian Towers resident.

Presbyterian Towers manager Joan Petersen said: "Our residents are over 62 years old. They can't just pack up their toys and move somewhere else. They cannot afford multimillion condos."

Only two of seven EDC commissioners - Valarie Nussbaum and Sharon Heal-Eichler - voted against the project, questioning whether it had adequate parking and enough space between adjacent buildings.

The condo tower, named "Mansion on the Bay, " will sit on a four-story base that will include ground-level retail stores, a parking structure and two-story residential lofts.

That will be topped by 11 floors containing 22 residential units, topped in turn by three penthouses with 360-degree views of the city and bay. An amenity level above the parking structure will include terraces, pools and landscaping.

In other action:
The EDC also unanimously approved a site plan for a 27 story, 204,700 sqft, ultra-modern office building. Triann Tower is to rise at the southeast corner of Fourth Street and First Avenue S.

The commission also unanimously approved a special exception and related site plan for a Home Depot at 3000 34th St. S. The site is currently occupied by the Suncoast Resort, which will be torn down.



http://www.sptimes.com/2007/05/06/news_pf/Neighborhoodtimes/Mansion_by_the_Bay_wi.shtml

[Jahi98]

Good news all around -- even the Home Depot. South St. Pete can use more retail.

[Jasonhouse]

That article is funny to me... They talk on and on about a 28 unit apartment building, just because some old rundown house will have to be moved to make way for it...

The much bigger news is the 27 story office tower, which will not only have a good chance of being a new tallest for the city, but also shows that DT St Pete is really coming into its own as an office market... Hell, they could have made a whole article out of it, and crowed about how DT St Pete is growing up or whatever.

[smiley]

Not quite - previously listed at 385

[smiley]

Frankly I sympathize with the people who will be blocked, depending on how close they build the tower to the other buildings -

As for the house - they should have a plan for it if it is really historic rather than just nice and old

[Maxim98]

I'm not sure which house it is. In the case of Floridian cities, if it's several decades old and looks nice, doesn't that qualify as a keeper? Heh. It would be nice to move it to one of the residential neighborhoods on the fringes of DT, where it would fit in nicely....

In other news, this is a GREAT proposal. I do sympathize with preservationists and residents, though... we must preserve some of St. Pete's charm.

[FloridaFuture]

On the outside atleast, I wouldn't call it ultra- modern like the article says:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a142/HemiRoy/DSC00007.jpg

Unless they changed the design....

[Maxim98]

Same tower?

Oh. That one. Color me disappointed.

[smiley]

oh yea, the one that looks like my doodles from 8th grade . . .

[Tallaman]

A better rendering might make a big difference. Crayola sketches are so 70's.

[I-275westcoastfl]

^^Thats because the building looks like its from the 70's!!

[Raleigh-NC]

On the outside atleast, I wouldn't call it ultra- modern like the article says:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a142/HemiRoy/DSC00007.jpg

Unless they changed the design....
I have never posted in this section, but for years I thought that St Pete is a city with tremendous potential and looked forward to any threads related to this place. I finally made some time to check this thread out and when I saw the above rendering I thought that I must post something. I have not read everything posted, so please bear with me if I say something stupid. In the past, I remember Progress Energy - its HQ is currently located in DT Raleigh - mentioning a new tower for St Pete. Is the above one what they had in mind? Look at their HQ here in Raleigh and tell me if you see a resemblance:

http://www.pbase.com/raleighmsa/image/58271763.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/raleighmsa/image/58271777.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/raleighmsa/image/34970608.jpg

Sorry for "hijacking" this thread, but I thought it is relevant. The two towers look similar and I was wondering if Progress Energy and their favorite architect (Cooper Carry) are "recycling" that design. Has PE already built its DT St Pete tower? If not, what is the status of that project?

[Jasonhouse]

Their new place in DT St Pete is already u/c... It opens soon I think...

This reminds me of something... Isn't the new regional office here taller than the actual corporate HQ in Raleigh?

[Raleigh-NC]

I thought so, but Emporis seems to imply otherwise:

http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=progressenergyfloridaofficebuilding-streetpetersburg-fl-usa

However, they have a taller tower across the street (One Progress Plaza), which explains why they only did a 19-story building instead of something MUCH taller :( It is a beautiful tower, in real life, but leaves much to be desired in terms of height. The only explanation I can offer is that Progress Energy was actually a Florida-based company, which merged with/bought CP&L. It makes a lot of sense to have a building of similar height to their HQ with the one in DT Raleigh.

Thanks for the input.

[Maxim98]

I thought Progress Energy's St. Pete tower has been open for quite some time? Strange.

[smiley]

1) I Think it is open and

2) it is not that tall - I think

but amazingly, they seem to have used essentially the same template for both buildings

[Hannibal]

Progress Energy's 16 story building is complete at the northeast corner of 1st ave north and 3rd street north on the same block the Bohemian is going up on. The green 27 story office bldg will be going up at 4th street south and 1st ave south. Hopefully is will look like the PE building in Raleigh NC. Good looking bldg! Ovation, a 26 story condo is U/C at 100 bch drive and should be reaching for the sky soon! We went to BayWalk last week for the first time. I don't think Times Square needs to be concerned but man! Compared to what St. Pete was 25yrs ago! We've come a long way and change is coming fast now! Can't wait to see Signature top out!

[Jasonhouse]

I didn't realize it was open. I drive by that building like 3-4x a week these days (g/f lives in northern DT, so we use 3rd a lot)... It always seems like there are work trucks and deliveries of stuff, so I just assumed they must be finishing up inside.


Hmm... Is SPJC being worked on? Maybe that is what I was thinking of...