Innovation District expansion, new projects discussed

Earlier this month, the St. Petersburg Innovation District celebrated its 10th anniversary. 

The public-private partnership, which encompasses about 560 acres, was established to encourage collaboration among scientists, educators, doctors, entrepreneurs, artists and community members. Over 50 member organizations are a part of the organization. 

CEO Alison Barlow discussed the milestone occasion and multiple projects at the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership Development Update meeting Tuesday. 

The district focuses on six key pillars: marine science, life science, data and technology, entrepreneurship, art and education. Barlow explained that the organization’s goal is to unlock the potential of the ocean economy, fuel technology innovation, amplify transformational ideas, create spaces for innovation and inspire youth. 

This mission has been at the forefront of two ongoing efforts. In January, the organization published its master plan, which outlines potential initiatives that could improve the district. Members were a part of the development process. 

“We were missing a connected story across the anchor institutions,” she said at the Tuesday meeting, “but we also had some growing opportunities.” 

Barlow and her team are preparing to start implementing some of the more high priority tasks. These include updating street banners and signage around the district, she said. This should begin within the next month. 

“We have three monuments in the district that kind of mark the borders,” Barlow explained. “So, we want to address the borders and help people understand what the Innovation District is and reinforce that identity.” 

Additionally, organization leaders are looking to add more bike share options in certain areas as well. 

One of the key, long-term goals discussed in the plan is rezoning sections of the district. This can increase density and offer more flexibility for a “variety of uses.” Barlow explained that a zoning change can allow more office space and shared parking options. 

Currently, the Innovation District is in conversations with the City of St. Petersburg and Forward Pinellas regarding rezoning. 

The St. Petersburg Innovation District manages the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub, at 450 8th Avenue S.E. A shared workspace, the facility was designed to bring together the triple helix of innovation: industry, government and academia. 

An expansion project, Hub 2, is in development. It would be called the Center for Coastal Resilience. 

Plans for the approximately 50,000-square-foot facility call for three large bays on the first floor with port access. Additionally, the site will have enhanced wharf amenities such as a crane and floating dock. 

Barlow said that there will be office space on the 2nd and 3rd floors. The Innovation District team plans to provide incubation services and programming at the center. 

She added that the two adjacent buildings would share a lobby. “It would allow us to potentially shift some of the tenants or find the right mix of tenants.” 

Currently, the organization is applying to local, state and national funding opportunities. Some grants could be secured by the end of the year. 

St. Petersburg citizens will be able to vote on a Hub 2 referendum in November. This would allow Barlow and her team to secure a longer lease term at Port St. Pete. Since the site is on waterfront real estate owned by the City, the Innovation District has to renew its contract every five years. This referendum would grant the organization a 25 year lease. 

St. Petersburg Innovation District website