Support grows for $6.8B Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment

Several local groups and nationally known companies are lining up behind a proposal from Ellison Cos., ARK Invest and Horus Construction for the $6.8 billion redevelopment of the Historic Gaslight District in St. Petersburg.

In a statement from the three local luminaries, which are going by the name of ARK Ellison Horus LLC, six organizations have say they want to be a part of the project and have signed Letters of Interest.

The organizations are the construction company Moss; the professional services firm Jacobs; the engineering, planning and design firm Kimley-Horn; the Pinellas County Housing Authority; the St. Petersburg Housing Authority; and Evara Health.

Ark Ellis Horus says in the statement that “collaboration with proven partners is essential to delivering a project of this scale, complexity and significance.”

“The team is focused on advancing a vision rooted in restorative justice, economic opportunity and long-term resilience, with innovation serving as the engine that drives long-term growth.”

The Gas Plant District is a historically Black neighborhood leveled to make way for the construction of Tropicana Field and the construction of Interstate 175.

The trio of companies filed an unsolicited redevelopment proposal in October, just about seven months after the Tampa Bay Rays’ former owner backed out of its approved plan to redevelop the district and build a new ballpark.

On Jan. 4. the city of St. Petersburg issued a public notice giving anyone interested until Feb. 3 at 10 a.m. to submit proposals “for the lease, purchase or development of all or a portion of the Historic Gas Plant District property.”

That Ark Ellis Hours plan covers 95.5 acres, including the 86-acres that make up the district.

Its proposal for the property includes, along with other uses, 3,701 new homes including 1,776 market rate units; 444 workforce units for those making between 80% and 120% of the area median income; 863 units for those earning 30% to 80% of AMI; and 618 affordable units for seniors.