ARK Ellison Horus has formed a Master Developer platform for the proposed redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District.
The group has added national real estate development firm KETTLER as a partner responsible for long-term delivery of the project.
The platform is intended to support the execution of a redevelopment proposed at $6.8 billion across 95.5 acres, including the Tropicana Field site.
The project is structured for delivery in four phases over approximately 17 years and is under review by the City of St. Petersburg.
The project
ARK Ellison Horus submitted its redevelopment proposal to the City of St. Petersburg in October 2025.
The proposal outlines a mixed-use district anchored by innovation and research-oriented space.
It also includes housing infrastructure and large-scale programming designed to support conferences, cultural events and year-round community activity.
READ: TAMPA BAY BUSINESS NEWS
More than 1,900 housing units are designated as affordable workforce or senior housing. More than 30% of the site is planned as parks and open space.
The Historic Gas Plant District is one of the largest redevelopment proposals currently under consideration in the Tampa Bay Area.
The proposal is being closely watched by local business leaders, investors and civic officials.
The proposal
The Master Developer platform centralizes responsibility for project phasing coordination and long-term accountability.
ARK Ellison Horus said the structure is intended to support disciplined delivery throughout the project.
READ: TAMPA BAY REAL ESTATE NEWS
“St. Pete is our home and the Historic Gas Plant District is far more than a redevelopment,” said Cathie Wood, CEO and CIO of ARK Invest. “It’s the City’s opportunity to shape what comes next.”
The site carries historical significance following the displacement of the original Gas Plant community more than 40 years ago.
City officials are evaluating proposals with that context in mind.
Why structure matters
KETTLER brings more than 45 years of experience delivering large-scale mixed-use developments across the United States.
The firm has developed and managed more than 70,000 multifamily residences along with millions of square feet of commercial and institutional real estate.
READ: TAMPA RETAIL & HOSPITALITY NEWS
Much of KETTLER’s work has taken place within public-private partnerships that require long-term phasing, regulatory coordination and operational oversight.
“We’ve been deliberate in assembling partners who can meet the scale, complexity and responsibility of the Historic Gas Plant District,” said Casey Ellison, president and CEO of Ellison Development. “KETTLER’s track record strengthens our ability to execute on a project of this magnitude.”
KETTLER
KETTLER currently serves as the master developer for Gasworx in Ybor City, one of the largest mixed-use redevelopment efforts underway in the Tampa Bay region.
The firm’s leadership team includes James Nozar, president of development, who previously held a senior leadership role on the Water Street Tampa project.
READ: ST. PETERSBURG BUSINESS NEWS
That experience includes managing long-term urban development efforts involving multiple stakeholders and extended delivery timelines.
“When you combine vision with the ability to execute at scale and proven track records, you create the conditions for a truly world-class development,” said Bob Kettler, founder and CEO of KETTLER.
Construction progresses at Gasworx in Ybor City, a major mixed-use development reshaping Tampa’s urban core.
Local experience
The Master Developer platform also includes a broader group of firms and community-centered organizations supporting the proposal.
Partners named by ARK Ellison Horus include AECOM, Hunt, Fengate Asset Management and TVS.
Additional partners include Moss Kimley-Horn, the Pinellas County Housing Authority, the St. Petersburg Housing Authority and Evara Health.
Jonathan Graham, president of Horus Construction, said the proposal is designed to emphasize long-term outcomes.
“It is designed to create jobs, integrate the surrounding community and build pathways to long-term economic opportunity for residents,” Graham said.
Partners
Independent analysis cited in the proposal projects more than $1.2 billion in annual economic impact and nearly $28 billion over 30 years.
The analysis also projects the creation of nearly 20,000 jobs.
ARK Ellison Horus said the Master Developer platform is intended to support disciplined delivery and long-term accountability as the City of St. Petersburg continues its evaluation process.
Economic impact
Independent analysis cited in the proposal projects more than $1.2 billion in annual economic impact and nearly $28 billion over 30 years.
The analysis also projects the creation of nearly 20,000 jobs.
Next steps
ARK Ellison Horus said the Master Developer platform is intended to support disciplined delivery and long-term accountability as the City of St. Petersburg continues its evaluation process.
Stay Informed