YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg meets with finalists for redevelopment proposals
By Breanne Williams
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Oct 12, 2022

The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg has met with finalists proposing to redevelop a portion of its property in the Union Central district.

Tim Staley, executive vice president and COO of the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, told the Tampa Bay Business Journal they met with developers last week and are “working through the process of deciding if there is one of the plans we feel we want to move forward with.” He said it could take several months to make the decision.

The project could be the catalyst for the next development phase off Central Avenue. The property is 11.47 acres and is located at 3200 First Ave. S. It is home to the Jim & Heather Gills YMCA and features services like a rock climbing facility, indoor pool, gym and soccer fields.

Five finalists presented to a YMCA committee this month. One proposal comes from a joint venture of St. Petersburg-based Eastman Equity, led by Jonathan Daou, and St. Pete-based Blake Investment Partners, led by Blake Whitney Thompson. Thompson told the Business Journal they are the only local developers.

Thompson and Daou plan to transform the property into a themed “node” around the YMCA, creating a health and wellness-focused neighborhood. It will include commercial spaces that pair with the theme of the neighborhood, like plant-based restaurants and an athletic shoe store. The group is also proposing building a variety of residential units, with a percentage designated for workforce housing.

If selected, Thompson said they would ensure those in their buildings have YMCA memberships so they could access its programming.

The development team is comprised of Thompson, Daou, Tim Clemmons of Place Architecture, Jenny Miers as AIA principal, Holly Garcia as owners representative, David Flanagan of Kimley-Horn as master planner, Mat Walker of George F. Young as civil engineer, Kelly Rayburn of Greystar as property manager and Kristine Retetagos of Kast Construction as general contractor.

Thompson and Daou are also investing in other areas of the Union Central district. Daou has developed much of the Edge district, and Thompson has invested in the Grand Central district. The duo plan to be the spark in creating what they believe will be the final neighborhood along Central Avenue. They plan to redevelop several properties along Central Avenue into various residential and commercial spaces.