Developers Ellison, J Square, DDA & Backstreets Capital Kick Off Construction of 15-story Hotel, Housing & Office Building in St. Petersburg, FL

Developers Ellison Development, J Square Developers, DDA Development, and Backstreets Capital, LLC, have initiated construction on The Central, a groundbreaking 2.1-acre project located at 1301 Central Avenue, the former site of the St. Petersburg Police Department. This venture introduces the city’s first 4-star hotel since The Vinoy, promising a significant addition to St. Petersburg’s urban landscape.

A Multifaceted Project

The Central is poised to redefine downtown St. Petersburg with its diverse offerings. Alongside the flagship 15-story hotel, which will be affiliated with the Autograph Collection Hotels, the development will feature Class A office space, over 500 public parking spaces, workforce housing, retail areas, and a monument honoring the Courageous 12 by artist Ya La’ford.

Unprecedented Features

The hotel, previously known as Orange Station, will boast amenities typical of urban lifestyle hubs, including a bar, restaurant, meeting facilities, event spaces, fitness center, multi-level theater, and a rooftop pool. The Autograph Collection Hotels' affiliation aligns with the development's aim to seamlessly integrate with the EDGE District.

A Vision for Progress and Inclusivity

St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch expresses enthusiasm for the project's alignment with the city’s heritage and future needs. The development signifies resilience post-pandemic, celebrates local history through public art, and addresses housing demands with dedicated workforce housing and residential spaces.

Class A Office Space Redefined

The Central also introduces 125,000 square feet of Class A office space, the first of its kind in downtown St. Petersburg in decades. Ellison Development CEO Casey Ellison emphasizes that this office space will offer high-end finishes, advanced technology, and amenities inspired by hospitality trends, catering to employers aiming to foster a return to office culture.

Retail and Residential Integration

With 14,000 square feet of retail space and a public plaza, The Central aims to enhance street life along Central Avenue and 1st Avenue N. The development's residential component includes 42 apartments dedicated to workforce housing, further diversifying the city's housing options.

Anticipated Completion

Construction on The Central is expected to conclude in 2026, with Ellison Construction serving as the general contractor, promising a new era of vibrancy and progress in downtown St. Petersburg.