ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Last week, St. Petersburg city leaders got a chance to ask developers about their plans for the Gas Plant District, which includes the home of the Tampa Bay Rays.

What You Need To Know

  • At the last St. Pete city council meeting, they discussed building 5,000 residential units, plans for 750,000 square foot retail space, and a 4,000 to 6,000 seat entertainment venue

  • A Red Mesa Mercado manager said the project, when finished, would likely bring in additional customers

  • At that council meeting, they postponed the second meeting about the new stadium agreement with the Rays

The plans include a new stadium, affordable housing and space for new businesses.

Ky Anderson, a manager at Red Mesa Mercado, a restaurant in the area, said he would like to see the plans advance because of what the Rays do for their business. 

“They just bring a huge crowd of people,” he said. “They all want good food and good drinks. We just love it.” 

With the proposed Gas Plant District redevelopment by the Rays and the City of St. Petersburg, there’s hope that large crowds at restaurants will become the norm. 

At the last St. Pete city council meeting, they discussed building 5,000 residential units, plans for 750,000 square foot retail space, and a 4,000 to 6,000 seat entertainment venue. 

All of this, Robinson said, would be great for their business. 

“When we played the Mets, our lunch rush was about ten grand,” he said. “On average, we’re doing about three or four. So when the Rays rush comes, it definitely impacts a lot.” 

While there’s no firm date for the next time that the city council will discuss the Rays-Hines proposal, Robinson said he has seen development in the area and hopes to see more. 

“I’m looking forward to it and I hope it does happen,” he said. “It’s going to be good.” 

At last Thursday’s St. Petersburg city council meeting, they postponed the second meeting about the new stadium agreement with the Rays. It had originally been scheduled for May 23.