Plans to construct an ambitious 49-story mixed-use condominium tower branded by Waldorf-Astoria in downtown St. Petersburg are advancing, heralding a new era for the city’s skyline.
In a momentous decision on Thursday, city council members acting as the Community Redevelopment Agency unanimously approved the $225 million initiative, allowing the project to proceed through what is expected to be a comprehensive and rigorous approval process. Once completed, the towering structure at 150 2nd Ave. S. will stand at an impressive 540 feet, making it the tallest building in the city and the first luxury-branded edifice to grace St. Petersburg.
This landmark project is a collaboration between several formidable partners: Miami-based Property Markets Group, St. Petersburg’s own Feldman Equities, the publicly traded City Office REIT, and Tower Realty Partners. Once finalized, the tower is set to include 164 luxurious condominiums, 63,251 square feet of sophisticated office space, 14,398 square feet designated for commercial activities, 754 parking spaces, and not one, but three opulent swimming pools.
Councilmember Gina Driscoll praised the development team for their proactive approach in engaging with local residents about the project. Some attendees voiced their concerns during the meeting, raising issues about height, potential traffic impacts, and the environmental implications of such a significant development.
Mack Feldman, vice president of Feldman Equities, assured the council that the developers plan to exceed the usual safety requirements during the construction phase. “We own the immediately contiguous office building, the Northern Trust building,” he explained, underscoring his commitment to minimizing disruption and ensuring safety. “We’re not going to do anything that’s going to cause our neighbors trouble if we can possibly avoid it,” he added, demonstrating a sincere dedication to community welfare.
The 17th floor will feature an amenity deck with a pool circling the building’s perimeter, promising residents a luxurious retreat high above the bustling streets.
The anticipated Waldorf Astoria Residences St. Petersburg will significantly overshadow its nearby structures. For perspective, the adjacent Saltaire condominiums reach a height of 408 feet, prompting some residents to express their discontent regarding both the scale of the new tower and its close proximity to their homes.
Cynthia Smith, echoing the sentiments of her neighbors, remarked that the proposed 10-foot separation between the two buildings “is too close, both from an aesthetic perspective and a construction safety perspective.” Others shared apprehensions that a construction crane could potentially collapse onto their condos, heightening their anxieties.
These concerns were exacerbated by a recent incident involving Hurricane Milton, which swept a massive tower crane from the Residences at 400 Central construction site into an adjacent building. This incident contributes to the ongoing conversation about safety, especially since 400 Central currently holds the title of St. Petersburg’s tallest building at 515 feet.
However, it is important to note that the crane at 400 Central was only rated to endure gusts of up to 110 mph. In contrast, representatives from Juneau Construction, the contractor for the proposed tower, assured the council that their crane would be engineered to withstand winds of up to 149 mph, significantly enhancing safety measures. Furthermore, additional tiebacks will be utilized to anchor the crane securely to the building throughout hurricane season, contributing to the overall safety of the project. Driscoll highlighted that this “super crane” could withstand a “strong Category 4” storm, providing a measure of reassurance to nervous residents. “Isn’t it a relief that such a crane exists?” she quipped, acknowledging the advanced safety technology involved.
Neighboring residents raised their voices over concerns regarding the potential for the tower’s pools to overflow into the street and their buildings during severe storms.
Driscoll commended the development team for voluntarily agreeing to implement additional storm precautions, indicating that the project could serve as a model for “how you can do things right” while fostering development in the city. While she acknowledged the valid concerns raised by residents, Driscoll emphasized the importance of determining whether the project aligns with the city’s Intown Community Redevelopment Area plan. Continued dialogues on specifics involving utilities, traffic studies, building setbacks, and any other relevant details are scheduled for a forthcoming Development Review Commission meeting next week.
The city council, performing its standard duty, must ultimately give the green light for the project to move forward. Additionally, assent from the Federal Aviation Administration will be necessary due to the tower’s proximity to Albert Whitted Airport and its potential impact on air traffic.
If approved as currently proposed, the project—designed by CUBE 3 Studio—will feature a two-story base designed for pedestrian-friendly access. The parking garage will occupy floors 3 through 13, while floors 14 through 16 will accommodate Class A office spaces that boast views overlooking the scenic downtown waterfront. The 17th story will proudly host an amenity deck complete with a unique pool that circles the building’s perimeter, providing residents with a captivating leisure space.
The residential units will occupy floors 19 through 49, extending elegantly over the amenity deck, while the crowning levels of the tower will feature two luxurious rooftop pools, providing residents with stunning views of the surrounding area. This proposed development has the potential to redefine luxury living in St. Petersburg and is set to be a game-changer for the community.
**Interview with Mack Feldman, Vice President of Feldman Equities**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mack. The Waldorf Astoria Residences project is certainly a hot topic in St. Petersburg. Can you share some of the highlights of what this project will offer to the city?
**Mack Feldman:** Absolutely, thank you for having me. This project is going to be a game changer for St. Petersburg. We’re bringing in 164 luxurious condominiums and over 63,000 square feet of office space, along with commercial opportunities that will enhance the vibrancy of downtown. Plus, we’re excited to include three stunning swimming pools and ample parking for residents and visitors.
**Editor:** That sounds impressive! However, there have been some concerns raised by residents regarding the building’s height and the proximity to existing structures. How do you plan to address these worries?
**Mack Feldman:** We truly value the input of the community, and we’ve made it a priority to engage with residents from the beginning. We understand concerns about height and potential traffic impacts, and we’re committed to ensuring that our construction practices are safe and considerate of our neighbors. Our goal is to minimize disruption as much as possible.
**Editor:** You mentioned safety, which has been a big issue after the recent crane incident at the 400 Central site. What measures are you taking to ensure this project is secure during construction?
**Mack Feldman:** Safety is our utmost priority. We’re utilizing advanced engineering for our cranes, which will be rated to withstand winds up to 149 mph, significantly more than what was experienced during the incident at 400 Central. We’re also implementing additional tiebacks to stabilize the cranes during hurricane season.
**Editor:** That’s certainly reassuring. There are also concerns about stormwater management and the potential for overflow during heavy rains. How are you planning to mitigate these risks?
**Mack Feldman:** We are proactively working on a comprehensive stormwater management plan. We’ve voluntarily agreed to implement additional storm precautions, which include tailored drainage systems designed to handle extreme weather events. Our goal is to ensure that both our residents and the surrounding community are safeguarded during storms.
**Editor:** It seems like you’re taking comprehensive steps to address community concerns, but how do you envision the impact of the Waldorf Astoria Residences on the overall skyline and economy of St. Petersburg?
**Mack Feldman:** We believe this project will significantly enhance the city’s skyline and create a sense of pride for residents. It will not only provide high-end living options but also stimulate the local economy through job creation and increased business for downtown. We’re excited about the positive transformation it will bring to St. Petersburg.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mack, for your insights and detailed answers. We look forward to seeing how this project unfolds and its future impact on the city!
**Mack Feldman:** Thank you for having me! We’re excited about moving forward and making this vision a reality for St. Petersburg.