Construction crews are just beginning a massive multi-million dollar project in the Skyway Marina District.
The development is big news for South St. Pete and is only the start of many projects to come.
Every day, for the past 11 years, Denise Scott has driven past the property at 2910 34th Street South and wondered, “What’s going to go on that lot? I wonder what they’re going to build.”
Abandoned since 2009, when the recession canceled Home Depot’s plans to build here on 34th Street South. It’s sat empty and overgrown by weeds, until now.
Equipment is finally on site. Crews are starting work on a $70 million project to add a massive storage facility, 300-unit apartment building, shops and at least two restaurants.
“Finally we see something of substance going on and happening,” Sherman Saxton said when he saw the work going on.
It’s a welcoming site for neighbors who felt their area was a forgotten corner of St. Pete.
“It’s going to change this area and really revitalize the energy,” added Keri Melshenker, who works to bring in businesses to the Skyway Marina District.
Just down the street, crews are already hard at work reconstructing Maximo Marina, where a new Getaway waterfront restaurant will open by Thanksgiving.
“We have a special part of St. Pete. We’re 10 mins from downtown and 10 minutes from the beaches,” Melshenker explained.
This work is only the beginning for big changes in the Skyway Marina District. The city says they’re hearing from more businesses every day about opening in the area. That’s expected to bring much needed jobs, restaurants and shopping to the southern tip of St. Pete.
