From luxury condos and Class-A office towers to boutique hotels and groundbreaking design—here’s why everyone’s talking about the EDGE District in Downtown St. Pete. It’s not just growing; it’s transforming.
Table of contents:
1. Why I'm So Excited About the EDGE District
Hey there! Todd Howard here, and I've got to tell you about something that's got me really excited. After calling Pinellas County home since 1979, I've seen a lot of changes, but what's happening in St. Petersburg's EDGE District right now? It's unlike anything I've witnessed in my decades of real estate.
If you've been wondering where the next big opportunity is in our area, or if you're thinking about making a move to downtown St. Pete, this is the conversation we need to have. The EDGE District isn't just changing – it's being completely transformed, and the timing couldn't be better for folks who want to be part of something special.
Look, I've been in this business long enough to know the difference between hype and the real deal. The EDGE District? This is the real deal. We're talking about over half a billion dollars in new development that's turning this corner of downtown St. Pete into something incredible.
What makes this special isn't just the money being invested – it's how thoughtfully it's being done. These aren't just buildings going up; they're creating a whole new way of living in St. Petersburg. The kind of place where you can walk out your front door and everything you need is right there.
I've watched neighborhoods transform before, but the EDGE District has something different. It's got that perfect storm of location, timing, and vision that makes me tell my clients, "Pay attention to this."
2. The Central
Let me start with the big one –
The Central (formerly called Orange Station).
This project alone is changing the game for downtown St. Pete, and here's why that matters to you.
Finally, Parking That Makes Sense
You know what the biggest complaint about downtown St. Pete used to be? Parking. Well, The Central just completed a 540-space public parking garage in June, and let me tell you, it's already making a difference. I've had clients who loved the idea of downtown living but worried about where they'd park. That problem? Solved.
But here's the thing that really gets me excited – this isn't just about convenience. When you solve a fundamental problem like parking, property values respond. I'm already seeing it happen.
A Real Hotel and Office Experience
The Central is bringing us a 168-room Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel in a beautiful 15-story tower. Now, I know what you might be thinking – "Todd, why should I care about a hotel?" Here's why: when you have a quality hotel in your neighborhood, it brings quality visitors, supports local businesses, and shows the world that your area has arrived.
Plus, there's the 11-story Halcyon office tower with 125,000 square feet of Class-A office space. This is the first premium office building we've seen downtown in decades. That means professionals, that means jobs, that means people who can afford to live in the neighborhood.
Living and Working Together
What I love about The Central is how they're mixing everything together. You've got 42 units of workforce housing and 14,000 square feet of retail space all in the same development. They broke ground in February 2024, with hotel and office tower groundwork expected later this year, and by 2027, this whole area is going to look completely different.
What The Central Will Look Like
The renderings for The Central are something else. They showcase that signature rooftop parking design (genius engineering, by the way), the sleek hotel façade, and the modern office tower. When you see these images, you understand this isn't just another development – it's architectural excellence that's going to define the skyline.
3. Residences at Orange Station
Now, if you're looking at the luxury end of things, let me tell you about the
Residences at Orange Station at 1301 Central Avenue.
This is a joint venture by J Square, DDA, Backstreets & Place Architecture, and what I call "done right" development.
We're talking about a 16-story condominium tower with 103 residential units, but it's everything else that really sets this apart. They've got their own 600-space parking garage, 50,000 square feet of Class-A office space, 14,000 square feet of retail, and public plaza space – all in one development.
The interior renderings I've seen show luxury amenities like a resort-style pool, clubhouse, and fitness terrace. These aren't just apartments – they're homes designed for people who expect more from their living experience. The original timeline had this opening in Spring 2022, but you know how these things go – the important thing is the quality they're delivering.
The Luxury You Can See
The renderings for the Residences at Orange Station really tell the story. They highlight those upscale interiors I mentioned – the pool areas, the lounge spaces, the terrace views. Looking at these visuals, you can actually picture yourself living there, entertaining friends, or just relaxing after a long day. It's the kind of lifestyle these renderings showcase that gets people excited about downtown living.
4. EDGE Collective
Here's a project that really speaks to my heart – EDGE Collective. They're doing this in two phases, and both are impressive.
Phase I
is taking century-old buildings and bringing them back to life while adding the 163-key Moxy Hotel (that's a Marriott brand). They're creating these European-style pedestrian alleyways and side streets that give the area real character – the kind you can't fake.
