Long-debated plans to demolish seven structures within the Downtown St. Petersburg National Register Historic District and build a 21-story, $134 million luxury apartment tower can now move forward.<\/p>\n
Development Review Commissioners voted 4-1 Jan. 7 to approve the 370-unit project, dubbed The Pelican. Their approval followed two hearing postponements and a deferral as St. Petersburg-based Stadler Development worked to address city and community concerns.<\/p>\n
However, the firm did not reduce the mixed-use development\u2019s height. Commissioners ultimately decided that preserving naturally occurring affordable housing and neighborhood character was beyond their control, and that the project aligns with downtown zoning.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the end of the day, I understand the concerns,\u201d said Commissioner Michael Kiernan. \u201cDo I wish the building was a little bit smaller? Yeah. Do I wish the design was a little bit different? Personally, yeah. But that\u2019s not our purview.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stadler proposed building a 221-foot-tall tower with 3,819 square feet of ground-floor retail space at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Fourth Street North in June 2025. The development will encompass 10 parcels with seven occupied multifamily structures ranging in age from 95 to 105 years old.<\/p>\n
The commission postponed an initial hearing that month after the city\u2019s Planning and Historic Preservation Division flagged the site plan for a lack of \u201csensitivity\u201d to surrounding historical structures. Trinity Lutheran Church, a 103-year-old institution, sits 75 feet south of the 1.3-acre site and received historic designation in August.<\/p>\n
Commissioners expressed concern regarding the tower\u2019s height and compatibility with the Historic Uptown neighborhood to its north at a subsequent hearing in September. Attorney Don Mastry, who represents Stadler, agreed to defer a vote rather than face a potential denial.<\/p>\n
A hearing in November was again postponed until Jan. 7. Stadler had two registered opponents, and several residents bemoaned the development.<\/p>\n
Karen Potts noted there are \u201chuman beings living in these buildings,\u201d which are not \u201cdying or falling down.\u201d She questioned who would help them relocate and if they could afford another home.<\/p>\n
While the current structures are contributing resources to the surrounding historic district, the designation offers no protection from demolition. Manny Leto, executive director of Preserve the \u2019Burg, said there is \u201clikely a thoughtful, profitable, well-designed project that fits this site \u2014 that addresses beautification concerns and others raised here today.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut it is not this project,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Some stakeholders spoke in favor of The Pelican. A local business owner said the site is \u201cplagued by vagrancy, low-income housing and overall unsightliness.\u201d<\/p>\n
Former City Council member Robert Blackmon described himself as a \u201cstrong preservationist\u201d whose efforts have received awards from Preserve the \u2019Burg. \u201cBut this site is not the site to be saving,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s some mention of the contributing structures on the site,\u201d Blackmon said. \u201cThey do contribute, but they contribute to the blight of the entrance to downtown.\u201d<\/p>\n
He noted that city staff unanimously recommended the project\u2019s approval, and that it would increase St. Petersburg\u2019s property tax base. Multiple officials have expressed concern over a potential loss of funding.<\/p>\n
Mastry said residents would benefit from a required $1.5 million contribution to the city\u2019s affordable housing trust fund. Stadler must also donate $50,000 to public art.<\/p>\n
The firm also addressed two issues broached at the September hearing. Stadler will now screen the six-story parking garage\u2019s south facade after Commissioner Sarah Jane Vatelot previously said the \u201centirety of downtown\u201d would see back-of-house conditions.<\/p>\n
Vatelot said Jan. 7 that she found the neighborhood compatibility and affordable housing arguments \u201ccompelling.\u201d However, that \u201cdoesn\u2019t overtake the fact that this building was designed according to the comprehensive plan, and to fit within its zoning district.\u201d<\/p>\n
Michael Andoniades owns the site\u2019s 10 parcels and the adjacent Hollander Hotel. Stadler, which is under contract to purchase the property, previously agreed to dedicate 85 spaces in the project\u2019s garage to hotel guests.<\/p>\n
After the meeting, Andoniades stressed that the development would not impact hotel operations. He has also agreed to reallocate its parking and provide Stadler with 25 spaces.<\/p>\n
Mastry said the tower would create \u201crelatively minor\u201d traffic impacts. He also does not \u201cthink it\u2019s right\u201d for property owners to face an uncertain approval process after spending time and \u201chundreds of thousands of dollars designing a project\u201d that aligns with city code.<\/p>\n
Multiple commissioners sympathized with those who opposed the project. \u201cI think, in today\u2019s political climate, a lack of empathy seems to be in vogue; it seems to be a point of strength,\u201d Kieran said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t view it that way. I view it as a sign of weakness \u2014 avoiding issues that are relevant to us. And the issues raised today \u2026 are very relevant. But that\u2019s not our purview today, unfortunately. It\u2019s just not.\u201d<\/p>\n