SPHA is planning to transform the site into a multi-story affordable housing complex. The renovated six-story, 121,000-square-foot building will feature 71 apartments for low-income seniors and professional office space. Architectural visualization of the transformed Edward White Hospital site.
ST. PETERSBURG — The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) is pleased to announce that its project proposal for the redevelopment of the former Edward White Hospital has received approval and funding from the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners. Last month’s board decision marks yet another significant step forward in SPHA’s plan to redevelop the former hospital into affordable housing for local seniors and serve as SPHA’s new headquarters.
The approved project will receive funding through the ARPA Nonprofit Capital Project Fund, with the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners allocating $500,000.00 to the RISE Development Corporation. RISE Development Corporation, the nonprofit arm of SPHA, focuses on creating more affordable rental housing options in the Greater St. Petersburg region by constructing or renovating multi-family properties.
“This approval is a testament to Pinellas County’s dedication to affordable housing,” said Michael Lundy, president and CEO of SPHA. “We are now well-positioned to commence construction and bring our vision to reality.”
The redevelopment plan for the Edward White building is estimated to be a $38 million project in total. Once redeveloped, the six-story, 121,000-square-foot building in the North Kenwood neighborhood will feature 71 apartments for low-income seniors. In addition, the property will house SPHA’s new headquarters, plus 1,939 square feet of leasable office space.
“When Mr. Lundy was hired as CEO, our board entrusted him with advancing critical housing development projects forward and moving our staff to a more centralized and accessible location for our clients,” said SPHA Board Chairman James Dates. “The Edward White Hospital redevelopment project signifies significant progress toward achieving both of these important goals. With the support of our county partners, I’m excited about this upcoming redevelopment and the positive impact it will have on our community.”
SPHA serves more than 4,000 low-income households in St. Petersburg, and part of its mission is to enhance and promote resident self-sufficiency. They do this through various social services programs, with SPHA’s team offering one-on-one support, tools, and resources.
The planned redevelopment of the former hospital is another way that SPHA is working to create opportunities for stronger communities. The project is expected to break ground on construction in mid-2024.
What to expect:
- Adjacent to Booker Creek Park Lake with lake views and access to the walking trail, basketball, pickleball courts, park amenities
- Unobstructed views
- First-floor lobby will have an open dining hall and there will be a catering kitchen available to the residents
- Mailroom and bike storage will be at ground level
- Ground level will include three 2-bedroom units
- SPHA’s administration offices will also be located on the ground floor, covering approximately 17,890 sq. ft. (south half)
- Remaining housing units, a library, computer lab and fitness center will be distributed among the second, third and fourth floors
- Sixty of the units will be one-bedroom, along with seven studio units and four two-bedroom units, for a total of 71 units
- Building will be updated to meet ADA accessibility code requirements. The site will also address pedestrian access and ADA accessibility
For more information, visit www.stpeteha.org.
