ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Before moving forward with an estimated $51 million redevelopment project just south of downtown St. Pete, the city wants input from residents.
The City of St. Pete plans to completely restructure the Enoch Davis Center and the James Weldon Johnson Community Library, both located on 18th Ave. S.
The Davis center first opened in 1981 with a 16,000 sq ft facility, and has a fitness center, multipurpose areas, as well as a number of human services. The library sits just next door.
George Smith, Economic Development Manager for the City of St. Pete, says right now the city is in the planning phase and a big part of that is getting community input. A community meeting is set for Wednesday, Sept 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Davis center, so residents and come and share their ideas on what the future of the two facilities should look like. Residents are also invited to fill out a community survey.
“Would it be one facility that’s one building with dual entrances? It’s really up to the community to provide that type of input,” Smith said. “We then take that information back to the architect who’s been an integral part of this planning process.”
Lifelong St. Pete resident Cheryl Holliday says she wants to see more resources and programming for seniors at the new center.
“My vision is to see more services for seniors, more services for kids so they can stay out of trouble,” she said.
After gathering input, the city will move forward with securing funding. Smith says they plan to pull from federal and state funds, as well as local tax dollars. The Davis center sits within the South St. Pete CRA, which makes it eligible for tax increment funding.
Smith estimates the project could take three years.
The project team includes Place Architecture, Late Flato, Dix.Hite, and 720 design.
Angie Angers
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