Proposed St. Petersburg ‘village’ receives approval

Despite some tepid concerns, plans to create a sprawling mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly village in St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District are moving forward.

The project, dubbed Whitney Village, received the Development Review Commission’s unanimous approval Wednesday – with several conditions. Greystar Real Estate Partners will now redevelop 4.5 acres of the Jim & Heather Gills YMCA’s 11.5-acre property at 3200 1^st Ave. S.

The project will feature a five-story, 330-unit residential building, 32,000 square feet of commercial space with 50 additional apartments and a six-story, 600-space parking garage. Greystar requested zoning variances and two right-of-way vacations.

“This is a big deal,” said Commissioner Michael Kiernan. “You guys (Greystar) are asking us to do a lot. It would have been nice to see a little bit more of a presentation and address some of these issues.

“Having said that, I wrote here that this is a win-win.”

An overhead view of the site at 3200 1st Ave. S.

The DRC’s concerns centered on the project’s size relative to the site. The existing 55,000-square-foot YMCA will undergo extensive renovations funded by the land sale to Greystar and St. Petersburg-based Blake Investment Partners.

The Charleston, South Carolina-based firm will replace surface parking with a lighted turf field fronting 1^st Avenue. Six mixed-use buildings ranging from one to three stories will also face 1st Avenue and 31^st Street South.

The joint venture’s mid-rise, the Bellamy at Whitney Village, will occupy the site’s southeastern side. An arcade will provide direct pedestrian access between the residential and mixed-use buildings.

Vehicles will enter from 1^st Avenue and exit onto 31^st Street. The developers will also create an ingress and egress driveway from 2^nd Avenue South. The DRC mandated those to remain open outside of special events.

Current zoning requires a 20-foot setback from 1^st Avenue. Greystar requested approval to reduce that zero.

However, the city is implementing transit-oriented zoning changes throughout the area that could potentially eliminate required setbacks. There is also a discrepancy between the proposed and permitted commercial space.

Zoning official Corey Malyszka said an activity center overlay allows 1.25 million square feet of commercial space, while Whitney Village will provide just 32,000. He said the city’s ongoing housing shortage “helps justify” dedicating 85% of the project to residential uses.

“Lastly, there is a significant amount of development rights left on this property that could be developed with a commercial use in the future,” Malyszka added. “We’re not taking away anything that currently exists. We’re also providing different housing options that the city wants – at the same time.”

The site plan for Whitney Village.

City officials stipulated 17 special development approval conditions. The DRC stressed the need to connect onsite properties via a private sidewalk network that extends to those along the surrounding roads.

Commissioner Kevin Reali questioned how the developers planned to manage parking with residents, visitors and the YMCA. David King, managing director of development for Greystar, said the firm would dedicate about 200 spaces on the garage’s first three levels to retail customers and club members.

The project will also feature over 200 surface parking spaces reserved for YMCA members. King said the development team envisions three restaurants anchoring the commercial area. However, he said they have yet to establish a tenant mix.

Commissioner Chuck Flynt noted the lack of setbacks and sidewalk network would mitigate space for outdoor seating, a “big component” to dining in St. Petersburg. King said the developers plan to internalize activity.

“The site is tight,” said Commissioner Kevin Reali. “I wish we were going taller. Six-foot sidewalks make me feel better, and there’s still a field with the ‘Y.’ I find myself internally struggling with the tightness of the site, but I don’t see any reason to deny it based on the staff report and what we’ve seen.”

King said the developers would abide by the conditions and ensure the project does not become a gated community. He requested the flexibility to implement temporary barricades when hosting planned farmer’s markets and other events, and the DRC acquiesced.

While Kiernan was critical of the applicant’s presentation, or lack thereof, he also noted that Greystar does “great work” in the city. “And we get a lot of good housing out of it,” he said.

“And hopefully, some good commercial (activation) will spread throughout that area, as well,” Kiernan added. “So, I support it. Strongly.”