In a monumental decision that could reshape St. Pete Beach’s hospitality landscape, the City Commission has given the green light to the expansion plans for TradeWinds Island Resorts. Following a marathon meeting that stretched into the late hours of Tuesday night, the commission voted 3-2 in favor of the ambitious project, signaling a significant step forward for the iconic beachfront destination.
New details are emerging on TradeWinds Island Resort’s massive expansion that, if approved, will feature Florida’s first publicly accessible glass-bottomed observation deck.https://t.co/VkHbKAkoSA
— St. Pete Catalyst (@stpetecatalyst) April 9, 2024
Read: Commissioners to Vote on TradeWinds Resort Expansion Today at 6 p.m.
The approved expansion, estimated at a staggering half-billion dollars, is slated to unfold over the course of two decades. Developers have outlined a meticulous timeline, punctuated by strategic pauses between construction phases. This deliberate approach aims to provide flexibility in navigating potential setbacks and adapting to evolving city ordinances in the future.
Elise Batsel from Stearns Weaver Miller, involved in the project, outlined two main concerns: minimizing construction impact and timing phases for market demand.
The renovation aims to build three new hotel towers, adding 600+ rooms to the resort. Moreover, the expansion will include three swimming pools, parking garages, and a striking glass-bottom observation deck accessible to the public.
Anticipation is high as developers eye a potential groundbreaking within the next 12 to 18 months. The initial phase, slated to commence soon, will also see the creation of four beach access points, with an estimated completion timeline of two and a half to three years. As construction gears up, all eyes are on St. Pete Beach, poised for a new chapter in its hospitality evolution.
