By Jack Hernandez
Once a quiet industrial zone, St. Petersburg’s EDGE District has blossomed into a lively hub for arts, dining and entertainment. As new businesses, high-end shops and luxury residences transform the area, the district stands at a pivotal moment, balancing its historic character with the pressures of modernization.
The EDGE District’s journey parallels the nationwide conversation on urban redevelopment, particularly as St. Petersburg undertakes the $6 billion Historic Gas Plant District project, adding complexity to the growth-versus-preservation debate.
For longtime resident Eleanor Grant, 78, who has lived in St. Petersburg for over 50 years and visits the EDGE District often, the changes bring both excitement and concern.
“With all the new construction and redevelopment plans, especially around the Historic Gas Plant District, I’m not sure how these changes will impact tourism,” Grant said.
While Grant said she appreciates economic growth, she worries that the unique qualities that drew people to the area may be overshadowed by rapid development.
The EDGE District’s transformation from an industrial area to a cultural destination exemplifies the power of urban redevelopment. Initially defined by its warehouses, factories and industrial roots, the district fostered a resilient community.
In the late 20th century, artists and entrepreneurs began converting spacious industrial buildings into galleries, studios and shops, sparking an art-driven revival that drew wider attention and investment.
Now, the influx of high-end retail and luxury condominiums presents a new challenge: how to maintain the district’s essence while fueling economic growth.
This tension is a common thread in urban redevelopment, where modern infrastructure and historic preservation often clash.
Debbie Reeser, the Board President of the EDGE Business District Association, emphasized the unique challenges faced by long-standing businesses.
“Escalating lease rates are the largest challenge for small business owners who do not own the property where their business is located,” Reeser said.
Reeser also mentioned that parking has been an issue, though a new garage under construction is expected to alleviate this. Along with this, for property owners, rising insurance costs and increased product expenses threaten profit margins.
Despite these pressures, Reeser said, many established business owners are excited about the neighborhood’s transformation, recognizing that growth brings more customers to their doors.
Newer businesses, meanwhile, are actively contributing to the district’s evolving identity. Reeser highlights the role of new hotels and other establishments in enhancing what the EDGE District has to offer. However, these businesses face the challenge of fitting into a historically rich district while pursuing modern business goals.
“I believe these are not mutually exclusive,” Reeser said, acknowledging the higher costs for developers who choose to renovate and preserve older buildings. “We like to remind all developers that it is our unique historic character that brings customers to our district and, consequently, adds to their profitability.”
Jeremy Cunningham, 32, has lived in St. Petersburg for a decade, witnessing firsthand the area’s rapid transformation. As a frequent visitor to the EDGE District, along with living nearby, he enjoys the growing number of local shops, galleries and bars, but also feels the impact of rising rent costs, he said.
“When I first moved downtown, rent was affordable, and it felt like a tight-knit community of artists, young professionals and families,” Cunningham said. “Now, the rent has nearly doubled, and some of the people who made this area so vibrant can’t afford to stay.”
Cunningham said he appreciates the new businesses and infrastructure, but worries about long-term affordability.
The EDGE District’s development reflects broader trends in urban redevelopment across the United States, where unique, arts-focused areas face potential dilution as luxury establishments move in.
“Growth is good, but it should be balanced,” Cunningham said. “If we do not preserve what makes downtown unique, we risk losing the community that brought it to life in the first place.”
His concerns reflect a common sentiment: while progress is positive, it should support inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that residents, artists and small businesses remain integral to the community.
The EDGE District’s transformation illustrates the broader challenge of balancing urban growth with cultural preservation. As St. Petersburg continues to evolve, the EDGE District’s journey offers valuable lessons for other historic areas navigating similar redevelopment pressures.
The perspectives of residents, business owners and city officials underscore the importance of preserving community character amid change. With thoughtful planning and active community involvement, the EDGE District has the potential to thrive as a dynamic neighborhood that honors its past while embracing new opportunities.
This balanced approach could ensure that the district continues to serve as both a cultural landmark and an evolving urban space, preserving its legacy as it grows.