HISTORIC GAS PLANT DISTRICT

Renewed Vision for Historic Gas Plant

Within less than three months of the official July 2025 dissolution of the Hines Rays development contract for the Historic Gas Plant District site, Casey Ellison, CEO of Ellison Companies, Cathie Wood, the founder of Downtown-headquartered global investment firm ARK Invest and Jonathan Graham, President of Horus Construction, submitted an unsolicited bid to the City. In a proposal to purchase and redevelop 95.5 acres of Downtown, including the Historic Gas Plant District, they laid out a $6.8B vision for a new mixed-use district anchored by innovation, housing, cultural institutions and world-class event venues.

1,776

MARKET RATE UNITS

863

AFFORDABLE UNITS

618

SENIOR AFFORDABLE UNITS

444

WORKFORCE UNITS

1,543

HOTEL ROOMS

4,000

SEATS IN INDOOR MUSIC HALLS

1,500

SEATS IN OUTDOOR AMPITHEATER

500K

SF OF INNOVATION HUBS AND LABS

200K

SF INNOVATION HALL

Defining components of the project include the Innovation Hall for global conferences, coupled with the Research Center, innovation hubs and labs that will attract thousands of entrepreneurs, technologists, artists and policymakers. The development is prioritizing infrastructure that strengthens existing elements of the economy to place a “flag in the sand” for St. Pete as an innovative, entrepreneur and funder-friendly community.

Connectivity is also a major part of the proposal through the Booker Creek Cultural Corridor, a restored greenway with public art, historic installations and year-round programming that would link Midtown, the EDGE District and the Innovation District.

This proposal further demonstrates Cathie Wood’s commitment to our community following her personal and professional relocation of  her life and headquarters of ARK Invest from New York City to Downtown St. Pete in 2021.

She has continued to show her belief in the local community through forged partnerships with Pinellas County Schools, investing in the ARK Innovation Center and by announcing plans to relocate her current Downtown HQ into one of its newest Class A spaces being developed by Ellison at the Halcyon when it opens in late 2026/early 2027.

The move by ARK Ellison Horus prompted the City to open up the bidding process for a third time and in November of 2025, the City announced a January 4th - February 3rd submission window.

Transformational Projects

Williams Park

Established in 1894, the park that once served as “town square” and the site for political debates, civic rallies, picnics, outdoor events and performances is being given new life.

LEARN MORE
Innovation District

Immediately south of Downtown, the Innovation District houses significant opportunities that positively impact our urban center and beyond.

LEARN MORE
Pinellas Trail

The continuous, multi-use path is expanding in length and activation, becoming an even more vital connector between Downtown’s districts and communities throughout Pinellas.

LEARN MORE
Infrastructure

In 2025, the City engaged in inspections, repairs and identified crucial investments; rolled out informational resources; secured funding to support housing, infrastructure and community revitalization; and committed to forward-looking hardening efforts.

LEARN MORE

Renewed Vision for Historic Gas Plant

Within less than three months of the official July 2025 dissolution of the Hines Rays development contract for the Historic Gas Plant District site, Casey Ellison, CEO of Ellison Companies, Cathie Wood, the founder of Downtown-headquartered global investment firm ARK Invest and Jonathan Graham, President of Horus Construction, submitted an unsolicited bid to the City. In a proposal to purchase and redevelop 95.5 acres of Downtown, including the Historic Gas Plant District, they laid out a $6.8B vision for a new mixed-use district anchored by innovation, housing, cultural institutions and world-class event venues.

1,776

MARKET RATE UNITS

863

AFFORDABLE UNITS

618

SENIOR AFFORDABLE UNITS

444

WORKFORCE UNITS

1,543

HOTEL ROOMS

4,000

SEATS IN INDOOR MUSIC HALLS

1,500

SEATS IN OUTDOOR AMPITHEATER

500K

SF OF INNOVATION HUBS AND LABS

200K

SF INNOVATION HALL

Defining components of the project include the Innovation Hall for global conferences, coupled with the Research Center, innovation hubs and labs that will attract thousands of entrepreneurs, technologists, artists and policymakers. The development is prioritizing infrastructure that strengthens existing elements of the economy to place a “flag in the sand” for St. Pete as an innovative, entrepreneur and funder-friendly community.

Connectivity is also a major part of the proposal through the Booker Creek Cultural Corridor, a restored greenway with public art, historic installations and year-round programming that would link Midtown, the EDGE District and the Innovation District.

This proposal further demonstrates Cathie Wood’s commitment to our community following her personal and professional relocation of  her life and headquarters of ARK Invest from New York City to Downtown St. Pete in 2021.

She has continued to show her belief in the local community through forged partnerships with Pinellas County Schools, investing in the ARK Innovation Center and by announcing plans to relocate her current Downtown HQ into one of its newest Class A spaces being developed by Ellison at the Halcyon when it opens in late 2026/early 2027.

The move by ARK Ellison Horus prompted the City to open up the bidding process for a third time and in November of 2025, the City announced a January 4th - February 3rd submission window.

Transformational Projects

Williams Park

Established in 1894, the park that once served as “town square” and the site for political debates, civic rallies, picnics, outdoor events and performances is being given new life.

LEARN MORE
Innovation District

Immediately south of Downtown, the Innovation District houses significant opportunities that positively impact our urban center and beyond.

LEARN MORE
Pinellas Trail

The continuous, multi-use path is expanding in length and activation, becoming an even more vital connector between Downtown’s districts and communities throughout Pinellas.

LEARN MORE
Infrastructure

In 2025, the City engaged in inspections, repairs and identified crucial investments; rolled out informational resources; secured funding to support housing, infrastructure and community revitalization; and committed to forward-looking hardening efforts.

LEARN MORE