St. Pete Standard

July 18, 2024 - In a landmark decision, the St. Petersburg City Council voted 5-3 to approve the Historic Gas Plant District Redevelopment during today's meeting. One final step remains: the Pinellas County Commission is scheduled to hold the final vote on stadium-related agreements in the coming weeks.

Skanska, a leading construction and development firm, has been approved to oversee the $6.5 billion redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant property and the design and construction of a new Major League Baseball stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays.

“Today is a historic day in St. Petersburg. After 40 years and many promises, tonight’s vote paves the way for the redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District,” said Mayor Kenneth T. Welch. “Although our partners at Pinellas County still must vote to fund their portion of the new stadium, tonight's decision by St. Petersburg City Council marks a huge step forward to making this deal become a reality. This is a day to celebrate the community, staff, Tampa Bay Rays, Hines Development, and partners that have played such an integral part in this process. Thank you for your dedication and participation - we would not have gotten here without you."

"What a day for St. Petersburg! I am thrilled to celebrate this significant milestone in the redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District," said St. Petersburg City Council Chair Deborah Figgs-Sanders. "Thank you to my City Council colleagues for respecting the process and diligently reviewing these agreements. Thank you to the Community Benefits Advisory Council for their thorough review and meaningful input. Thank you to our community for showing up and engaging in this process with us. I am proud of what we have all accomplished together and the history we've made today."

The following resolutions passed with a 5-3 vote:

- A resolution providing framework necessary to redevelop Tropicana Field site.

- An ordinance adopting amendments to Intown Redevelopment Plan.

- An ordinance approving Development Agreement.

- Two resolutions approving issuance of bonds.

- A resolution acknowledging selection of Skanska USA Building Inc.

Key dates include:

July/August 2024: Pinellas County Commission votes on stadium-related agreements.

2025: Construction begins on infrastructure and phase one vertical development.

Late 2027/Early 2028: Phase one development opens alongside proposed new Rays ballpark.

2028: Proposed new ballpark opens.

“Thursday’s St. Petersburg City Council approvals of the Historic Gas Plant District Development and a new ballpark for the Rays is a significant milestone for our city, Pinellas County, and entire Tampa Bay region — and for Rays fans,” said Tampa Bay Rays Principal Owner Stuart Sternberg.

“Hines, in partnership with Tampa Bay Rays, is grateful for St. Petersburg City Council’s support,” said Hines Senior Managing Director Michael Harrison.

Nearly 40 years ago, members of Historic Gas Plant community were displaced by pursuit of Major League Baseball which led to Tropicana Field's construction.

Through partnership with Pinellas County, Tampa Bay Rays, Hines Development guided by principled progress plans aim at fulfilling unrealized promises bringing attainable housing equitable business opportunities office space meeting space open space impactful economic development benefiting all.

More than $6 billion will be invested over 20-year period marking largest development project in Tampa Bay history focusing on equitable intentional restorative delivery honoring legacy including $50 million commitment towards equity initiatives like affordable housing employment business support education programs Minority/Women Owned Business Enterprises hiring goals aiming at local capacity building opportunities.