Charlie Crist’s comments on the Gas Plant point toward a different approach: let the City set the vision, maintain control and preserve the value of this extraordinary public property.
Mayor Ken Welch says the Gas Plant generates interest around the world. So why move forward after only two local bids and an offer far below the City’s own appraisals?
Cities create value by creating great neighborhoods. Why should the value the City creates benefit a single developer rather than the citizens who already own the land? Vision. Control. Value.This …
The Historic Gas Plant redevelopment will unfold over decades. Markets will change, priorities will evolve, and unexpected challenges will arise. That is why St. Petersburg should retain control of the …
The Historic Gas Plant is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a signature public park. But before deciding its size, design, or location, St. Petersburg should first answer a more fundamental …
Who Should Lead the Redevelopment?St. Petersburg is about to make one of the most important public policy decisions in its history.Who should lead the redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant …
As reported by St. Pete Rising, two downtown St. Petersburg properties totaling just 1.8 acres sold for $32.5 million—about $18 million per acre.That price didn’t happen by accident. It reflects …
New appraisals of the St. Petersburg Gas Plant redevelopment site raise major questions about public value, city planning, leadership, and whether the process should now be paused before irreversible decisions …
St. Petersburg’s public meeting on the Historic Gas Plant site was supposed to provide clarity. Instead, major questions about affordable housing, infrastructure costs, appraisals, and whether the city should lead …
If the city can successfully lead a $165 million marina redevelopment, why would it take a different approach for the much larger and more important Gas Plant site?
City Council voted 6–2 to pause and plan first. So why is the Mayor moving forward anyway—and what questions still need answers?
The Historic Gas Plant District before Tropicana Field. The next decision will shape generations. What Was Actually SubmittedNine proposals were submitted in response to the City’s notice regarding redevelopment of …
On February 5, St. Petersburg City Council voted 6–2 to ask St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch to pause his selection process for the Gas Plant site and plan first. This …
The 86-acre Historic Gas Plant surrounding Tropicana Field in downtown St. Petersburg What the Seven Gas Plant Proposals Tell Us About St. Petersburg’s Redevelopment ProcessIn January, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken …
The Gas Plant, Part Three: Keeping Redevelopment on Track for DecadesThis is the third post in a series on the future of the Gas Plant site.Post one explained that the …
Conceptual master plan image from the City of St. Petersburg’s 2018 Tropicana Field planning study prepared by HKS.This City-commissioned planning work shows the kind of plan-first approach St. Petersburg has …
Update: A detailed letter has now been shared with City Council explaining why a City-led, plan-first process is essential before any Gas Plant proposals move forward. [Read the full letter …
Before inviting developers, the City must adopt a real redevelopment plan first.Update – November 2025: This revised version clarifies that while §163.380 doesn’t explicitly say the 30-day process (discussed below) …
The City’s decision to open a 30-day window for new Gas Plant proposals makes little sense. The 86-acre site deserves planning, not a race. Before entertaining more offers, St. Petersburg …
It’s time to move on from the Downtown CRA — The Stadium Deal Is DeadAs we reported seven months ago, sunsetting the St. Petersburg Downtown CRA sounded good then — …
Developers Are Already Making OffersBut selling now undervalues the land, locks in a single vision, and leaves the community without a voice.The Tampa Bays Times recently reported that developer Casey …
Mayor Welch says he wants the facts about a new convention center. Here they are: if there’s real demand, private developers will step up—without a taxpayer-funded study. Let’s let the …
St. Pete has a rare chance to reimagine the Gas Plant District. But talk of building a convention center – before a master plan even exists – skips the most …
