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Proposals for St. Petersburg's Historic Gas Plant District released

Four development groups are vying for the chance to bring the approximately 86-acre Historic Gas Plant District, including Tropicana Field, into the future.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Four development groups have submitted proposals to the city of St. Petersburg, vying to be selected to develop the city's Historic Gas Plant District.

The approximately 86-acre plot of land is in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg and includes Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays. 

The four development groups which submitted proposals are: 

To see each development group's proposal, click on its name above.

After St. Petersburg's Mayor Ken Welch and the city scrapped an initial RFP (request for proposals) process earlier this year, a second process began in August. Proposals were due at 10 a.m. last Friday, Dec. 2. The city released each of the proposals Monday, Dec. 5, after reviewing each for ADA compliance.

"The new Request for Proposal process will ensure intentional equity, vibrancy and economic vitality for years to come," the city said on its website

The city says it's looking for proposals that emphasize: "affordable and workforce housing; office and meeting space; arts and culture; research, innovation, and education; recreation; open space, healthy and sustainable development; and intentional equity."

The city also asked that developers incorporate the Tampa Bay Rays in its proposals. 

Restoration Associates proposes two plans: one with a new stadium and another option with a renovated stadium.

Fifty plus 1 Sports and Hines & Tampa Bay Rays proposed new stadiums which would be at the heart of the redevelopment project. 

Sugar Hill proposes a new stadium as well, but also suggests the potential of a dual-use stadium, for both the Tampa Bay Rays and the local soccer team, the Tampa Bay Rowdies. 

"Considering what is likely to be a substantial amount of public investment, we would also propose consideration of a dual-use stadium for both the Rays and the Rowdies, thus freeing up Al Lang Stadium to be repurposed or otherwise redeveloped for public use (e.g., multigenerational rec center, expanded public park, etc.)," Sugar Hill wrote in its proposal. 

On Jan. 4, 2023, the public will have a chance to hear from each proposer in a community presentation at The Coliseum. 

A final decision will be announced by St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch at his first State of the City address slated for the end of January 2023.

To learn more about the Historic Gas Plant District RFP process, click here.

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