A mixed-use townhome development in St. Pete’s Grand Central District has broken ground. Construction begins today on Driftwood on Central, which is being built at the northeast corner of Central Avenue and 29th Street.

Located adjacent to China Finders, Driftwood on Central is being developed by St. Pete Development Company which is headed by Julie Kessel. Nick Janovsky, Sales & Development Director at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, is leading sales of the project.

The development will have eleven residential units across two buildings ranging between three and four stories. A building fronting Central Avenue will feature five residential units, all of which include ground floor retail space. These are perfect for entrepreneurs or professionals who need commercial studio space or desire a live-work setting.

There was a time not too long ago that the Grand Central District was largely known for legacy shops like Haslam’s Book Store and antique stores. While great, many people, including some locals, considered the Grand Central District an afterthought behind the bustling downtown core. But a lot has changed in the past few years, and recently, new businesses have brought new energy to the area.

While the district is still much quieter than the downtown core, the Grand Central District has come into an identity of its own with trendy coffee shops like Black Crow and Bandit, and unique bars like Trophy Fish and Dog Bar. Bolstered by a demand of retail space, the district has also seen an increase in new residential and commercial development. In essence, the Grand Central District has become a destination in its own right.