Mayor Kenneth T. Welch, city officials, and county leaders gathered on February 4, 2026, to mark the groundbreaking of Fairfield Avenue Apartments, a 264-unit affordable and workforce housing project near St. Petersburg’s Warehouse Arts District. The development is part of the city’s broader efforts to increase housing options for residents with varying income levels.
The Fairfield Avenue Apartments project was first proposed in early 2022 and is notable for being the first affordable housing development approved under a 2021 Florida law permitting residential projects on industrially-zoned land. St. Petersburg was the first city in Florida to use this legislation, setting an example for other cities seeking to address housing shortages through new approaches.
“Once again, St. Pete is leading the way in implementing innovative, affordable housing solutions,” said Mayor Kenneth T. Welch. “We are proud to be the first city in the state to approve affordable housing development on industrially-zoned land and we are even more proud that this is our largest affordable housing project to date. One of the most urgent challenges facing our city is access to safe, affordable housing, and today, we took an important step forward in our ongoing commitment to housing opportunities for all. I want to thank City staff, Senator Brandes, and our partners for their efforts in making this project a reality.”
The apartments will be constructed on a 6.9-acre property at 3300 Fairfield Avenue South that previously housed Tibbetts Lumber Company. The site was acquired for approximately $6.2 million by Fairfield Avenue Apartments LLC—an entity connected with HP Capital Group and former Florida Senator Jeff Brandes.
“Fairfield Avenue Apartments represents both a deeply personal legacy and a forward-looking commitment to St. Petersburg’s future,” said Nick Hansen, a partner with H.P. Capital Group. “Transforming a site that once supported local industry into housing that supports working families is incredibly meaningful. This project shows what’s possible when cities, counties and private partners come together to create long-term affordability and opportunity for the people who make this community thrive.”
The community will offer 74 one-bedroom units, 162 two-bedroom units, and 28 three-bedroom units designed for individuals and families across several income brackets: 53 units will be reserved for households earning at or below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI), 67 units for those up to 80% AMI, and 144 units for those up to 120% AMI.
Financing totals about $94.2 million from public and private sources—including $9.7 million from the South St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area (CRA), funds from Pinellas County, a HUD construction loan, and developer equity contributions. Leasing will occur through a trust with the Housing Finance Authority of Pinellas County ensuring affordability over ninety-nine years; after completion, ownership and management will transfer to the Pinellas County Housing Authority.
“Pinellas County is committed to filling financial gaps for projects like Fairfield Avenue Apartments because we know stable, affordable homes are essential for our workforce and families who want to remain in the communities where they live and work,” said Pinellas County Commission Vice-Chair Chris Latvala.
“Our mission at the Pinellas County Housing Authority is to provide quality, affordable housing and improve the lives of residents,” said Neil Brickfield, Executive Director of the Pinellas County Housing Authority. “The Fairfield Avenue Apartments groundbreaking marks the beginning of that mission taking shape in a very real way — transforming plans into progress and creating the foundation for new homes, stronger neighborhoods, and long-term opportunity. This project reflects our commitment to investing in communities, expanding housing access, and building a future where more residents can thrive in Pinellas County.”
Residents will have access to amenities such as swimming pools, meeting rooms, computer labs, bike facilities including repair workshops and extensive parking areas for bicycles as well as playgrounds and picnic spaces.
Construction is expected through mid- or late-2028.
St. Petersburg has focused on fostering community engagement based on principles of inclusivity and innovation while adopting equitable policies (official website). The city has also developed vibrant neighborhoods enriched by arts initiatives (official history page).
A comprehensive list of current affordable housing projects can be found at www.stpete.org/housingopportunitiesforall.