The St. Petersburg Housing Authority has signaled its interest in playing a role in the redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District, positioning itself as a potential partner focused on expanding affordable housing as the city moves toward selecting a development team.
The Housing Authority signed nonexclusive letters of interest with Blake Investment Partners and ARK Ellison Horus, expressing a willingness to collaborate with either developer on efforts tied to the 86-acre site surrounding Tropicana Field. The move places the agency in a position to work with whichever development team is ultimately selected by the city of St. Petersburg after the request for proposal process for the site closes Tuesday.
“The St. Petersburg Housing Authority welcomes the opportunity to work on projects that expand access to affordable housing in the City of St. Petersburg,” St. Petersburg Housing Authority President and CEO Michael Lundy said in a press release.
The announcement comes after Housing Authority announced a letter of intent last week backing Blake Investment Partners’ proposal for the site, citing a “strong emphasis on affordable housing, workforce housing, and long-term community benefit.” At the time, Lundy said the agency supported Blake’s vision for the redevelopment and welcomed the possibility of working with the firm if it emerged as the city’s choice.
Monday’s press release clarifies that the Housing Authority aims to participate in the redevelopment process regardless of which proposal is selected.
The agency highlighted its historical ties to the site through its past ownership of Laurel Park as reason for involvement. Laurel Park was a 168-unit public housing community built in the 1940s, and purchased by the Housing Authority in 1966, before being removed as part of efforts tied to the construction of Tropicana Field.
“The St. Petersburg Housing Authority was part of the Gas Plant District’s history through our past ownership and management of the Laurel Park housing community,” Lundy said. “We would welcome the opportunity to once again be a part of the Gas Plant District and play a meaningful role in its future.”
Founded in 1937, the St. Petersburg Housing Authority is one of the nation’s oldest housing authorities and is consistently rated as a high-performing agency by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, according to the press release. Through its programs, the agency provides housing assistance to approximately 4,000 qualifying low-income households citywide.
“Along with our partners, we are well positioned to deliver high-quality affordable housing to the City of St. Petersburg,” Lundy said.
