St. Petersburg Housing Authority Signs Letters of Interest for Gas Plant District Redevelopment

ST. PETERSBURG, FL (FEBRUARY 2, 2026) – The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) has expressed interest in partnering on redevelopment efforts for the Historic Gas Plant District that expand affordable housing opportunities in the city.

SPHA has signed letters of interest expressing its willingness to collaborate with both Blake Investment Partners (BIP) and ARK Ellison Horus. The letters of interest are non-exclusive.

SPHA is an independent quasi-governmental entity founded in 1937. SPHA’s mission is to provide safe, sanitary, accessible, decent, and affordable housing to eligible citizens of the city of St. Petersburg, while enhancing and promoting resident self-sufficiency.

SPHA stands ready to work with whichever development team is ultimately selected by the City of St. Petersburg to advance affordable housing opportunities as part of the Gas Plant District redevelopment.

“The St. Petersburg Housing Authority welcomes the opportunity to work on projects that expand access to affordable housing in the City of St. Petersburg,” said Michael Lundy, President and CEO of the St. Petersburg Housing Authority.

SPHA also brings a historic connection to the site. Laurel Park, a housing community located within the Historic Gas Plant area, was originally built in the 1940’s and purchased by the St. Petersburg Housing Authority in 1966. The community consisted of 168 residential units.

“The St. Petersburg Housing Authority was part of the Gas Plant District’s history through our past ownership and management of the Laurel Park housing community,” Lundy said. “We would welcome the opportunity to once again be a part of the Gas Plant District and play a meaningful role in its future.”

Founded in 1937, SPHA is one of the oldest housing authorities in the nation and is continually rated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as a “High Performing” agency. Through various programs, SPHA provides quality and sustainable housing opportunities for approximately 4,000 qualifying low-income households. “Along with our partners, we are well positioned to deliver high-quality affordable housing to the City of St. Petersburg,” said Lundy.

ABOUT THE ST. PETERSBURG HOUSING AUTHORITY (SPHA):
An independent quasi-governmental entity and a political subdivision of the State of Florida, operating under Chapter 421 Florida Statutes, SPHA is the local administrative agency for housing assistance programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). SPHA offers a variety of programs and services that provide affordable rental housing to low-income families, seniors, veterans, and the disabled in the greater St. Petersburg region. For more information, visit www.stpeteha.org.