Historic Gas Plant District Redevelopment

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Historic Gas Plant District Redevelopment

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 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 this current RFP process, the City has the opportunity to fulfill those unrealized promises and bring to 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 Message from Mayor Welch

January 30th Partner in Progress Selection

At the 2023 State of the City, Mayor Kenneth T. Welch announced Hines & Tampa Bay Rays as his selection for the master developer of the Historic Gas Plant Redevelopment Project. 

Said Mayor Welch, “I saw a need to build a better path forward by prioritizing the community’s need for affordable and workforce housing – both onsite and offsite. And as a child who visited many a restaurant, corner store and worked at my Grandfather’s woodyard, the opportunity for restorative economic opportunities needed to be a clearly stated priority.” 

On his choice, “I am naming the partner and a concept for a project that will last over a decade and will span multiple administrations. As the plan moves forward under my administration, we will adhere to our model of inclusive governance—asking for input from all stakeholders, including the community, to ensure that we are meeting the goals of this development. I know our St. Pete community will stay engaged and informed as this project takes shape.” 

The project timeline has been updated below. 

About the 2022 Request For Proposals 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After careful consideration, we determined the RFP resulting in a developer recommendation in late 2021 was outdated and did not adequately reflect current economic conditions, new workforce trends or comprehensive city needs.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.

Project Timeline

An aggressive timeline has been established to ensure the process continues expediently.

The timeline anticipates:

  • August 2022: RFP is released
  • Mid-September 2022: Pre-proposal development meeting with prospective developers
  • November 2022: Community outreach and internal review
  • Dec 2022: Strengths and weaknesses presented to Mayor Welch
  • Jan 2023: Mayor Welch selects recommended developer
  • Summer 2023: Use Agreement Term Sheet for Hines & Tampa Bay Rays
  • September/October 2023: Development agreement presented to City Council for approval. 
  • End of 2023: Use Agreement executed and Term Sheet for Development complete
  • Summer 2024: Development Agreement executed

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Previous RFP History