TradeWinds execs adjust expansion plan

Two new beach access points and new infrastructure changes are now reflected in TradeWinds Island Resorts’ expansion plan. 

South Florida-based 1754 Properties, which first discussed a conceptual plan for the redevelopment of its 20-plus-acre resort property in 2021, has filed supplemental information for its conditional use permit application for the first phase of the grand expansion. 

The project, dubbed NextGeneration, entails adding 650 new upscale guest rooms and demolishing 21 existing rooms. It also calls for a new 33,000-square-foot conference space, nearly 18,000 square feet of retail space and amenities such as a 20,000-square-foot ballroom, three new swimming pools with slides, and a kids’ center with a bowling alley.  

After hosting a series of public engagements with the community, the TradeWinds team will incorporate two new beach access paths. One of the new access points is at the north end of the TradeWinds property, while the other would run through the middle of the property across from 59th Avenue.

“We believe we have addressed every suggestion we’ve heard to the best of our extent, and we’ve changed our project based on that input,” said Joe Smith, founder and CEO of 1754 Properties LLC. “Whether it’s having more beach access points, looking at the landscape changes to ensure we aren’t blocking views from neighbors, controlling noise pollution or making infrastructure improvements, all of these new implemented changes were recommended by the community.” 

TradeWinds Island Resorts’ beach access diagram showing the new access points.

Smith said neighboring businesses voiced support for the additional beach access points. 

“TradeWinds is transforming from a property where people drive around the resort to a more pedestrian-friendly resort. We expect more guests to arrive in Ubers and enjoy walking along a [future] boardwalk,” Smith said. 

There will be a new internal circulation road, which will alleviate some of the congestion on Gulf Boulevard, Smith said. The team is also talking with the City of St. Pete Beach about utilizing the Freebee shuttle service. 

Additional changes: 

• The resort will screen the three new parking garages. 
• The group will lower the height of proposed landscape enhancements to minimize disruptions to the Sea Mark Condo’s beach views. 
• TradeWinds will supply lounge chairs and create space on the beach for guests of the neighboring Coral Reef Beach Resort.

Smith said several new restaurants and bars will also come online. 

“We will be very careful about the adverse effects on the surrounding residents. They’ve asked us to control the smoke and smell from the restaurants,” Smith said. 

The entire project will happen in phases throughout a 15-to-20-year period, Smith said. New construction may commence every five to seven years. 

“The infrastructure improvements, amenities and new rooms will be done in phases so that when it’s complete, it will fit together like a giant puzzle. It wouldn’t be wise to do everything all at once,” Smith said. 

A rendering showing the full scale of the TradeWinds Island Resorts’ full expansion. 

The construction of the additional rooms is a top priority for the execs. 

“We just don’t have enough rooms – that’s the main reason for the expansion. We have loyal guests who become frustrated when they can’t get a room during the summer. It’s a problem with the demand we see,” Smith said, emphasizing how every guest turned away results in a loss of bed taxes and direct consumer spending. 

Smith did not disclose the projected cost for the overall project; however, he said it has more than doubled due to spikes in material costs and labor shortage issues. 

The expansion plans will go before the St. Pete Beach Technical Review Committee in August. Following the meeting, there will be a scheduled public hearing.