Edward White Site Redevelopment

The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) is transforming the former Edward White Hospital site into a multi-story affordable housing complex.

The building will be renamed "The Edward White Campus." The former hospital was named in honor of Astronaut Ed White. SPHA reached out to the family of Ed White and received their permission to continue honoring his legacy with the building's new name.

Once completed, the renovated six-story, 121,000-square-foot building will feature 71 apartments for low-income seniors and professional office space. SPHA will relocate our administrative offices to the new development, bringing us closer to the people we serve.

This planned development is just one way that SPHA is working to create opportunities for stronger communities!

Fundraiser

Help prevent senior homelessness. Donate to the RISE Development Corporation. Proceeds will go towards the redevelopment of the former Edward White Hospital site.

Founded in 2016 as SPHA's nonprofit arm, RISE Development Corporation's purpose is to create more affordable rental housing options in the Greater St. Petersburg region through new construction or the renovation of existing multi-family properties.

DONATE NOW and help prevent senior homelessness. >

Facilities

The Edward White Campus will house three facilities:

1. Gemini Senior Living Community at the Edward White Campus: This facility will provide 71 affordable housing units for seniors aged 62 and above, offering a safe and comfortable living environment.
2. St. Petersburg Housing Authority Central Office at the Edward White Campus: SPHA's new administrative offices will be located on the ground floor. The new location will enhance our accessibility and service to the community.
3. Evara Health at the Edward White Campus: Evara Health is committed to delivering quality healthcare services, including preventative care, chronic disease management, same-day visits, and geriatrics. Their comprehensive, team-based, patient-centered care model aims to break down barriers to healthcare access and provide industry-leading services.

Groundbreaking

SPHA proudly celebrated the groundbreaking of "The Edward White Campus" on August 27, 2024.

LEARN MORE about the groundbreaking event. >

Astronaut Ed White

Ed White was born in 1930. After graduating from West Point in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree, White joined the Air Force. White was selected by NASA as one of the second group of astronauts, the so-called "Next Nine", who were chosen to take part in the Gemini and Apollo missions.

In 1965, during the Gemini 4 mission, Ed White became the first American astronaut to perform a spacewalk. White floated free outside the spacecraft, tethered to it, for approximately 23 minutes.

Tragically, Ed White died at the age of 36 during the Apollo 1 spacecraft fire in 1967. His legacy endures as a true American hero, remembered for his contributions to space exploration and his bravery.

The Building

The building will be completely renovated in order to provide quality, affordable senior housing to St. Petersburg. The site is located in the North Kenwood district in St. Petersburg, a short trip to many of the city's amenities and thriving businesses.
 
The property is adjacent to Booker Creek Park with lake views and access to the walking trail, basketball and pickleball courts, as well as park amenities on the north side of the lake.

The site redevelopment plans were designed by Wannemacher Jensen Architects, and LEMA Construction was selected as the general contractor to bring this transformative project to completion.

Entry into the residences will be from the North parking lot. The first floor lobby will have an open dining hall, and there will be a catering kitchen available to the residents. The mail room and bike storage will be at ground level. The ground level will also include three 2-bedroom units. The housing management offices will be located near the building's circulation core, providing on-site and easy access for the staff and residents.
 
SPHA's administration offices will also be located on the ground floor, covering approximately 17,890 sf (south half). The remaining housing units, a community room, computer lab, and fitness center will be distributed among the second, third and fourth floors. Sixty of the units will be one-bedroom, along with seven studio units and four two-bedroom units, for a total of 71 units.

The building will be updated to meet ADA accessibility code requirements. The site will also address pedestrian access and ADA accessibility.

The exterior of the building can expect to receive a fresh look with all new windows, doors, paint, and site landscaping. The intent is to bring the vibrancy of downtown St. Pete to this historic building.

The Edward White Campus is expected to open in 2026.