In just seven years, downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, has undergone a dramatic transformation, marked by the construction of the city’s four tallest buildings. These high-rise developments have surpassed the long-standing height record set by Priatek Plaza, which stood at 386 feet since its completion in 1990.

The tallest of the new additions is 400 Central, reaching 515 feet. It is followed by Art House at 480 feet, One St. Petersburg at 456 feet, and Saltaire at 408 feet. All four are luxury condominium towers that reflect a shift toward vertical development amid limited land availability.

City officials describe the downtown evolution as a blend of expansion and innovation, emphasizing the need to build upward to accommodate residential and commercial growth. Anthony Close, founder of the development-focused site St. Pete Rising, noted that the city’s height ceiling continues to rise, with plans underway for the Waldorf Astoria Residences, which aim to become the tallest building in St. Petersburg.

While these towers contribute to economic development and urban density, they do not address the region’s affordable housing shortage. According to the Shimberg Center for Housing Studies, 29% of renters in Pinellas County are low-income and cost-burdened, spending over 40% of their income on rent and utilities. In response, the city has added 281 affordable units in 2024 and a total of 855 affordable and workforce housing units during Mayor Ken Welch’s term.

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(Image credit: Tampa Bay Business & Wealth)

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