Mayor Welch wants to get going on a museum
St. Pete Rising reports that the Woodson African American Museum of Florida has revealed renderings for a new museum. It is an inspiring vision, and a new Woodson deserves serious consideration as a cultural anchor for St. Petersburg.
The proposed 40,000 square foot museum is envisioned for the corner of 15th Street and 1st Avenue South, on part of the parking lot for Tropicana Field. It would be a small part of the 86-acre Gas Plant property. The whole property will be ready for development once the Rays lease ends in 2028.
Mayor Welch seems to want to move forward with a museum and maybe something else before the whole property is planned out.
“Mayor Welch has said he is exploring new opportunities around the Gas Plant’s outer perimeter, with a priority on advancing the Woodson Museum”
Let’s Plan First
Urban planning best practices suggest that when dealing with large, multifaceted sites, it’s advantageous to develop a master plan that encompasses the entire area. That would mean the city should not begin planning a museum—or any single project—on the Gas Plant property until there is a comprehensive plan for the entire 86 acres.
Acting too soon would limit options, undermine public trust, and reduce the potential of this once-in-a-generation redevelopment opportunity.
Why Waiting Benefits a new Museum
Hopefully, supporters of the Woodson Museum should see that waiting will actually strengthen their cause.
If the Gas Plant is planned as a whole, and a specific parcel is clearly designated for the museum within that framework, it gives donors, grantmakers, and foundations confidence that the museum will have a permanent and secure home. That clarity makes fundraising easier and more successful.
Instead of fighting for space or working around shifting city priorities, the Woodson would be seen as an integral part of the district’s future.
The Gas Plant Should Be Planned as a Whole
The Gas Plant is the largest redevelopment site in St. Petersburg’s modern history. Every decision made now will shape the future of housing, culture, infrastructure, and the local economy.
If we start making commitments project by project, the result will be a fragmented district rather than a cohesive community. By contrast, planning the site as a whole allows for coordination between land uses, transportation, green space, and cultural amenities.
Moreover, comprehensive planning ensures that each piece fits together. The museum, housing, businesses, and public spaces must complement each other, not compete. Without this approach, the city risks losing the opportunity to create something transformative.
Why Transparency and Community Input Matter
Equally important is the process itself. Redevelopment must be transparent and inclusive, not handled behind closed doors.
That means engaging residents who live nearby, business leaders who understand economic impact, housing advocates who can speak to affordability, and cultural leaders who know what it takes to make institutions thrive. It also means listening to outside experts who can provide insight into best practices for urban redevelopment.
When all these voices are heard, the result will be a plan that reflects the true values and priorities of the community. With transparency and inclusion, the Gas Plant redevelopment will earn trust and broad support.
Efficiency, Cost Savings, and Smarter Fundraising
Planning the Gas Plant holistically is also the most practical choice. Infrastructure like roads, utilities, parking, and stormwater systems must be designed for the district as a whole. Building one project in advance could cause duplication, redesigns, or wasted money.
Fundraising is another critical factor. The Woodson Museum will require tens of millions of dollars in private and public support. Donors and foundations want to see certainty before investing. If a parcel is officially set aside for the museum in a comprehensive plan, fundraising will be easier, faster, and more credible.
In other words, a thoughtful plan not only lowers costs but also strengthens the financial foundation for the museum’s success.
A Stronger Future Through Planning First
The Woodson Museum should absolutely be considered for part of the Gas Plant’s future. But the responsible path is to ensure it is placed within a community-driven, fully developed plan. This protects the integrity of the site, gives the museum a strong foundation, and ensures all voices are heard before major commitments are made.
Now is the time to act wisely.
St. Petersburg needs a planning process that includes residents, community leaders, outside experts, and cultural stakeholders. Together, we can build a district that honors history, embraces culture, and serves future generations.
