The St. Petersburg City Council has approved zoning amendments and a Target Employment Center (TEC) overlay for the Warehouse Arts District and 22nd Street South corridor. The decision, made unanimously this month, aims to enhance housing, job creation, and commercial opportunities in these areas.
These changes are part of a broader initiative to promote transit-oriented development (TOD) in historically industrial parts of the city. They align with the city’s growth strategy by leveraging the SunRunner transit service to improve connectivity and livability. The TEC overlay spans approximately 58 acres, allowing for mixed-use developments that combine employment hubs with residential spaces.
Mayor Kenneth T. Welch commented on the significance of this development: “This is a pivotal moment for the Warehouse Arts District and the 22nd Street South corridor. By adopting these zoning changes, we are not only preserving the unique character and industrial heritage of these areas but also creating new opportunities for housing, creativity, and economic growth.” He emphasized that these amendments reflect a commitment to smart, sustainable development that supports St. Petersburg’s thriving arts community.
The TEC overlay will facilitate light manufacturing, creative arts industries, and new commercial activities while preserving industrial spaces. It will also allow for developments such as artist retreats, retail stores, multifamily housing, and recreational venues aimed at enhancing the neighborhood’s cultural scene.
Future amendments will address the Sunrunner corridor from the Grand Central District westward. These will consider increases in allowed density, workforce housing bonus provisions, and intensity allowances along the city’s commercial corridors.
