Pinellas County Schools selects developer to build teacher and staff housing in St. Pete
By Breanne Williams
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Jun 7, 2023

Pinellas County Schools has selected Tomlinson Community Partners to build teacher and staff housing at the Tomlinson building in downtown St. Petersburg.

The historic Tomlinson building, which opened in 1924 and closed in December 2021, is near Mirror Lake. In November 2022, Pinellas County Schools requested proposals seeking public-private partnerships for the 1.7-acre site. Four proposals were received.

Tomlinson Community Partners is a joint venture between Washington, D.C.-based Dantes Partners and the team of Alexander Goshen and Cornerstone Strategic Partners.

“The innovative and collaborative approach of the Tomlinson Community Partners aligns with Pinellas County Schools’ goal to support the housing needs of our dedicated educators and employees,” Kevin Hendrick, superintendent of Pinellas County Schools, said in a statement. “To attract and retain the best teachers and district employees, we must proactively provide accessible and appealing housing choices.”

Tomlinson Community Partners plan to build 225 residential units, 113 of which will be set aside for workforce housing for teachers or district employees. The units will be catered for those making 90% to 120% area median income, and rents will range between $1,263 and $2,160.

There will be studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. The remaining 112 units will be market-rate and will be $2,156 to $2,771 a month. The project will also include on-site fitness.

“Being chosen to redevelop the historic Tomlinson building is a responsibility we do not take lightly,” Buwa Binitie, the founder and CEO of Dantes Partners, said in a release. “It is our sincere hope that this development will not only meet the immediate housing needs but also foster a more integrated inclusive community that supports the success of all its resident.”

Pinellas County Schools wanted to address the workforce housing shortage for teachers and employees, “optimize the use of the Tomlinson building,” and preserve its “historical significance,” according to the release.

Dantes Partners is part of the team selected to redevelop the Historic Gas Plant District site.