ST. PETERSBURG, FL (MARCH 13, 2026) – The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) is deeply grateful to U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor for securing $3.15 million in the federal budget to support SPHA’s redevelopment of the former Edward White Hospital.

On March 13, 2026, Congresswoman Castor presented the $3.15 million check to Danielle Thomas, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the St. Petersburg Housing Authority, at the construction site of the former hospital building, which will soon be known as The Edward White Campus.

Following the check presentation, Congresswoman Castor received a tour of the construction progress. Elodie Dorso, CEO and President of Evara Health, also joined the tour.

Congresswoman Castor has been a strong and consistent supporter of The Edward White Campus project and has advocated for this redevelopment effort since 2024. SPHA greatly appreciates her continued leadership and commitment to expanding affordable housing opportunities in St. Petersburg.

Work is currently underway to renovate the six-story, 121,000-square-foot building. Once completed, the site will become a multi-story affordable housing complex featuring 71 apartments for households earning at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI). SPHA will also relocate its administrative offices to the building, and Evara Health will establish a clinic at the site.

The site redevelopment plans were designed by Wannemacher Jensen Architects, and LEMA Construction, Inc. is the general contractor bringing this transformative project to completion.

Completion is expected in First Quarter 2027.

Campus Facilities:

The Edward White Campus will house three facilities:
1. Gemini Senior Living Community at the Edward White Campus: This facility will provide 71 affordable housing units for households earning at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI).
2. St. Petersburg Housing Authority Central Office at the Edward White Campus: SPHA’s new administrative offices will be located on the ground floor. The new location will enhance SPHA’s accessibility and service to the community.
3. Evara Health at the Edward White Campus: Evara Health is committed to delivering quality healthcare services, including preventative care, chronic disease management, same-day visits, and geriatrics. Their comprehensive, team-based, patient-centered care model aims to break down barriers to healthcare access and provide industry-leading services.

Astronaut Ed White:

The former hospital was named in honor of Astronaut Edward H. White, II. SPHA reached out to the family of Ed White and received their permission to continue honoring his legacy with the building’s new name.

Ed White was born in 1930. After graduating from West Point in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree, White joined the Air Force. White was selected by NASA as one of the second group of astronauts, the so-called “Next Nine”, who were chosen to take part in the Gemini and Apollo missions.

In 1965, during the Gemini 4 mission, Ed White became the first American astronaut to perform a spacewalk. White floated free outside the spacecraft, tethered to it, for approximately 23 minutes.

Tragically, Ed White died at the age of 36 during the Apollo 1 spacecraft fire in 1967. His legacy endures as a true American hero, remembered for his contributions to space exploration and his bravery.

The Building:

The building will be completely renovated in order to provide quality, affordable housing. The site is located in the North Kenwood district in St. Petersburg, a short trip to many of the city’s amenities and thriving businesses.

The property is adjacent to Booker Creek Park with lake views and access to the walking trail, basketball and pickleball courts, as well as park amenities on the north side of the lake.

Entry into the residences will be from the North side of the building. The first-floor lobby will have an open dining hall, and there will be a catering kitchen available to the residents. The building will also have a community room, computer lab, and fitness center.

Sixty of the units will be one-bedroom, along with seven studio units and four two-bedroom units, for a total of 71 units.

The mail room and bike storage will be at ground level. The ground level will also include three 2-bedroom units.

SPHA’s administration offices will be located on the ground floor, covering approximately 17,890 sf (south half).

The building will be updated to meet ADA accessibility code requirements. The site will also address pedestrian access and ADA accessibility.

The exterior of the building can expect to receive a fresh look with all new windows, doors, paint, and site landscaping. The intent is to bring the vibrancy of downtown St. Pete to this historic building.

Learn More:

SPHA is the leading affordable housing provider in the city of St. Petersburg, serving more than 4,000 low-income households. SPHA’s mission is to provide safe, sanitary, accessible, decent, and affordable housing to eligible citizens of the city of St. Petersburg, while enhancing and promoting resident self-sufficiency.

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ABOUT THE ST. PETERSBURG HOUSING AUTHORITY (SPHA):

An independent quasi-governmental entity and a political subdivision of the State of Florida, operating under Chapter 421 Florida Statutes, SPHA is the local administrative agency for housing assistance programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). SPHA offers a variety of programs and services that provide affordable rental housing to low-income families, seniors, veterans, and the disabled in the greater St. Petersburg region. For more information, visit www.stpeteha.org.

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