Downtown Developments

By Brian Zucker, Owner of St. Pete Rising

It seems like each time we take a stroll through downtown there are new restaurants and galleries opening and more apartment complexes and condo towers being built. We realize it’s difficult to keep track of everything. Luckily, we’ve done the research, so you don’t have to. Each month we will feature a few of the most exciting new downtown developments that are on the horizon for the Sunshine City.

Good Night John Boy, a 70s-themed nightclub, is now open at 16 2nd Street North in downtown St. Pete. The 4,000-square-foot two-story nightclub features a lit-up, tiled dance floor, multicolored neon lights, and the largest Farrah Fawcett poster you’ve ever seen. Dig out your vintage patterned head wraps, bell bottoms, and platform boots because a lineup of local DJs plays the greatest hits from the 70s and 80s every night of the week!

Mutts & Martinis, Florida's first dog waterpark, is now open at 2900 Central Avenue in the Grand Central District. While pooches have plenty of space to run around and play in, their human companions won’t be bored either. In addition to the expansive bar, Mutts and Martinis has 28 TVs and a stage for live music. The 5,000-square-foot facility includes a zero-entry splash fountain and water sprays for your pooch — perfect for beating the upcoming summer heat.

After six successful years in their currently location, Lolita's Wine Market is moving to a space inside the Morean Center for Clay at 420 22nd Street South in the Warehouse Arts District. The new space is approximately the same size as their current digs but includes an expansive outdoor patio. The popular eatery is known for its create-your-own charcuterie boards and small plates. Lolita’s also specializes in wines from all over the globe, not just American or regional wines. The focus is on boutique wines and interesting blends and varietals. Lolita’s hopes to open in their new space in June.

A 21-story apartment tower was approved last month for 699 1st Avenue North in downtown St. Pete. The 200-unit building will be constructed on the southwest edge of Mirror Lake and will feature 10,843 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor. The project will also include a 264-space parking garage. A construction timeline for the development has not been announced.

Parasol is coming soon to 501 5th Ave NE

Parasol, an open-air poolside restaurant and bar, is coming soon to 501 5th Avenue Northeast inside the The Vinoy Resort and Golf Club, Autograph Collection. Featuring a menu packed with Latin cuisine favorites, Parasol will offer items like a Queso Blanco Bacon Burger, Mexican Street Corn, Black Beans and Rice, Yucca Fries, and more. Parasol will be open to the public, like Paul’s Landing, another restaurant and bar located near the resort’s pool deck, between the two hotel towers. The new restaurant is expected to open sometime in June.

Taylor Sam’s is now open at 312 3rd Street South on the ground floor of the Camden Pier District apartment tower. Originating in Brick, New Jersey, Taylor Sam’s bills itself as a homestyle breakfast and brunch café. The menu has everything from a full breakfast menu to burgers, rice bowls, sandwiches, and salads. The most popular item is “Hashtag Delicious” — a corned-beef hash featuring braised brisket. The St. Pete Taylor Sam’s seats about 40 customers but also has outdoor dining. It is open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. seven days a week.

St. Pete Rising is an urban development blog covering future retail, restaurants, and real estate in Downtown St. Petersburg, FL. Stay up-todate, visit StPeteRising.com.