Historic Gas Plant District Redevelopment
Historic Gas Plant District Redevelopment
How We Got Here – Project Overview
Nearly 40 years ago, members of the Historic Gas Plant community were displaced by the ultimately successful pursuit of Major League Baseball and the eventual construction of what is now Tropicana Field. While the move brought our city the Tampa Bay Rays, then known as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, residents and businesses were forced to relocate with the promise of jobs, opportunity, and equitable development, which did not materialize.
Through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process, guided by principled and inclusive progress, the City has the opportunity to fulfill those unrealized promises and bring St. Petersburg new attainable housing, equitable business opportunities, office space, meeting space, open space, and overall equitable and impactful economic development that benefits all.
A Partnership Created
On September 19, 2023, a historic agreement was announced - the Tampa Bay Rays are 'here to stay' in St. Petersburg.
The City of St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Tampa Bay Rays, and Hines Development team have agreed to move forward with a new state-of-the-art ballpark and a transformational development of the Historic Gas Plant District, the 86-acre site where the team’s current stadium sits. The agreement advances a project that will include 8 million sq. ft. of mixed-use development. If approved by the St. Petersburg City Council and Pinellas County Commission, the development - which will be done in three strategic phases - will invest more than $6 billion in St. Petersburg over a 20-year period - and will be the largest development project in Tampa Bay history.
The development agreement focuses heavily on the equitable, intentional, and restorative delivery of community benefits and economic impacts, specifically to honor the legacy of the Historic Gas Plant neighborhood’s residents and businesses. This includes a $50 million commitment to intentional equity initiatives in partnership with South St. Petersburg that include affordable housing funding, employment and business support, education programs, and Minority/Women Owned Business Enterprises hiring commitments.
Read the full Press Release here.
A Message from Mayor Welch on the Hines & Tampa Bay Rays Partnership
Dear Residents of St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay Region,
Our communities have a reason to celebrate!
We celebrate the power of Partnership.
In an exciting public-private collaboration, the City of St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, the Hines Historic Gas Plant Partnership, and the Tampa Bay Rays have achieved an agreement for the 86-acre redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District that includes a new home for the Tampa Bay Rays! Months of thoughtful discussion and deliberation have resulted in a financially responsible deal that will transform the entire Tampa Bay area for generations to come.We celebrate Inclusive Progress for our entire community, based on shared Priorities.
Intentional equity is at the core of the Historic Gas Plant Redevelopment and builds on all five of my administration’s Pillars for Progress: 1) Education and Youth Opportunities; 2) Equitable Development, Arts and Business Opportunities; 3) Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods; 4) Housing Opportunities for All; and 5) Environment, Infrastructure and Resilience.Lifting up residents from every part of St. Pete is imperative for our city’s success. You can expect dynamic growth from the largest development project in the region to: create more jobs, provide more affordable/workforce housing, feature top-notch educational and cultural facilities, offer expansive office space, community space and green space, and generate impactful economic development, including equitable opportunities for local and minority businesses. This project will be a prosperous game changer for those who live in, work in, and visit St. Petersburg.
We celebrate this significant step towards honoring Promises Made.
Like many others, I used to call the Gas Plant home. Some forty years ago, my family’s livelihood was uprooted with the promise of economic opportunity that would improve and enhance their lives. Now, we have a chance to fulfill those promises and preserve the legacy of the Historic Gas Plant neighborhood.In his poem, “Harlem,” Langston Hughes asks, “What happens to a dream deferred?” As to the legacy of the Historic Gas Plant community, a dream deferred will no longer be a dream denied!
In Celebration,
Mayor Kenneth T. Welch
What's Next
The agreement will go through the Community Benefits process, in addition to St. Petersburg City Council and Pinellas County Commission for final approval. The process for approval begins this Fall. The Community Benefits Advisory Council (CBAC) will convene every Tuesday in January, beginning January 5, 2024, at 5 pm. The purpose of these meetings is to evaluate and offer feedback on the community benefits plan for the Historic Gas Plant Redevelopment.
Project Timeline
- October 2023: First Committee of the Whole with St. Petersburg City Council
- Fall 2023: Community Benefits Agreement and government approval process begins
- Early 2024: St. Petersburg City Council votes on stadium and development agreements.
- Fall 2024: Construction to begin on infrastructure and phase one development.
- Fall 2027: Phase one development opens alongside the new Rays ballpark
- Opening Day 2028: Play ball!
About the 2022 Request for Proposal Process
After careful consideration, we determined the RFP resulting in a developer recommendation in late 2021 was outdated and did not adequately reflect current economic conditions, new workforce trends or comprehensive city needs.
A new RFP was issued to ensure proposals reflect current needs regarding affordable housing, recreation, hotel and convention space, jobs, community impact and placemaking, among other considerations.
