October 22, 2014

Project: USFSP Kate Tiedemann College of Business building

October 22, 2014/ Anthony Close

From the green benches of "God's Waiting Room" to the green and gold of the USF Bulls, USF St.Petersburg (USFSP) seems poised to expand it's role on downtown. Over the past few years there has been a lot of change on the small bay front campus including the addition of on-campus housing, a newly constructed student center, and the creation of new campus green space.

But don't expect the projects to stop there. If newly hired Chancellor Sophia Wisniewska has her way USFSP could double its enrollment to 10,000 students by 2024.

October 21, 2014

Project Update: The Arlington

October 21, 2014/ Anthony Close

Quick update on The Arlington where construction is progressing smoothly. The first phase, which consists of 12 of 34 town homes in the development, is currently underway and plumbing being installed now. In the next few weeks the foundations should begin being poured. Completion of phase 1 is expected in April or May of 2015.

August 13, 2014

St.Pete "Pocket Projects"

August 13, 2014/ Anthony Close

Pocket parks are small parks that are accessible to the public, but they are usually very tiny in comparison to larger parks (think Central Park). However, despite their size, they can create a network of green space to help enhance neighborhoods and communities. I see smaller real estate developments the same way. These so-called "pocket projects" can enhance urban corridors and revitalize neighborhoods. Because many pocket projects lack the size and scale of larger developments they usually receive less publicity, but I think they are just as important. While there's no definition of what makes a development a "pocket project" I'm going to share a few local developments I would consider pocket projects that you may not have heard about.

July 10, 2014

Project: Arlington Townhomes

July 10, 2014/ Anthony Close

The Arlington
Stories: 4
Units: 34 townhomes

A new townhome project in Downtown St.Petersburg is under development a few blocks west of Mirror Lake. This 34-unit development will feature homes between 1,700-2,100 square feet. Looking at the renders it appears that each townhome will be 3 stories with a 4th floor terrace, some of which will offer striking skyline views. This project will be a great addition to downtown.

A statement from The Arlington St.Pete website:

We are excited to announce that The Arlington St Pete is coming soon to Downtown St Petersburg! Located at 8th Street North and Arlington Avenue North the urban contemporary community will offer thirty-four townhomes ranging in size from 1,700 to 2,100 square feet.

May 13, 2014

Mirror Lake Renovations Complete

May 13, 2014/ Anthony Close

What was once St.Petersburg’s main source for fresh drinking water, Mirror Lake, has served as lakeside retreat on the northern side of downtown for decades. However, over the past few years it has gone unappreciated leading it to be underutilized.

In 2012 the City of St.Petersburg took action and developed plans to invest nearly a half million dollars to renovate and revitalize the Mirror Lake Park. By widening and enhancing the sidewalk the lake is now surrounded by a unified trail that gives stunning views of Downtown St. Petersburg and Mirror Lake’s wildlife. In March most of the renovation were completed.