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Image Credit: WJ Architects (WJA) and Zyscovich \u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe are grateful to Mayor Welch for his confidence in our team. The Historic Gas Plant District carries real history, and we recognize the weight of what’s being entrusted to us,\u201d said T.W. Blake, Founder, Blake Investment Partners. \u201cWe\u2019re connecting housing, culture, and commerce with meaningful community partnership to create lasting value for this city and its residents. St. Pete is not a market we entered for this project, it is home. We’re ready to get to work and turn this vision into a reality.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThe Burg Bid proposal includes the largest delivery of affordable and workforce housing in city history, with more than 3,600 projected units to be delivered on and off-site. Accomplished local architects and designers will work alongside the nation’s leading contractors and developers \u2014 including Related, Skanska, Greystar, Gilbane, Blue Sky Communities, Open Realty, and Stadler Development \u2014 to bring the vision to life.<\/p>\n
\nThe Historic Gas Plant site was once the heart of a thriving African American community, and Blake Investment Partners is committed to honoring that legacy throughout the development process. Key proposed public improvements include a 15-acre central park anchored by Museum Row as a cultural destination. The Woodson African American Museum will be our centerpiece. The concept respects the site’s history and incorporates urban planning characteristics consistent with the city’s waterfront district.<\/p>\n
\nThe team has established The Historic Gas Plant Visionary Panel, a permanent volunteer advisory committee composed of leaders from more than 20 organizations representing the heart of St. Petersburg. These leaders will provide ongoing guidance, feedback, and accountability throughout every phase of the development.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cOur team looks forward to continuing to engage with the community and with all stakeholders \u2014 including the other firms that submitted proposals \u2014 as it moves into the next phase of planning and partnership with the City,\u201d added Blake.<\/p>\n
\nBlake Investment Partners has assembled world-class national and local experts to support this project, including:<\/p>\n
Related Group \u2013 One of the largest developers in the USA and Master development partner<\/p>\n
Blue Sky Communities \u2013 St. Pete\u2019s prolific affordable housing developer<\/p>\n
Skanska \u2013 7th largest general contractor in the World, known for its park and museum construction<\/p>\n
Wannemacher Jensen Architects \u2013 Architectural design<\/p>\n
Zyscovich (now Stratus) \u2013 Land planning and Architectural design<\/p>\n
KAST Construction \u2013 Most active general contractor in St. Pete known for its residential construction<\/p>\n
Gilbane \u2013 7th largest general contractor in USA \u2013 Horizontal Construction \/ Land Development<\/p>\n
Greystar Real Estate Partners, LLC \u2013 #1 developer and manager of apartments in the USA<\/p>\n
Stadler Development \u2013 Class-A office construction expert and development partner<\/p>\n
Driftwood Hospitality \u2013 Hotel & hospitality development partner<\/p>\n
Open Realty \u2013 Retail advisory<\/p>\n
Wade Trim, Inc. \u2013 Municipal infrastructure engineers<\/p>\n
Stantec Consulting Services Inc. \u2013 Civil engineering<\/p>\n
Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc. \u2013 Environmental and Geotechnical engineering<\/p>\n
Aligned Engineering \u2013 Engineering coordination and oversight<\/p>\n
St Petersburg Housing Authority<\/p>\n
MODO \u2013 Construction project management<\/p>\n
McCants Architecture \u2013 Local design firm<\/p>\n
Young DB Group \u2013 Community outreach<\/p>\n
CAN Consulting \u2013 Public relations<\/p>\n
Johnson Pope \u2013 Real estate law<\/p>\n
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay<\/p>\n
St. Petersburg Arts Alliance<\/p>\n
Career Source Tampa Bay<\/p>\n
Great Explorations Children’s Museum<\/p>\n
Arts Conservatory for Teens<\/p>\n
Onyx Enterprise, INC – Engineering<\/p>\n
Spatial HQ – Project Management<\/p>\n
\nLink to Burg Bid\u2019s Historic Gas Plant site \nAbout Blake Investment Partners<\/p>\n \nBlake Investment Partners is an institutional investment firm focused on transformative real estate development and community-centered redevelopment initiatives. The firm has been a steadfast partner in St. Petersburg’s growth for 23 years. With more than 200 completed projects across the Southeast and a portfolio that demonstrates both scale and sophistication, Blake brings expertise in mixed-use development, community planning, and long-term value creation. The firm’s patient approach to investment and commitment to stewardship distinguishes it as a developer that prioritizes lasting community benefit over short-term gains.<\/p>\n \nMedia Contacts:
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Link to renderings courtesy Zyscovich and Wannemacher Jensen Architects.
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Link to video<\/a> about the Blake Investment Partners proposal.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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Mittie Rooney, mrooney@rubenstein.com<\/a>, 301-602-8709
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Stefan Prelog, sprelog@rubenstein.com<\/a>, 917-804-7003<\/p>\n