St. Pete’s Historic Manhattan Casino Credit: City of St. Pete
After closing its doors in 2022, the Historic Manhattan Casino in St. Petersburg is finally ready for its debut.
The space, which once hosted some of the most famous Black jazz and blues performers back in the day, will open its doors at 642 22nd St. S on Sept. 19 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The ceremony runs from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. and will include a rededication of the Elder Jordan statue, who was the 1925 founder of the Manhattan Casino, originally named Jordan Dance Hall.
Hosted by Mayor Ken Welch, the marked occasion will also have an original poem read by City Laureate Denzel Johnson-Green, live music and the unveiling of a 14-by-23-foot mural on the casino’s exterior by artist Egypt Hagan.
The space will be available to the public to rent for live music, weddings and other community celebrations.
“The reopening of the Manhattan Casino honors the Deuces legacy while creating new space for arts, culture and economic opportunity,” said Mayor Welch in a press release. “We are thrilled to welcome the community back to this historic venue and remain committed to continuing the important work of investing in the Deuces Corridor.”
After being closed for four years, City Council approved $4 million in 2024, plus a state grant of over $1 million, for a total of over $5 million to redesign the space.
The St. Petersburg landmark now includes a newly refurbished first floor event space, featuring a guest lobby, a conference room, a green room, as well as a bar and kitchen.
The second floor added new drapery, a raised ceiling and refinished floors, creating more than 4,000 square feet of event space to accommodate 180 guests for seated events or 300 with auditorium-style seating.
After the ceremony, the city will have “Deuces Day Out,” where residents are invited to Deuces Corner Park for refreshments and music sponsored by The Burg Bid. There will also be free admission as part of free museum day at the Woodson African American Museum of Florida.
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Louis Armstrong appearing at the Manhattan Casino on March 3, 1957. Times photo by Bob Moreland.
SP 4627 Deliver to: CTI DESK 09/19/94 – ST. PETERSBURG – This building, sight of the once popular night club, the MANHATTAN CASINO, has some people petitioning to have it declared a historic landmark. It now is home to a sign shop. This address is 642 22nd St. S.. Times Photo by: JOE WALLES Story By: CUTTER Run Date: Sep 20, 1994 Scanned by: JOE W
Louis Armstrong appearing at the Manhattan Casino on March 3, 1957. Times photo by Bob Moreland.
This article appears in August 27 – September 02, 2026.
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