A long-vacant hospital in downtown St. Petersburg is set for a major transformation into affordable housing for low-income seniors, bolstered by a fresh $9 million investment from the city.

The former Ed White Hospital will become home to 71 senior apartments, the new headquarters for the St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA), and a community health clinic run by Evara Health. The city council unanimously approved nearly $9 million in funding for the housing portion at its June 5 meeting.

“This project has been years in the making, and we’re thrilled to finally be under construction,” said SPHA CEO Michael Lundy. “Interest is already high from seniors hoping to move in.”

Located at 2323 Ninth Ave. N., the 121,000-square-foot hospital first opened in 1976 and closed in 2014 after a sharp drop in admissions. Named for Edward Higgins White II, the first American to walk in space, the building had deteriorated into an eerie shell before redevelopment began in 2024.

White’s daughter, Bonnie White Baer, celebrated the building’s new purpose during a 2024 groundbreaking, saying her father “would be so happy and proud” to see it serve the community.

Originally estimated at $31 million, the project previously lost about $9 million in city funding due to concerns over delays. But city officials say SPHA is now “shovel-ready” and urgently needs the funding to secure a construction loan and other financial support.

Office space renovations are underway and expected to finish by spring 2026. Apartment construction is set to begin in July, with move-ins anticipated in fall 2026.

The new Ed White Campus will offer 60 one-bedroom units, four two-bedrooms, and seven studios for seniors earning up to 60% of the area median income — roughly $43,900 for a single person. The campus sits next to Booker Creek Park, with units offering lake or downtown views.

Amenities will include a dining area with catering space, a community room, computer lab, and fitness center. Evara Health will provide services for both residents and the broader community from renovated ground-floor medical offices.

SPHA’s current office location on Gandy Boulevard has been difficult for clients to access, prompting calls for a more central, transit-friendly site. The new campus in the North Kenwood neighborhood meets that need.

Council member Deborah Figgs-Sanders praised Lundy’s leadership and said she looks forward to future partnerships focused on senior residents. “When you talk about seniors,” she said, “you have my heart.”

To ensure the facility stays in good shape, SPHA plans to set aside reserve funds for long-term maintenance. Lundy said all major systems are being replaced and anticipates no significant issues for at least 15 to 20 years. The agency also plans to lease its current headquarters to help fund future projects.

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