Today's business section of the St Petersburg Times revealed that the owners of 100 Bay Central (first known as South Core, then as the headquarters of Progress Energy) are ready for a tenant or two in their building at 100 Central Ave in downtown St Petersburg. With 63,000 sq ft on the ground floor and 72,000 sq ft on the second floor, and several floors of parking garage above. The article suggested a Fresh Market or a Crate and Barrel. What I've been hearing from lots of downtown residents, though is that they want a Trader Joe's.
From its limestore-arched entryway to its copper-domed Mediterranean towers, this landmark is visible from everywhere in downtown - and it's beautiful at Christmas time, too.
So, Trader Joe's, click on 100 Bay Central to find out more about what's here and why you should come. You're already on the west coast of the US, so why not come to the west coast of Florida? Nearby condo dwellers can come to you but you might want to start a Deliver-To-Your-Yacht service to the nearby marinas.
One Colliers Arnold agent is reported to have said (in comparison to condos in downtown Tampa) that "St. Petersburg's condos are actually lived in." and the Saturday Morning Market is right outside the entrance.
Downtown St Pete is vibrant and alive - and contrary to myth, the actual average age is 39.
Maureen - now would they really do that? Not having one here, several residents I know either stock up on their California trips or have standing orders for things like coffee to be shipped to them.
Barbara Jo - yes, today's downtown St Petersburg would have been a pipe dream (with people thinking we were smoking it) 15 years ago.
I would love to have a Trader Joe's anywhere downtown St Pete. They seems like a great location for one. Crate & Barrel would also be a great addition to downtown.
Phil - I do hope some of the owners of space downtown are pursuing Trader Joe's.
Just moved to Florida from San Francisco, California -- love the new home but deeply missing my TJ store!! When is TJ coming to FL? Hurry, please!
Julie - I agree. Maybe you have more pull since you came from California ...