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.
Plant+Love Ice Cream will open this month at 953 Central Avenue in the EDGE District. The new vegan creamery will offer ten flavors daily, such as Queen Vanilla Bean, Divine Chocolate, Orange Dream made with real Florida oranges, Mystic Mint Fudge Brownie, Salted Caramel Praline Pecan, and Chocolate Chip Cookie Crumble. Sugar-free ice cream and scoops infused with CBD will also be available. In addition to vegan ice cream, Plant+Love also has a passion for the environment, wellness and the community. The name doesn’t just represent a love of plants and veganism, but is also about planting seeds of love by striving to make a difference in the world and inspiring others to be themselves in the best way possible.
The ArtsXchange, a collection of 28 sustainable, affordable art studios, has announced plans to begin construction in 2019 on the second phase of their artist community. Located in the Warehouse Arts District at 515 22nd Street South, the ArtsXchange Phase II will bring to life a brand new beautifully developed courtyard entrance with outdoor seating and pop-up store fronts. Additionally, three classrooms and an 1,800 square-foot professional dance studio with springboard floors, ballet barres and mirrors will be built.
A 21-story residential tower has been proposed for the southeast corner of 3rd Avenue North and 5th Street North. While not on Central Avenue, this development is situated just a few blocks from the buzz of downtown and the serenity of Mirror Lake. According to site plan documents, the proposed building will be 250 feet in height with 270 residential units, nearly 11,000 square feet of office space, and a parking garage with 295 parking spaces and 288 bicycle spaces. The project was approved by the Development Review Commission on December 5th.
Renzo’s, an Argentinian churrascaria, opened last month at 104 2nd Street South on the ground floor of Signature Place in Downtown St. Pete. The space was formerly home to Z-Grille, but has sat vacant since Z Grille’s closure in July 2017. Renzo’s specializes in Argentinian-style cuts of meat, such as Argentine Flank, Churrasco de Entraña, and Brazilian Picanha. All meats are served with a side of chimichurri, an Argentinian sauce made of finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, and red wine vinegar. Renzo’s also offers pasta, salads, and sandwiches. They also have an extensive dessert menu, so make sure to save room!
Bacchus, a local gourmet market, opened at the beginning of January at 124 2nd Avenue NE on the ground floor of Ovation. The market is helmed by Christophe Guillot and Philippe Challeau, who have given Bacchus more of a french influence, but will also feature other European products. All items on the dine-in menu are also available to purchase in the retail section of the market. Bacchus carries a wide selection of wine, beer, sodas, fresh bread, charcuterie, soups, salads, sandwiches and cheese boards. You can also find gourmet items like pate, foie gras, fruit preserves, condiments, candies and more.
St. Pete Rising is an urban development blog covering future retail, restaurants, and real estate in Downtown St. Petersburg, FL. Stay up-to-date, visit StPeteRising.com.
