Kettler team planning 21-story tower in Edge District

One year after buying the parcels of land that house a dispensary and three-story building, the Kettler development team now plans to turn dirt and develop a 21-story tower on the property – without demolishing the existing structures. 

Virginia-based firm Kettler, one of the largest multifamily development and property management companies active in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern U.S., had filed an application to build a mixed-use apartment building at 1101, 1211 and 1123 1st Ave. N.  

The building at 1123 1st Ave. N. Google Maps.

Late last year, the group purchased the office building at 1211 1st Ave. N., owned by Rick and Mimoza Noll, for $11.5 million. It also purchased the building at 1123 1st Ave. N. in a $1.7 million and the building at 1101 1st Ave. N. for a combined $4.8 million from a holdings company. 

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

The existing 24,649-square-foot office space, which is home to the Zubrick Magic Theatre, and an 8,177-square-foot MUV marijuana dispensary will remain, according to the filed documents. A site plan shows the proposed development would be rise between the two buildings. 

However, the building at 1123 1st Ave. N., which previously housed the Deep Blue Fitness gym, a portion of existing retail and the surface parking lot will be demolished and redeveloped. 

A site plan showing the layout of the project between the two existing buildings.

The property is zoned DC-1. The developer is seeking approval of a 7.0 floor area ratio (FAR) and maximum height of 212 feet. 

Kettler wrote in the application that the project complies with the city’s codes and the site “is appropriate and adequate” for this type of development. 

Kettler is working with BDG Architects and civil engineering firm George F. Young on the project. Trenam Law land use attorney Don Mastry is representing the group. 

The proposal is expected to be reviewed by the St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Agency at a July 20 city council meeting. 

Different perspectives of the elevation.

Kettler has other properties in St. Petersburg. The group is working with St. Pete developers Jon Daou and Blake Whitney Thompson to breathe new life into the once-thriving Central Plaza Central. They plan to bring new retail and hundreds of apartments to the site. 

Kettler is also a partner in the 50-acre Gas Worx development in Ybor City, which local landowner and developer Darryl Shaw is spearheading.