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St. Petersburg Historic District Faces Modernization Debate as Tower Plans Deferred

St. Petersburg, FL – A proposed 21-story luxury apartment ‍tower in Downtown St. Petersburg,slated to cost $134 million,will face further review after‌ developers voluntarily deferred a vote before the Progress Review Commission (DRC) on Wednesday. The project, spearheaded by Stadler Development, aims⁤ to replace seven existing structures within the city’s National Register Historic District, sparking concerns about scale, compatibility, and preservation.

The proposed development,located on a 1.3-acre site bordered by 5th Avenue North and⁢ 4th and⁢ 5th streets North, would house ‌370 apartment units, 3,819 square feet of retail ⁣space, and ⁣a 485-space parking garage. However, the‌ aspiring plan has met resistance from ‍DRC members and local ⁢residents who question its impact on the⁤ historic character ‍of the neighborhood.”This is ⁣a tough one,” stated commissioner Sarah Jane Vatelot, echoing‌ the sentiment of many.⁢ “I think⁢ the scale of it is indeed just hard to stomach, even though the zoning ‌allows it.This is‍ going to be a new normal. It’s the ‌first of many.”

The DRC initially postponed a hearing on the‍ project⁣ in July, ⁣requesting further ‌clarification from Stadler Development‍ regarding concerns raised by the city’s engineering department. A ‌subsequent memo from the Planning⁢ and Historic Preservation Division highlighted the proposal’s failure to meet a key criterion: sensitivity to ancient and archaeological resources.⁣ Specifically, the development’s scale and massing were deemed potentially disruptive⁤ to the ⁢surrounding area, including the​ nearby 103-year-old Trinity Lutheran ‍Church, a locally designated​ historic landmark.

Commissioners also criticized new renderings presented by Baker​ Barrios, the Tampa-based design firm, arguing that showcasing the church alongside the proposed tower actually amplified the visual clash. ⁣”I think ‍the design professional didn’t do the owner ‌any favors,” Vatelot commented, suggesting the rendering made‍ the⁢ tower appear even more “offensive” and hindered the ability to envision its integration into the cityscape.

While the existing buildings on the site – ranging in age from 95 ​to 105 ⁢years – have undergone alterations over time and are not protected by historic designation, the debate extends beyond their‌ architectural merit. Concerns were also raised regarding a parking plan that dedicates 85 spaces exclusively ⁤to the⁤ adjacent Hollander Hotel, leaving​ a minimal‍ number for residents of the new tower.

“But ⁢85 of them are dedicated already – I’m not sure that even qualifies,”⁣ noted Commissioner Michael Kiernan.Hotel owner Michael Andoniades countered that the dedicated spaces would alleviate street parking congestion ⁣currently‍ used by hotel ⁤and resturant patrons.

The project has also drawn criticism for a perceived lack of community engagement, with the city receiving numerous emails opposing the development.Stadler Development, represented by attorney Don Mastry,⁢ opted to defer the vote rather than risk a denial. The project is now scheduled to be revisited by the DRC in November, providing time⁢ for further revisions and community input. This ‌delay underscores the growing tension between modernization and⁣ preservation in St. Petersburg’s rapidly evolving downtown core.

Keywords: St. Petersburg, Florida, Historic District, Development, Stadler development, Luxury​ Apartments, Zoning, Development Review Commission, Trinity Lutheran Church, Hollander Hotel, Historic ⁤Preservation, urban Development, Real Estate.