Planning and visioning efforts are now underway for a new 28-acre mixed-use district just west of St. Petersburg’s Warehouse Arts District, marking a significant moment for urban infill and commercial development in the region. The site, long underutilized, has entered an early phase of design exploration that could lead to future residential, retail, office, and cultural space.
The property at 800 31st Street South and adjacent parcels is owned by the lafrate family, a local investment group with deep roots in the St. Petersburg market. It is envisioned as a walkable neighborhood that integrates creative workspace, housing, and commercial uses, intended to complement the Warehouse Arts District and extend the city’s urban core.
During a four-day public design charrette hosted by the St. Pete Chamber of Commerce, community members, artists, local business owners, and planners participated in discussions and mapping exercises to help shape the initial concept for the future district. The event was held at the future site, located near the St. Petersburg Distillery and the Pinellas Trail, and offered an opportunity for residents to provide feedback on potential uses, connectivity, and public spaces…