Catsimatidis, who is also planning a new mixed-use apartment tower near Mirror Lake, suggested that a longer window would allow “those locally, nationally, and internationally who are experienced and know how to deliver” to participate.
He added that Red Apple would be willing to focus solely on the residential portion of the redevelopment if the city preferred that approach.
“One hallmark of your administration is inclusion,” he wrote to Welch. “We ask that you include not just those who have gone through this process before and not just those who see this as free advertising, but those who can truly deliver.”
Under Florida law, when a local government receives an unsolicited proposal and chooses to explore it further, it must open the process to competition through a public notice.
In 2022, developers were given 88 days to respond to the city’s request for proposals for the same site, nearly three times longer than the current 30-day window.
Red Apple is not alone in its request for more time. Late last month, South Florida-based developer Kolter, which built downtown St. Pete towers ONE St. Petersburg, Saltaire, and Art House, also asked the city to extend the bid period to 90 days.