2022 RFP Proposal Submissions
50 Plus 1 Sports
Hines & Tampa Bay Rays
Restoration Associates
Sugar Hill Community Partners
Historic Gas Plant District RFP Documentation
Community Engagement Opportunities and Recap
Thank you for your interest in the future of the Historic Gas Plant District (HGPD). As one of the most significant redevelopment projects in the country, its impact will be felt for generations to come. We welcome the community’s participation and want to ensure that all voices are heard throughout the selection process.
On January 4, we held a Community Presentation where the community was able to hear from each developer and share their feedback. The full video of that meeting can be found here. Feedback from the meeting and an online form, which was open from Dec. 19, 2022 - Jan. 23, 2023, has been shared with Mayor Welch to inform his decision. An important announcement will be shared at the 2023 State of the City on Jan. 30, 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the original RFP canceled?
Much has changed in our city since first contracting with HKS Architects in 2016 to develop a conceptual site master plan. The concept including a new ballpark was completed in March 2017 and the concept without a new ballpark was completed in November 2018. From there, the city spent much of 2019 and early 2020 evaluating sustainable and equitable best practices for the site before opening the RFP in July 2020. Since then, our city has suffered through the economic effects of a pandemic and is currently in the midst of a nationwide affordable housing crisis. These effects were not fully realized in the original plans. A new set of priorities and considerations should be given to the site with these new challenges and opportunities the city is facing.
Will a new process create delays? If so, how long?
We expect a new RFP process to be relatively quick. Based on previous public input, we understand much of what the community is looking for in a redevelopment plan, including access to high-wage jobs, affordable housing, recreation, economic activity, education, and inclusivity for the community displaced by the original stadium development. We will hold a series of public outreach events to receive input on citizens’ vision and priorities. The original RFP process included a developer recommendation but did not progress further than that. The new process will include developer proposals and additional public input reflective of our current challenges, priorities, and opportunities. We expect the RFP planning, release, and selection process to move quickly.
Will a new process cause costs to rise considering construction prices have risen since the original RFP?
Supply chain challenges and inflation have indeed caused prices to rise, which will be reflected in new proposals. However, those cost increases would have been absorbed into the original RFP proposals, meaning a new process will not have any meaningful impact on the overall cost or city contribution to the project at the time of construction.
What priorities are you looking for in new proposals?
- Stadium model: We are soliciting proposals containing a new baseball stadium, in lieu of including proposals that contemplate a site without one. We believe this model will provide certainty as it relates to the Tampa Bay Rays.
- Affordable Housing: As our population has increased, and with a new housing demand that is rapidly increasing property values and rents in our city, affordable housing must be a key component of any new development at the Historic Gas Plant District site.
- Gas Plant Promise: The site also must effectively recognize, honor, and support the community displaced due to the construction of the original stadium, in an impactful and sustainable manner.
- Support Community Pillars for Progress: Further, the site should consider equitable access to all residents, visitors, and stakeholders while continuing to pursue equitable opportunities for education, youth opportunities, economic activity, and recreation. We are also mindful of any city subsidy and will consider that in all proposals.
Will the Rays be considered as a potential developer?
This option is available to the Rays as they chart a path forward for continued Major League Baseball in St. Petersburg. The new RFP process will allow them to bid and/or partner. Any proposal they choose to participate in will be considered through the same lens as other proposals. The overarching goal is to choose a site plan that advances the vision of our community for inclusive progress.
Did you have concerns with the development proposal recommended by former Mayor Rick Kriseman? If so, what were they?
The decision to open a new RFP process is not related to former Mayor Kriseman’s recommendation. Mayor Kriseman and his team considered community input and city needs within their criteria. However, the length of time since the RFP issuance, and our current environment and circumstances, warrant a fresh look. We recognize the prior administration’s diligence and look forward to building on their foundational work.
Can you legally cancel the existing RFP and start anew?
Yes. The RFP contains language that allows the city to cancel for any reason and start anew.
Do we expect legal challenges?
Because it is clear the RFP can be canceled, there would be no basis for legal challenges.
What does the new RFP include?
That will be determined during the 4-5 week RFP development process. We know we will be soliciting proposals with a baseball stadium to provide certainty on the stadium question. We will also host a series of public outreach sessions and solicit public comment on our website seeking input on community priorities.
What is the new timeline for developer selection?
We hope to have a selection by the end of the year.
Do we expect Sugar Hill and Midtown to reapply?
Yes, and we encourage them to continue to engage in the process.
Previous RFP History
Tropicana Field Conceptual Master Plan
The City of St. Petersburg and HKS Architects developed two conceptual master plans for the redevelopment of the 86-acre Tropicana Field Site, one including a baseball stadium and one without, referred to as Scenario One and Scenario Two. The importance of this site to the future of St. Pete can't be over-emphasized. It is a once-in-a-generation chance to create new opportunities for growth, economic development, and an enhanced community!
