The Royale, a mixed-use development, aims to bring retail, office and residential space to 66th Street N.
By SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA
Published May 7, 2006
ST. PETERSBURG - The kind of architecturally vibrant, mixed-used redevelopment usually associated with the downtown core is now spreading to the Tyrone area on the city's west side.
A $60-million to $70-million mixed-use redevelopment on a 13-acre parcel in an older commercial area on 66th Street N sailed through an Environmental Development Commission hearing Wednesday.
Zoning Official John Hixenbaugh praised the project's "town center'' design that unites retail, office and residential uses with landscaped pedestrian walkways. Most of the development's parking spaces will be shifted to a garage, again enhancing the project's pedestrian, town center design.
"This is an ambitious mixed-use development that will bring a more urban mix of uses into the Tyrone area than has been the norm in this conventional and suburban part of the city," Hixenbaugh said.
The commission approved the site plan and a variance for the project, which will be on 66th Street N between 13th and 18th avenues. The variance deals with the ratio of concrete to green space for drainage.
To mitigate the effect of traffic on surrounding residential neighborhoods, the city plans to close one end of 18th Avenue N.
"This is an excellent example of the right kind of development," said Edwin Carlson, president of West Neighborhoods United. This support was echoed by the Eagle Crest and Garden Manor neighborhood associations.
Currently, the site includes a mix of office and retail buildings built in the 1970s.
When completed, the project, called the Royale, will include:
- The Royale, a six-story, 65-foot tall, 160-unit condominium complex that includes structured parking for more than 700 spaces.
- The Shoppes at Royale will include 88,500 square feet of retail space while keeping the Rib City restaurant.
- Offices, including keeping 71,500 square feet of existing space.
The developer's project narrative says, "The renaissance of downtown St. Petersburg is remarkable and is a fantastic achievement. We hope to expand that positive momentum to the Tyrone community and complement the various downtown developments."
Tyrone Crossings Investors LLC began assembling ownership of the property last year. In September, the group began negotiating the relocation of existing tenants, including Central Florida College and a branch of BB&T.
"We are very excited about the opportunity to bring a unique project to the St. Petersburg market,'' said developer Les Porter, president of Porter Development of Clearwater.
"This is a big project and a real challenge for us.''
Porter said once the bank is relocated, most likely in August, site development work will begin.
Pricing of the condo units is expected to begin at $350,000, with some units rising to $600,000. Targeted buyers will be young professionals and "empty-nesters," rather than speculative investors, Porter said.
He described the project's architectural style as "Americana." The buildings within the town center plan will be connected by an extensive sidewalk network that includes gathering spaces and sidewalk cafes for an "alternative retail and entertainment experience."
The sidewalks also connect to surrounding neighborhoods, allowing area residents to walk to restaurants and shops within the center.
