Pinellas backs redevelopment of St. Pete hospital into affordable housing
By Breanne Williams
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Feb 20, 2024

The St. Petersburg Housing Authority’s $38 million redevelopment plan for the former Edward White Hospital is moving forward after receiving funding from the county commission.

The county approved funding for the redevelopment — along with 14 other projects — on Jan. 30. SPHA’s project will include building a six-story, 121,000-square-foot building with 71 apartments for low-income seniors. The property will also become the new headquarters for SPHA and will feature an additional 1,939 square feet of leasable office space.

“This approval is a testament to Pinellas County’s dedication to affordable housing,” Michael Lundy, president and CEO of SPHA, said in a release. “We are now well-positioned to commence construction and bring our vision to reality.”

The project will receive funding through the American Rescue Plan Act Nonprofit Capital Project Fund, with commissioners allocating $500,000 to the RISE Development Corp., according to the release. RISE Development Corp. is a nonprofit subsection of SPHA that specializes in creating affordable rental housing throughout greater St. Petersburg.

Construction is expected to begin mid-year.

Currently, SPHA serves more than 4,000 low-income households in St. Pete. The redevelopment of the former Edward White Hospital is “another way that SPHA is working to create opportunities for stronger communities,” according to SPHA.

In November, SPHA received a $1 million grant for the project, which is located at 2323 Ninth Ave. N. The project has already received support from St. Petersburg. In 2022, the city allocated $5.9 million via American Rescue Plan funds and $3 million from Penny for Pinellas.

The hospital closed in 2014 and was purchased by SPHA in December 2021 for $5.1 million. SPHA Board Chairman James Dates said they are excited about the project and its positive impact on the community.

“When Mr. Lundy was hired as CEO, our board entrusted him with advancing critical housing development projects forward and moving our staff to a more centralized and accessible location for our clients,” Dates said in a statement. “The Edward White Hospital redevelopment project signifies significant progress toward achieving both of these important goals.”