- Tropicana Plan Scenario 1 (with stadium): Conceptual Master Plan - Scenario 1
- Tropicana Plan Scenario 2 (without stadium): Conceptual Master Plan - Scenario 2
Development Partner Selection
Midtown Development best represented the criteria contained within the RFP, which represented years of community feedback, ideas, and input. The firm has a proven track record of executing large, mixed-use developments and will have an opportunity to showcase their vision for the site in the months ahead.
- Full Proposal
- Executive Summary
- Project Renderings
- Video
- Midtown Development Team Matrix
- 21 Guiding Principles
- Relevant Plans & Studies
- Questions for Tropicana Field RFP Finalists
- Sugar Hill Response
- Midtown Response
To see the full list of responses submitted prior to shortlisting, visit the City's Real Estate webpage. Guidance for Tropicana Field Site Redevelopment Concepts: view the Roadmap.
Proposal Review Documents
The Staff Review documents represent the strengths and weaknesses of key City staff members across numerous departments and areas of expertise. Note that these strengths and weaknesses were based on the team’s original written proposals. The Project Comparison provides a direct comparison between Midtown Development and Sugar Hill Community Partners for specific, measurable areas of importance. This document was completed by City staff at the request of the Mayor. The Response Summary documents provide an overview of commitments made by the development team, based on their original written proposals, subsequent community meetings, and conversations with administration.
- Midtown Staff Review
- Sugar Hill Staff Review
- Midtown and Sugar Hill Project Comparison
- Midtown Response Summary
- Sugar Hill Response Summary
- HR&A Proposal Evaluation
Community Engagement
The City of St. Petersburg, community organization partners, and potential development partners have remained committed to engaging the community from the early days of redevelopment discussions.
While not exhaustive, key community engagement events are summarized below.
Key City of St. Petersburg-Led Engagement
| Date | Meeting | Approximate Attendance |
| July 2016 | Public Meeting #1 on Scenario 1 of the Tropicana Field Redevelopment Plan at the Coliseum | 300 |
| July 2016 | Public Meeting #2 on Scenario 1 of the Tropicana Field Redevelopment Plan at Campbell Park Rec Center | 170 |
| July 2016 | 5 targeted Stakeholder Meetings on Scenario 1 of the Tropicana Field Redevelopment Plan | 68 |
| August 2018 | Public Meeting on Scenario 2 of the Tropicana Field Redevelopment Plan at USFSP | 300 |
| August 2018 | 5 targeted Stakeholder Meetings on Scenario 2 of the Tropicana Field Redevelopment Plan | 36 |
| September 2020 | Tropicana Field RFP Pre-Proposal Meeting #1 | 90 |
| September 2020 | Tropicana Field RFP Pre-Proposal Meeting #2 | 70 |
| April 2021 | Trop Shortlisted Community Meeting #1, Virtual | 300 |
| April 2021 | Trop Shortlisted Community Meeting #2, Coliseum | 200 |
| April 2021 | Trop Shortlisted Community Meeting #3, Coliseum | 180 |
| April - July 2021 | Community Center Showrooms + Comment Boxes for (all applicants, then for the two finalists) Proposal Teams:
|
TBD |
| April - July 2021 | Community Center Proposal Viewing and Comment Boxes for (all applicants, then for the two finalists) Proposal Teams:
|
TBD |
Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Program: Voices Heard Voices Matter Engagement
| Date | Meeting | Approximate Attendance |
| May 2021 | Virtual Conversation w/ Two Finalist Firms | TBD |
| May 2021 | Enoch Davis Center Open House w/ Two Finalist Firms | TBD |
| May 2021 | Enoch Davis Center Open House w/ Two Finalist Firms | TBD |
| May 2021 | Enoch Davis Center Open House w/ Two Finalist Firms | TBD |
| May 2021 | VHVM Community Support Video | TBD |
Other Organization-Led Engagement
| Date | Meeting | Approximate Attendance |
| April 2021 | NAACP Town Hall | 50 |
| June 2021 | World Café Conversation | 25 |
| January 2020 | Holocaust Museum hosts Community Presentation to include Trop Site History & Launch of Where Have All the Mangoes Gone w/local Author and Speakers | TBD |
| April - Present (ongoing) | Proposal Finalists Midtown Development Creekside & Sugar Hill Community Partners participated in at various engagement sessions with many civic and community organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, multiple neighborhood associations, multiple faith based organizations, as well as information booths at many local events like Saturday Shoppes, Collard Green Festival and more. The finalists also each produced videos made available on the city website. | - |
Public Input Opportunities
Public Comment
Watch a recording of a public meeting. While the live Q&A dates have passed, residents can still submit their feedback in the comment form below.
- Recording of Meeting #1: Mon., April 5
- Recording of Meeting #2: Wed., April 7
- Recording of Meeting #3: Thurs., April 8
Request a Speaker
Organizations, associations, and groups can submit a request for a member of the City's Economic Development team to present during a meeting using this online form.