St. Pete’s Manhattan Casino to receive $5 million makeover 

The Manhattan Casino, a Black cultural institution in South St. Petersburg, will soon receive a $4.8 million redesign after shuttering in November 2022. 

City officials filed plans for the long-delayed project earlier this month. The nearly century-old landmark at 642 22nd St. S. was once a preferred destination for legendary performers like Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong during the Jim Crow era. 

Samantha Bequer, public information officer for the city, said the expanded renovation project will begin “later this year.” Councilmember Corey Givens, who represents the predominantly Black area known as the Deuces, believes the historic facility is “worth the investment.” 

“We do not have an event venue on the South Side of this magnitude, and it’s needed,” Givens told the Catalyst. “It’s going to be great for the local economy. I love the fact that we’re preserving our local heritage.” 

An evolving institution

Built in 1926 by pioneering Black developer Elder Jordan, the Manhattan quickly became an epicenter for entertainment in the Deuces – once a thriving business district. The revered institution closed in 1968. 

The area fell on hard times following desegregation. In 2011, the city began partnering with various local groups to try to capture some of the venue’s former glory. 

Mayor Ken Welch’s administration started taking a fresh look at the embattled facility’s future when the city’s lease with its former operators expired in November 2022; the Callaloo Group and the Urban Collective transformed the Manhattan into a food hall and event space in December 2021. 

In August 2023, following a series of community meetings, administrators decided to operate the property as a city-run, affordable entertainment venue rather than leasing it to another third party. Replacing the site’s HVAC system was a priority, and the project encountered supply chain issues. 

In late December 2024, Welch told the Catalyst that he could not provide a construction timeline. “But we’re making good progress on that … They just had another community meeting a couple of weeks ago on the Manhattan.” 

Bequer noted Monday that administrators had schematic drawings in July 2024. Givens “was told” that an unprecedented hurricane season and inflation-induced cost increases delayed the nearly $5 million project “being presented to council members.” 

He was “taken aback” after realizing the recently unveiled renderings were a year old. Givens also understands the unexpected costs associated with preserving and restoring historic buildings. 

“I believe that’s what happened here … there were a lot of unforeseen issues that were uncovered and a lot of significant repairs,” he added. “I love the fact that there’s going to be some adaptive reuse of existing structures here.

“It’s modernized, and you don’t lose that historic aspect. I love everything about it.”

The Manhattan Casino’s second floor will feature 4,152 square feet of event space.

New life 

Oldsmar-based Ajax Building Company is the project’s general contractor. Officials plan to downsize the ground-floor commercial kitchen to increase event space. 

The two-story building’s first level will have a redesigned foyer, a conference room and green room, a bar and 2,234 square feet of event space. The second floor, historically a music hall and later a ballroom, will feature refreshed floors, raised ceilings, new restrooms and drapery and 4,152 square feet of event space. 

Bequer said the “final product,” expected to open in spring 2026, could slightly vary from the initial site plans. “The Manhattan Casino is integral to the City’s history, and we look forward to bringing back this community gathering place as an event rental and entertainment space,” she wrote.” 

Councilmember Deborah Figgs-Sanders called the renderings “absolutely beautiful.” She has long advocated for the city to operate the facility, which she believes will foster affordability and accessibility.

“The community needs somewhere to remind them of their history, and the Manhattan does just that,” Figgs-Sanders said. “The historical value of it is priceless.” 

She eagerly anticipates the venue hosting weddings, conferences and concerts, as it did when Black residents had no other options. Figgs-Sanders believes the Manhattan’s rebirth will foster unity throughout the community and city. 

“It’s been a long time coming,” she added. “And the Deuces need that revitalization.” 

Small businesses can use the Manhattan Casino’s meeting space.