Downtown Developments: January 2018

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.

The 1600 block of Central Avenue, currently home to World Liquors, will soon be under construction. Milhaus, a real estate construction and development company from Indianapolis is erecting a large six-story, mixed-use development that will feature 251 apartments and over 12,000 square feet of retail space, which will front Central Avenue. The community will include a courtyard and pool, small dog park, rooftop lounge, fitness center, and co-working space. Approximately 65% of the units will be studios and one-bedroom units, which are typically most popular among young professionals. Construction is scheduled to begin during the first quarter of 2018 with the first residents moving in around the Spring of 2020.

Ray’s Vegan Soul has ditched their successful food truck in favor of a permanent brick and mortar location at 169 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N. Ray Milton, a boxing instructor and former pastry chef, will offer a rotating menu of vegan soul food, but says he will always have the mac and cheese, raw tacos and African almond soup — his three most popular menu items, all made “with 100 percent organic love.” For now, Ray’s Vegan Soul is only open on late-night Fridays from 8 pm to 1 am and Sundays from 11 am to 6 pm.

After much anticipation, Downtown St Pete’s only 24-hour diner has finally opened their doors. 2nd and Second is the creation of three local restaurant veterans — Renaud Cowez of Tryst, Raphael Perrier of Kahwa and Chef Jeremy Duclut of Cassis. The eatery is a twist on the classic American diner that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner all day long. Early favorites include the Smoked Turkey Cordon Bleu Sandwich, Hot Roast Pork Loin Sandwich, and the BLT Omelette. 2nd and Second is, not surprisingly, located at the intersection of 2nd St N & 2nd Ave N.

After finding success in Tampa, Mini Doughnut Factory has hopped the Bay and opened their second location, on 4th Street in St. Pete. These made-to-order mini morsels are about one-third the size of a regular doughnut, but pack just as much flavor! Choose from 16 different doughnuts or create your own by customizing the doughnut, icing, topping and drizzle. Top sellers include the Sweet Pig (maple icing and bacon), the Peanut Butter Cup (chocolate icing, mini peanut butter cups and Reese’s drizzle) and the Homer Simpson (strawberry icing and rainbow sprinkles). Mini Doughnut Factory is located at 730 4th St N.

Red Mesa Cantina, one of the most frequented restaurants in Downtown St. Pete, has expanded by taking over the 2nd and 3rd story of their current building. Each level represents a different concept with their own distinct food and drink menus. The 2nd floor is home to Cantinita, an intimate balcony bar featuring a variety of hot and cold plates (Hint: Order the Korean BBQ Ribs!). Walk up the steps to DeSanto on the 3rd floor rooftop. DeSanto is more spacious than Cantinita and offers around ten cold plates and a breathtaking view of Downtown St. Petersburg. Red Mesa Cantina is located at 128 3rd St S.

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.

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Brian Zucker, Owner of St Pete Risinghttp://stpeterising.com
Brian Zucker is a local entrepreneur and writer of our column Downtown Developments. He owns an urban development blog, St. Pete Rising, which covers future real estate, restaurants and retail in downtown St. Pete. Currently, his favorite downtown restaurant is Lolita’s Wine Market, located at 16 18th St. N. The downtown project he is most looking forward to is the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art, set to open in early 2018. By day, Brian works as an actuary at Wakely Actuarial in Palm Harbor. He has called Tampa Bay home since 2011.