Phase II
is where things get really exciting for investors and residents. We're talking about a 20-story, 360-unit apartment tower with a 365-space parking garage and ground-floor retail space. The plans were submitted early this year, and I'm watching this one closely because I think it's going to be a game-changer for rental opportunities in the area.
Seeing the Vision Come to Life
The Moxy Hotel and EDGE Collective Phase II visuals are particularly impressive. They show these sleek new tower designs fronting Central Avenue, but with pedestrian-friendly ground levels that make the street feel alive and welcoming. You can see how they're creating spaces where people actually want to spend time, not just pass through.
5. Gallery Haus
Right on the boundary between the EDGE and Warehouse Districts at 155 17th Street South,
Gallery Haus
is going up 23 stories with 251 luxury residential units. Location-wise, it's perfect – you get the energy of the EDGE District and the artistic vibe of the Warehouse District.
This tower is featuring coworking spaces, multiple pool decks, and retail amenities. With groundbreaking expected late this year and opening targeted for 2026, this represents what I call a "ground floor opportunity" – getting in before everyone else realizes what's happening.
6. What This All Means – The Big Picture
Let me put this in perspective for you. What we're seeing in the EDGE District is:
A Parking Revolution: Over 1,000 new public parking spaces through various garage completions and new construction. This fundamentally changes how people think about downtown living.
A Hospitality Boom: Three major hotels underway – the Marriott Autograph Collection, Moxy, and additional boutique concepts. This isn't just about tourism; it's about establishing the area as a destination.
Office Space Renaissance: The first Class-A office building downtown in decades. This brings high-paying professionals to live and work in the area.
High-Rise Living: Multiple large residential towers – we're talking 360-unit towers, 250-unit towers, luxury condos. The scale is impressive.
Mixed-Use Vibrancy: Every project mixes retail, plazas, coworking, and residential. They're literally blurring the lines between live, work, and play.
What I Tell My Clients
When clients ask me about the EDGE District, I tell them this: "If you've been thinking about downtown St. Pete, this is your moment." The infrastructure problems that used to hold the area back are being solved. The developments going up aren't just buildings – they're creating a lifestyle.
I've lived in Pinellas County for over 40 years. I've seen what works and what doesn't. The EDGE District? It's going to work.
Investment Opportunities I'm Watching
As someone who's been in this market since 1979, I can tell you that opportunities like this don't come around often. Whether you're looking for:
- A primary residence with all the urban amenities
- Rental property investment in a rapidly improving area
- Pre-construction opportunities at today's pricing
- Commercial real estate in a transforming district
The EDGE District has options. But here's the thing – the window won't stay open forever.
The Bottom Line
Real estate isn't just about houses – it's about the people who make them homes. The EDGE District is attracting people who want to be part of something exciting, something new, something special in St. Petersburg.
If you're curious about what's happening down there, or if you're thinking about making a move, let's talk. I know these neighborhoods inside and out, and I'd love to show you why I'm so excited about the EDGE District.
Because here's what I've learned in all my years doing this – the best opportunities don't wait around for everyone to figure them out. The EDGE District is happening now, and I'd hate for you to miss out on being part of it.
Ready to explore what the EDGE District could mean for you? Give me a call or shoot me an email. After 40+ years in Pinellas County, I know how to spot the real opportunities – and this is one of them. Let's find out if the EDGE District is the right fit for your next chapter.
Have Questions About the EDGE District?
Whether you're looking to invest, buy, or just want to understand your options in this fast-changing neighborhood, I’m happy to help. I’ve lived in Pinellas County for over 40 years and know the EDGE District inside and out.
📞 Call or Text: 727-614-3296
📧 Email: todd@mypinellascountyrealestate.com
FAQs
Where exactly is the EDGE District in St. Pete?
The EDGE District runs along Central Avenue between Dr. MLK Jr. Street and 16th Street. It's a vibrant part of downtown St. Pete filled with new developments, historic buildings, and walkable streets.
Is the EDGE District a good place to invest in rental property?
Yes. With multiple new residential towers, office spaces, and hotels coming online, rental demand is expected to surge. Projects like EDGE Collective Phase II offer excellent long-term potential for investors.
What types of properties are being built?
The district includes everything from luxury condos and workforce housing to high-rise apartments and boutique hotels. There’s also significant retail and office space being integrated into most developments.
When will these projects be completed?
Completion timelines vary. The Central's garage is already finished, with major buildings expected by 2027. EDGE Collective and Gallery Haus are currently in progress, with openings likely in 2025–2026.
