City dedicates $9 million to abandoned hospital’s transformation 

An ambitious project that will transform an abandoned St. Petersburg hospital into a vibrant, affordable housing development for low-income seniors recently received a $9 million boost.

The former Ed White Hospital will also serve as the St. Petersburg Housing Authority’s (SPHA) new centrally-located headquarters. Evara Health will offer clinician services, including preventative care and chronic disease management, from renovated rooms and offices on the first floor.

City council members unanimously approved allocating up to $8.94 million for the affordable housing component at their June 5 meeting. The Ed White Campus will feature 71 apartments for seniors earning at or below 60% of the area median income (AMI).

“We’re very excited about this project – it’s been a long time coming,” said Michael Lundy, CEO of the SPHA. “But we’re under construction, and we’ve been getting a lot of calls from potential tenants who are very interested in moving into that location.”

Construction on the Ed White Campus should conclude in the fall of 2026. Rendering: City documents.

The 121,000-square-foot Ed White Hospital opened at 2323 9th Ave. N. in 1976. Its namesake was the first American spacewalker in June 1965 and was subsequently named senior pilot of the first Apollo mission.

Edward Higgins White II died in January 1967 when Apollo I caught fire during pre-launch testing. At an August 2024 groundbreaking ceremony, his daughter, Bonnie White Baer, said he “would be so happy and proud” that the new facility will continue honoring his name.

HCA West Florida shuttered the six-story, 162-bed hospital in 2014 due to declining admissions and revenues. The crumbling facility resembled a set piece from an apocalyptic television series during a private tour in June 2024.

In October 2022, the City dedicated $3 million in Penny for Pinellas tax revenues and $5.94 million from American Rescue Plan Act funding to the previously estimated $31 million project. Mark Van Lue, assistant director of housing and community development, said Thursday that officials rescinded the allocation in June 2024 due to “concerns about delays” and “the shovel-readiness of the project.”

“Now the St. Petersburg Housing Authority is shovel-ready and in need of replacement of the $5.9 million in ARPA funds that were reallocated as soon as possible in order to secure their other funding sources,” Van Lue added. “Primarily, their construction loan, which is ready to go with approval of city funding assistance.”

Construction on 18,000 square feet of office space is underway and should conclude next spring. Van Lue said SPHA will begin building the apartments in July and welcome residents in the fall of 2026.

Lundy noted clients have difficulty reaching SPHA’s current administrative offices on Gandy Boulevard. The Ed White Campus is on a bus line in the North Kenwood neighborhood near downtown.

Councilmember Deborah Figgs-Sanders credited Lundy for “gracefully acknowledging our very strong and loud request” to move SPHA’s headquarters. “I’m looking forward to seeing what the next project is that we can assist you with, especially for our seniors,” she said.

“Because when you talk about seniors, you have my heart.”

From left: City Councilmembers Richie Floyd, Copley Gerdes, Brandi Gabbard and Ed Montanari join Chairperson Deborah Figgs-Sanders (center) at a groundbreaking ceremony for the Edward White Complex in August 2024. Photo by Mark Parker.

The project will provide 60 one-bedroom, four two-bedroom and seven studio units for seniors earning up to 60% of the AMI. That is $43,900 annually for one person.

The Ed White Campus is adjacent to Booker Creek Park, and apartments will have lakeside or downtown views. A first-floor lobby will become an open dining room with a catering kitchen.

SPHA will also offer a community room, computer lab and fitness center. Lundy said Evara’s clinic would also serve non-residents.

Councilmember Mike Harting questioned how the organization would afford long-term maintenance. Lundy said SPHA would establish a reserve fund, per federal funding requirements, to complete capital projects.

While the former hospital is a “big building with a lot of moving parts,” his organization will replace “all the major systems.” Lundy does not envision any significant issues for another 15 to 20 years.

He also noted that SPHA will lease its current administrative headquarters. That will provide flexible funding for projects and services.