In October 2019, Miami-based PTM Partners paid $13 million to purchase a 31,000 square foot building, which formerly housed Furnish Me Vintage, along with an adjacent 1.25-acre surface parking lot at 1246 Central Avenue in the EDGE District of downtown St. Pete.

Soon after acquiring the property, PTM proposed a mixed-use development called the EDGE Collective, which consisted of a Marriott Moxy hotel, a food hall, and coworking space. However, in the wake of COVID-19, the project may undergo a reconfiguration.

“We are currently working on the pre-development and design for the EDGE Collective and remain very excited about bringing this mixed-use development to the district,” says Michael Tillman, President of PTM Partners. “We are consciously evaluating how things may change in a post-COVID-19 world and are incorporating those concepts into our development plan.”

Given the impact COVID-19 has had on the hospitality industry, we wouldn’t be surprised to see PTM convert the hotel component of the development into a residential use – likely apartments. It is also rumored that Station House will no longer be bringing coworking space to the project. However, Tampa-based food hall, The Hall (formerly The Hall on Franklin), has signed a lease for the first floor of the former Furnish Me Vintage building and will be moving forward.

While PTM’s project continues to make progress behind the scenes, they’ve partnered with 305 Hospitality to activate the property before construction on the new development begins. If you’ve passed through the EDGE District in the last week, you may have noticed construction activity in the parking lot. For at least the next six months, the lot will be home to the EDGE Collective Urban Market Place.

The temporary outdoor market will feature two 40-foot shipping containers, a massive canopy with seating underneath, and a giant LED screen. Additionally, numerous stand-alone kiosks will be constructed and rented to local businesses. The project is reminiscent of BOXPARK in London, but on a much smaller scale.

“The goal is to provide small retail spaces to local entrepreneurs and businesses that were affected by COVID-19 or cannot afford a regular brick and mortar space,” says Robert Rivera, Managing Partner of 305 Hospitality. “Instead of signing an expensive lease for a large space for five or ten years, entrepreneurs can test their concept here. It’s kind of like an incubator for them.”

The two 40-foot containers will each contain two food concepts, all owned and operated by 305 Hospitality. Dogs and Brews will, just as the name implies, sell hot dogs and beer. Football Sandwich Shop will offer football-themed sub sandwiches. Carne D’Vino will specialize in wine and charcuterie. And lastly, Zazon Bites will serve Latin food, such as jibaritos, tacos, cachapas, and more.

The EDGE Collective Urban Market Place will debut this weekend, just in time for the Super Bowl. And there will be events all weekend leading up to the big game on Sunday when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Kansas City Chiefs at 6:30PM.

Today, February 5th, the market will open at 3PM for a welcome party with happy hour and a live band.

On Saturday, from noon to close, there will be local vendors, a farmer’s market, and live music on hand. Saturday night will also feature a live performance by Latin Grammy award winner Robert Vilera.

Enjoy brunch on Sunday starting at noon with live music by Afro Beats. And then later in the day check out the free Super Bowl watch party hosted by Former Green Bay Packers star Samuel Barrington.

In the future, look for the EDGE Collective Urban Market Place to be activated with all sorts of events. “We plan on using the large LED screen to show music videos, episodes of Friends, and we’ve even been in discussion with the St. Pete Opera Company for a monthly concert series,” says Rivera.

Phase II of the EDGE Collective Urban Market Place will feature an additional six 20-foot shipping containers and 10-12 retail kiosks for local businesses. Rivera hopes to have the second phase up and running by April 1st.

“I love St. Pete and I actually just became a resident,” says Rivera. “In fact, after our team visited the neighborhood, they fell in love with St. Pete too. Once PTM needs the parking lot back, we’d like to find space nearby to move the market to.”

The EDGE Collective Urban Market Place is located at 1246 Central Avenue in the EDGE District. Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on the latest events and new vendor openings. You can also visit their website for more information. And if you’re interested in becoming a vendor, send an email to info@305hospitality.com.