Morean Arts Center Receives Initial Approval for $30 Million Redevelopment Project

The Morean Arts Center’s proposed $30 million redevelopment project in downtown St. Petersburg recently cleared its first – albeit somewhat minor – hurdle. Pinellas County Commissioners unanimously approved advancing the institution’s $15. 2 million tourist development tax request at their Sept. 5 meeting.

That allows Visit St. Pete-Clearwater (VSPC) to analyze the project’s potential economic impacts. The Morean Arts Center plans to build a new five-story, modern facility at 719 Central Avenue. Howayda Affan, executive director, said the $30 million project would provide “world-class arts programming” and inclusive space for local artists, residents and visitors. “The state-of-the-art facility will seamlessly integrate the Chihuly Collection currently housed across the street at 720 Central Avenue into a single, cohesive space,” Affan said.

“This significant investment will elevate the Arts Center into a premier cultural and artistic hub, with the Chihuly Collection at its heart. ” VSPC received seven capital funding requests totaling $67 million this year. The Woodson African American Museum of Florida requested $10 million to build a new home in the Historic Gas Plant’s redevelopment. Another St. Petersburg project, the Florida Orchestra’s Center for Music Education & Innovation, applied for $9.

5 million. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Municipal Marina and Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex are each vying for $10 million. However, the Arts Center was the only request over $10 million, which required the commission’s initial approval. The funding stems from a 6% surcharge on overnight stays.

County officials must spend 40% on capital improvement projects that increase visitation. Notably, commissioners recently dedicated $312. 5 million to a new Tampa Bay Rays ballpark in the $6. 5 billion Gas Plant District. Brian Lowack, CEO of VSPC, said the organization had roughly $115 million in capital reserves in July.

Its staff could recommend awarding the Arts Center’s full ask or a lesser amount. “The redevelopment of the Art Center is not just about expanding our physical space, it’s about ensuring we continue to serve as a vital hub for creativity and economic vitality for generations to come,” Affan said. “This redevelopment will have a profound economic impact. ” The Arts Center’s local roots date back to 1917 when a mother and daughter duo founded the Art Club of St. Petersburg.