ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The St. Petersburg City Council unanimously approved having a committee discuss hiring the Urban Land Institute to study the best way to develop the 86 acres Historic Gas Plant District as more proposals are expected to arrive next month.

What You Need To Know

The St. Pete City Council unanimously approved having a committee discuss hiring the Urban Land Institute to study the best way to develop Gas Plant

The St. Pete Chamber of Commerce offered to help pay for the $135,000 study

The Urban Land Institute studied the waterfront district in 2013 

This month, the city has received two unsolicited proposals to develop the Gas Plant District

“This is to really to give city council some guidance as it pertains to what is the best use of this property,” said Council Member Brandi Gabbard. “How can we really get the biggest return on our investment?”

Gabbard brought the motion last Thursday to refer the ULI proposal to the Housing, Land Use and Transportation Committee because she wants the council to have an unbiased, professional study.  

“They’re not here to make money off of this property,” she said. “They are here to give us guidance so that we make sure that we make the best deal, the best negotiation possible for the residents of the City of St. Petersburg.”

The St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Chris Steinocher also urged the city council to pay for the ULI study.

“What did we learn from getting the best master developer in Hines and the Rays that walked away from us?” he said. “What did we learn from that and what can we do differently?”

The city council unanimously approved referring the ULI study to the committee, a date has not yet been set. Steinocher said the chamber would be willing to help pay for the $135,000 study.

“We’re willing to raise money for that at any point, because I really believe in a public-private partnership,” he said. “If everybody uses the same studies, if everybody uses the same data and everybody hears the same opinions and same presentation, it’s easier to get everybody on the same bus to get going forward.”

Steinocher pointed out the ULI did a study on the waterfront district in 2013 and many of the proposals have been implemented. For example, the study called for building a new pier, enhancing the 7 mile long waterfront park system for public use, no private development and creating an Innovation District.  

“They leave you with a report that allowed us to build the waterfront master plan that guides us today,” said Steinocher. “I’m hopeful that same kind of opportunity or ideas come through, if we are able to do that for our Gas Plant area.”

The Urban Land Institute states it sets the standards of excellence in development practice by utilizing its oldest and largest network of cross-disciplinary experts in the world.

This month, the city has received two unsolicited proposals to develop the Gas Plant District from ARK Ellison Horus and the Pinellas County Housing Authority. On Tuesday, the city said it would open a 30 day window for more proposals in mid-November.

“Honoring the promises made to our community, including the residents of the Historic Gas Plant District, has been a top priority of my administration and we continue to explore ways to pursue impactful outcomes that reflect the needs and aspirations of our residents,” said Mayor Kenneth Welch. “I intend to ensure that any redevelopment reflects the values and priorities of our entire community – honoring our history while creating pathways for inclusive progress and a thriving future for all in our city.”