St. Petersburg Housing Authority Supports Blake Investment Partners’ Historic Gas Plant District Proposal, Citing Strong Affordable Housing Vision

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 30, 2026

St. Petersburg Housing Authority Supports Blake Investment Partners’ Historic Gas Plant District Proposal, Citing Strong Affordable Housing Vision

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The St. Petersburg Housing Authority has issued a letter of intent expressing its support for the Blake Investment Partners (BIP) proposal to redevelop the Historic Gas Plant District, citing the proposal’s strong emphasis on affordable housing, workforce housing, and long-term community benefit.

“We are excited about the possibility of partnering with Blake Investment Partners on the Gas Plant District redevelopment,” said Michael Lundy, president and CEO of the St. Petersburg Housing Authority. “The St. Petersburg Housing Authority welcomes the opportunity to work on projects that expand access to affordable housing in the City of St. Petersburg.”

The letter of intent reflects alignment between the Housing Authority and Blake Investment Partners around shared housing priorities and a mutual interest in exploring a future partnership as the redevelopment moves forward.

BIP has already announced a partnership with Blue Sky Communities, one of Florida’s most experienced affordable and workforce housing developers. Together, the Blue Sky partnership and the Housing Authority’s letter of intent signal BIP’s commitment to ensuring that housing affordability is not an afterthought, but a foundational element of the redevelopment strategy.

“We’re very excited to partner with the St. Petersburg Housing Authority and ensure that there is housing available across all income levels throughout this development—a critical component of every successful community,” said Pete Van Warner, vice president of real estate development at BIP. “Mr. Lundy and the Housing Authority team have a proven track record of delivering much-needed attainable housing across the city, and our goals are completely aligned.”

The Housing Authority also brings a historic connection to the site. Laurel Park, a public housing community located within the Historic Gas Plant area, was originally built in the 1940s and purchased by the 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.”

“Our 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 and offering pathways to homeownership,” Lundy added.

The Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment represents one of the most consequential redevelopment opportunities in the city’s history. BIP’s proposal emphasizes local leadership, financial capacity, and partnerships that collectively support affordability, equity, and long-term community benefit.

About Blake Investment Partners
Blake Investment Partners is a real estate development firm focused on transformative projects that deliver long-term community value through thoughtful design, strategic partnerships, and inclusive growth.

About the St. Petersburg Housing Authority
The St. Petersburg Housing Authority is a public agency dedicated to providing safe, sanitary, accessible, decent, and affordable housing to eligible residents of the city of St. Petersburg, while enhancing and promoting resident self-sufficiency.

Additional Background
Blake Investment Partners has also shared a short, informal video highlighting conversations with community members about their hopes and priorities for the Historic Gas Plant District. The video underscores the firm’s belief that successful redevelopment starts with listening.

Watch the video here:

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