71-Unit Affordable Housing Community Breaks Ground at Former Ed White Hospital Site in North Kenwood
The St. Petersburg Housing Authority has broken ground on the Edward White Campus, a $29 million project that will transform a former hospital site into a six-story affordable housing complex for low-income seniors, featuring 71 apartments and various amenities. The development will also include SPHA’s new offices and a healthcare facility by Evara Health, funded by multiple sources, including ARPA and Penny for Pinellas.
The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) marked a significant milestone in addressing affordable housing needs for seniors with the groundbreaking of a new residential project at 2323 9th Avenue North in North Kenwood.
The project, dubbed the Edward White Campus, a nod to the former Edward White Hospital that operated at the property, is set to be transformed into a six-story, 121,000-square-foot affordable housing complex.
The campus will house three facilities including: the Gemini Senior Living Community, the St. Petersburg Housing Authority Central Office, and Evara Health. The Gemini Senior Living Community will feature 71 apartments for low-income seniors. The residences will be available to seniors living at 60% or below the Area Median Income (AMI).
The low-income senior apartments will include 60 one-bedroom units, seven studios, and four two-bedroom apartments.
SPHA’s new administrative offices will be located on the ground floor of the development, occupying approximately 17,890 square feet on the south side of the campus. The first floor will also include a lobby with an open dining hall, a catering kitchen, a mail room, and bike storage. Additional resident amenities will include a community room, computer lab, and fitness center.
Additionally, Evara Health, which provides services to the uninsured and underserved communities in Pinellas County, will establish a new facility on the campus, offering comprehensive healthcare services, including preventative care, chronic disease management, and geriatrics.
Situated in St. Petersburg’s North Kenwood neighborhood, the Edward White Campus is adjacent to Booker Creek Park, offering residents access to walking trails, lake views, and other park amenities. The building will undergo updates to meet ADA accessibility standards, and its exterior will receive significant enhancements, including new windows, doors, and landscaping.
Construction is being led by St. Pete-based LEMA Construction.
The $29 million project was funded by several sources including $5.9 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding approved by the St. Petersburg City Council and $3 million in Penny for Pinellas funding.
