Thrive
Proposal unveiled for a downtown ‘Center for the Arts’
A ‘Center for the Arts’ along St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront could include a 66,000-square-foot conference center, new retail space and expansions to the Dali Museum and Mahaffey Theater.
The two-phased, $289.2 million conceptual plan unveiled at a committee meeting Thursday morning included an option to replace Al Lang Stadium with a 10,000-seat amphitheater. John Curran, a consultant with contextual design firm ASD | Sky, called it a professional music venue comparable to the BayCare Sound in Clearwater, “but way better.”
He told city council members that the massive undertaking would generate $445 million over the next 13 years. While he supports a music venue, Council Chair Copley Gerdes adamantly opposed demolishing the historic stadium.
“I think this is absolutely gorgeous – I love the idea of this, especially phase one,” Gerdes said. “I’m struggling with totally removing Al Lang Stadium. I would love for us to contemplate keeping it and having that type of venue.”
City council members lauded the proposal’s additional green space.
Curran noted alternative plans include a retrofitted stadium that could host 40 to 50 concerts annually while remaining home to the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Councilmember Gina Driscoll also preferred that option and advocated for a movable stage.
City officials began envisioning a Center for the Arts in 2020. The area, spanning from 1st Avenue to 5th Avenue (Dali Boulevard) South, was never master-planned.
Brian Caper, economic and workforce development director, said the overarching goal is to develop a cohesive downtown attraction. Accommodating and enhancing the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is also a focus.
Curran said ASD | Sky has spent several months gathering feedback from stakeholders, including The Florida Orchestra. “We listened and addressed their needs as we put this plan together.”
The project’s $161.7 million first phase would replace the Mahaffey’s 45-year-old parking garage with a four-story structure. It would include at least 1,100 spaces.
Replacing the existing garage would create additional green space that could house Grand Prix seating and race teams. The new structure would feature 18,500 square feet of street-level retail space.
An elevated, covered walkway would connect the garage to the Mahaffey Theater and Dali Museum. The former institution will undergo a two-story, 17,600-square-foot “VIP” expansion, and the latter will feature 70,000 square feet of new space over five floors.
An overhead view of the Center for the Arts with a proposed amphitheater replacing Al Lang Stadium.
Curran said his firm “saw an opportunity, potentially, to tie the Florida Orchestra” into an outdoor music venue at Al Lang. Beth Herendeen, special projects manager for the city, said the Rowdies were aware of the presentation and options.
She also called the discussion a “visioning session” to garner the committee’s feedback. Phase one spans through 2030. Phase two, if approved, will conclude in 2038.
Driscoll and others offered their support for the orchestra, which has generated a $650 million economic impact over the past decade. She said the Mahaffey was unable to provide those numbers. “As far as I’m concerned, their economic impact is zero.”
Council members lauded phase one, which includes a three or four-story, 45,000-square-foot conference center with an additional 22,500 square feet of rooftop space. Curran said every project component would provide a viewing platform for the Grand Prix.
Caper reiterated that it was a “living, breathing plan.” Administrators wanted the council’s opinion on “elements that maybe we shouldn’t explore any further” and potential alternatives.
“I remember some pretty cool concerts that have taken place at Al Lang Stadium in the past,” Driscoll said. “So, there’s a ‘meet in the middle’ thing here that actually creates an even better benefit for us in that spot.”
Councilmember Corey Givens Jr. said retail space – up to 36,000 square feet – should highlight local artists. He also advocated for green infrastructure and biodiversity.
The project includes expansions to the Mahaffey Theater and the Dali Museum.
Councilmember Deborah Figgs-Sanders said she was “super excited” to see the conference center and greenspace. She also expressed concern about accessibility for residents with disabilities.
The first phase’s $161 million price tag presents a significant hurdle for a city recovering from a devastating hurricane and preparing for future storms. Gerdes and Councilmember Lisset Hanewicz noted officials must still decide what will become of the Historic Gas Plant District’s redevelopment.
Administrators will likely apply for Pinellas County bed tax funding to help pay for project components. Gerdes said applications would open in mid-2026, and commissioners would approve awards in early 2027.
Herendeen said the city would continue gathering stakeholder feedback and present updated plans at a later date. “Everything looks absolutely beautiful,” Figgs-Sanders said.
A. Moe
April 27, 2025at6:26 pm
A concert venue with loud music 50 times a year surrounded by peoples homes. A great way to ruin the quiet of this area.
Velva Lee Heraty
April 25, 2025at10:43 pm
I stand with Al, Hal, Tim and Ruth. It’s been repeatedly demonstrated that this administration is obsessed with our fabulous waterfront. First it was Albert Whitted Airport. There, they withheld vital safety-repair funds in a misguided attempt to take it over for affordable housing. Next they gave Tropicana Field and the acres surrounding it to developers in the worst deal possible, including under insuring it just prior to the hurricane season, only to blow a 1.3 billion deal. Next it was the harbors, suddenly they weren’t big enough and the Yacht Club needed to be demolished. Are you seeing a pattern here? Meanwhile, the city sewer system desperately needs repairs along with neighborhood flood zones. Oh, and let’s not forget the over-building throughout our downtown with giant ill proportioned monsters going up and more giants in the planning stage. We need to stop now. Our council needs to get better educated. We need to plan for and fund a robust sewer system and water, water everywhere as it is predicted that by 2050 we may need wading boots.
Hugh Hazeltine
April 25, 2025at3:55 pm
Our city charter requires a voter approved referendum to start such a project. The earliest that could appear on the ballot would be November of 2026. That is also the occasion we will be choosing a mayor for a four year term starting January 1, 2027.
Alan DeLisle
April 25, 2025at7:27 am
Can someone call a time out on Welch, this administration , and most of the Council? This is like watching the Three Stooges live. Leadership requires thinking things through at the highest level. St Pete, you deserve so much better!!
HAL FREEDMAN
April 24, 2025at11:55 pm
For once, Copley Gerdes made a good suggestion. Just make Al Lang Field into an outdoor concert venue. Al Lang has a seating capacity of 7500. The Sound in Clearwater has a covered seating capacity of 4000 and lawn seating for 5000. Bill Edwards had a plan for increasing the capacity inside Al Lang Field to more than 9000, WITHOUT demolishing the building and building something new. A few million dollars in renovation could turn Al Lang into a wonderful outdoor entertainment venue.
As for the project as a whole, the Charter-required referendum would likely fail. St. Petersburg residents are very protective of our Waterfront Park System. The price tag, is also another example of this administration’s mis-aligned priorities. Water? Flood mitigation? Sewer systems? Municipal Services building? Remember those??
Tim K
April 24, 2025at4:32 pm
Look at all that pretty glass and right on the water front I wonder who’s going to pay to fix all that!?
Ruth Greenberg
April 24, 2025at3:33 pm
there are three residential high rise buildings that are right next door to an outdoor arena with a capacity of 10,000 people. And even more high rise buildings that are within blocks of this concert arena
Placing an outdoor music venue adjacent to residential buildings will destroy the community that comprises downtown St Pete.
Jannus live already does this and now the city wants to destroy more.