Blake Investment Partners Strengthens Historic Gas Plant District Bid Adding Skanska and KAST Construction as General Contractors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 26, 2026

Blake Investment Partners Strengthens Historic Gas Plant District Bid Adding Skanska and KAST Construction as General Contractors

St. Petersburg, Fla. — Blake Investment Partners (BIP) today announced that Skanska and KAST Construction have joined its team as general contractors supporting BIP’s bid to redevelop the Historic Gas Plant District. Their addition complements Gilbane Building Company, which is already part of the BIP team, significantly strengthening the proposal’s construction expertise, capacity, and execution certainty.

KAST Construction is widely recognized as one of Florida’s premier general contractors, particularly in multifamily residential and condominium development. Known as a go-to builder across the state, KAST brings deep market knowledge, a strong track record of delivery, and a reputation for quality construction on complex, large-scale projects.

“We are so excited to join the Blake team for the Gas Plant Redevelopment Project,” said Kristine Retetagos, Senior Vice President and Division Manager at KAST Construction. “It’s a project and partnership that reflects our heart for the City of St. Petersburg and our continued commitment to deliver high-quality construction projects that inspire pride for not only this team, but for the entire community.”

Skanska, one of the largest construction and development companies in the world, brings global scale and deep experience delivering transformative civic infrastructure. In the Tampa Bay region, Skanska has led construction on landmark projects including the St. Pete Pier, Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in Tampa, and the Clearwater Sound Amphitheater — projects that have reshaped public spaces and strengthened community identity.

“With the Historic Gas Plant District, execution matters as much as vision,” said Pete Van Warner, Vice President of Real Estate Development for BIP. “By assembling a construction team that includes Gilbane, KAST Construction, and Skanska, we are demonstrating our commitment to deliver a project of this magnitude with accountability, precision, and respect for the community from day one.”

Together, the three general contractors bring extensive experience across public-private partnerships, large-scale urban redevelopment, residential construction, and major civic destinations. Their collective involvement underscores BIP’s focus on readiness, credibility, and long-term stewardship for one of St. Petersburg’s most important redevelopment opportunities.

BIP has recently announced the addition of several other expert partners to support its Historic Gas Plant District proposal, including Greystar, Gilbane Building Company, MODO, Stantec, Langan Engineering, and Wade Trim, bringing deep experience in development, construction, architecture, and infrastructure delivery for large-scale urban projects. BIP has also partnered with Blue Sky Communities, one of Florida’s most experienced affordable and workforce housing developers, to help advance a housing vision focused on affordability at the Historic Gas Plant District and throughout the city of St. Petersburg.

BIP will continue announcing additional partners and team members as it advances its community-centered vision for the Historic Gas Plant District.

About Blake Investment Partners

Blake Investment Partners is a St. Petersburg–based real estate investment and development firm with more than two decades of experience delivering mixed-use, residential, and community-focused projects across Florida and the Southeast.

About KAST Construction

KAST Construction is a privately held general contracting firm with full-service offices in Tampa, West Palm Beach, and Miami. The company reports annual revenues exceeding $900 million and employs more than 275 construction professionals throughout the State of Florida. Within St. Petersburg, Fla. alone, KAST Construction has delivered more than $1 billion in projects, encompassing over 6 million square feet and more than 2,500 residential units.

About Skanska

Skanska Group uses knowledge & foresight to shape the way people live, work and connect. Over 135 years in the making, we’re one of the world’s largest construction and project development companies, with 2024 revenue totaling $16.8 billion. Skanska operates across select markets in the Nordics, Europe and the United States. Together with its customers and the collective expertise of 26,300 teammates, Skanska creates innovative and sustainable solutions that support healthy living beyond our lifetime.

Media Contact:
Caryn Nesmith
caryn@commbuilding.com
202-288-6114

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