St. Petersburg Group Proposes $8.1B Transformation of Tropicana Field Site

Blake Investment Partners pitched an $8.1 billion plan to remake 86 acres surrounding Tropicana Field. The vision is for a 13-acre park, Museum Row, over 3,600 homes, and a light rail station. The St. Petersburg firm pegged the site's worth at $405 million and aims to purchase 58 acres for $275 million.

The blueprint promises what backers call the biggest delivery of affordable and workforce homes in city records. Blue Sky Communities will work on the project — a Florida builder that's constructed more than 3,000 units across the state since the early 1970s.

"Commitments to affordable housing don't mean anything unless you have a team in place to actually get it done," said Principal Scott McDonald, according to the St. Pete Catalyst. "At our core, we believe every person deserves a safe, affordable place to live."

Museum Row would sit at the heart of a 13-acre park. It would be the biggest new city park in 119 years. The Woodson African American Museum of Florida will anchor this zone, joined by a Museum of Public Art guided by Chad Mize and Mark Aeling — two artists who live here.

Backers formed The Historic Gas Plant Visionary Panel. It's a standing advisory board with leaders from over 20 groups. T.W. Blake started the firm and says his team thinks differently about responsibility.

"We are stewards first, investors second," Blake said in a prepared statement. "We're weaving together housing, culture, and commerce, with meaningful community accountability to create everlasting value for the city."

Plans show a transportation center built for light rail to Tampa International Airport. Also included: St. Pete Surf Wave, an outdoor water park, plus the Booker Creek Cultural Center — a venue that works both inside and out.

A Community Investment Fund will let residents own a piece of the action. The company will match whatever money comes in through the platform.

The Related Group recently signed on — they're the nation's largest home builder. So did Skanska, ranked seventh among general contractors worldwide. Wannemacher Jensen Architects would draw up plans for the park.

"A project of this significance demands world-class execution," said Cole Sones, partner at Blake Investment Partners. "The investment in the Historic Gas Plant District will generate billions in economic impact, create thousands of jobs, and foster long-term prosperity for the entire region."

The Tampa Bay Rays abandoned a stadium deal in March 2025. Rival proposals came due Tuesday morning.