St. Pete’s Playhouse Site May Become Housing Tower

A major affordable housing St. Petersburg proposal could bring new life to the Grand Central District, where a long-vacant stretch of Central Avenue may soon be transformed into a 12-story residential tower. The project matters because housing costs remain a major concern across Tampa Bay, and this site sits near one of St. Pete’s most active arts, dining, and nightlife corridors.

Tampa-based Blue Sky Communities is behind the proposed JR Tower, a planned 150-unit affordable apartment development at 1850 Central Avenue and 1833 1st Avenue South. The company has the 0.61-acre property under contract for $6.25 million, with the deal expected to close in March 2027.