DRC approves Kettler and Parc redevelopment projects

Two ambitious projects in the city are moving forward. One will bring new uses to a parking lot site; the other will help disabled children. 

Kettler’s 21-story tower

Per Virginia-based development firm Kettler’s plans, which the St. Petersburg Development Review Commission approved Wednesday, the group will build a 21-story, mixed-use building next to the Zubrick Magic Theatre. 

Kettler owns an office building at 1211 1st Ave. N., the building at 1123 1st Ave. N. and the building at 1101 1st Ave. N. It plans to demolish the former Deep Fitness gym building and partially demolish the adjacent retail space, where First Avenue Liquor operates. 

A site plan showing the layout of the project between the two existing buildings. Image: City documents. 

The proposed $100 million complex will have 310 market-rate apartments, a 360-space screened parking garage and 6,766 square feet of ground floor commercial space. 

The buildings to the west and east ends of the site will remain, including the three-story Zubrick theater and an 8,177-square-foot MUV marijuana dispensary. 

During the meeting, DRC members questioned the plan for the future parking garage, as the subject property is primarily used as a surface parking lot. 

The city planner Corey Malyszka said there are 52 existing spaces at the site. As the mixed-use development falls within the DC-1 zone, Kettler must set aside at least 25% of the parking for non-residential uses. 

In addition to the screened garage, Kettler will be providing 325 bike spaces. The code requires at least one bike space per residential unit. The development will also create wider sidewalks along 1st Avenue. 

A rendering of Kettler’s project as seen from 1123 1st Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Image: BDG Architects.

With the approval, Kettler’s project will have a 7.0 floor area ratio (FAR) and a maximum height of 212 feet.

Based on the estimated construction cost, Kettler will pay at least $1 million to the city’s Housing Capital Improvements Project (HCIP) fund in exchange for the FAR bonus. 

Kettler will start construction next year. The group is working with BDG Architects and civil engineering firm George F. Young.

Parc Center’s new facility 

The DRC also unanimously approved the Parc Center for Disabilities’ plan to demolish its 62-year-old education facility and redevelop it into a new childcare destination to serve more families. 

The existing Parce Center for Disabilities as seen from Tyrone Boulevard. Image: City documents.

The Parc Center, a non-profit organization serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1953, acquired the site at 3190 Tyrone Blvd. N. in 1985. 

A site plan of the new Parc Center. Image: Harvard Jolly Architecture.

The building houses Parc’s administration offices and an artist studio. The Parc team offers therapy and education services to 350 children at the center.

The site was originally developed in 1961 as an industrial plant. In 1974, the property was used by an automotive supply company. 

Elevations of the new Parc Center. Image: Harvard Jolly Architecture.

The new $7.877 million building would be slightly larger than the existing center at 14,321 square feet; however, it would provide bigger classrooms, therapy spaces and expand its early intervention and crisis relief services. 

The new space will also add two playgrounds and a sensory therapy garden.