St. Petersburg Housing Authority Celebrates Groundbreaking of "The Edward White Campus"
Groundbreaking of "The Edward White Campus."
ST. PETERSBURG, FL (AUGUST 29, 2024) - The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) proudly celebrated a significant milestone on August 27, 2024, with the groundbreaking of "The Edward White Campus." This redevelopment project will transform the former Edward White Hospital into a multi-story affordable housing complex. The renovated six-story, 121,000-square-foot building will feature 71 apartments for low-income seniors and professional office space. SPHA will relocate its administrative offices to the new development, bringing the organization closer to the people it serves.
Speakers at the Groundbreaking Ceremony:
- Michael Lundy, President and CEO, SPHA
- Ken Welch, Mayor of St. Petersburg
- James Dates, Chair, SPHA Board of Commissioners
- René Flowers, Pinellas County Commissioner, District 7
- Deborah Figgs-Sanders, Chair, St. Petersburg City Council, District 5
- Richie Floyd, St. Petersburg City Council, District 8
- Rainer Pelzel, Vice President, Valley Bank
- Johnathan Stanton, President, LEMA Construction
- Elodie Dorso, President and CEO, Evara Health
- Bonnie White Baer, daughter of Astronaut Ed White
The ceremony began with a musical performance by the St. Petersburg High School Green Devil Marching Band.
Visionary Leadership:
Michael Lundy, President and CEO of SPHA, is the visionary behind this transformative project. "Who knew that a former medical hospital that sat dormant for 10 years would create partnerships that would like for us to breathe life into its walls," said Lundy. "You are transforming this concept into a finished product," Lundy remarked. Addressing the attendees, he added, "This milestone achievement is becoming a reality because of our relationship with you."
Mayoral Proclamation:
Mayor Ken Welch delivered a proclamation declaring the day as "The Edward White Campus Groundbreaking Day." Mayor Welch emphasized the importance of the project, stating, "It's great to see that the re-use of this facility, that's been such a part of our community for so long, will now meet a real need in our community with affordable housing for seniors."
Building Community:
James Dates, Chair of the SPHA Board of Commissioners, also spoke at the event, highlighting the mission of the organization. "We do more than bricks and mortar. We don't just build a building, remodel the place, and walk away," said Dates. He added, "We have a robust social services program. If you follow us on social media, we are always doing something in our communities to build a sense community."
Community Impact:
Pinellas County Commissioner René Flowers shared a personal connection to the site, crediting the former hospital's physicians for saving her life. She believes the new facility will have similarly profound impacts on future residents. "When I say that this hospital saved my life, it did, because I would not be standing here if it were not for those physicians. So for the seniors who will be moving in here, you are saving their lives," said Flowers. "There is an economy by which they have difficulty being able to afford to live in," added Flowers.
Healthcare Partnership:
Evara Health will offer clinician services at the campus, including preventative care and chronic disease management. Elodie Dorso, President and CEO of Evara Health, said the project represents "a vital commitment to ensuring our seniors - those who have given so much to us - have a safe and affordable place to call home." "A safe, stable home is the foundation upon which health is built," Dorso added. "It provides a security that allows individuals to focus on their well-being, manage their health and conditions and engage with their community."
A Legacy Honored:
SPHA was honored to welcome Bonnie White Baer, daughter of Astronaut Ed White, as a special guest speaker at the event. "My dad, who was known for having an extra helping of the right stuff and a heart full of care and concern for others, and especially for disadvantaged and handicapped, would be delighted with this new development and that it will include affordable housing for low-income seniors," Baer shared. "I know he is watching us right now from heaven, and he's got a big smile on his face."
Partnership and Support:
LEMA Construction, the general contractor for the redevelopment, partnered with SPHA in organizing the groundbreaking event. Johnathan Stanton, President of LEMA Construction, encouraged attendees to refer local subcontractors, emphasizing the community-focused nature of the project.
U.S. Representative Kathy Castor requested $5.34 in federal funding and championed the project in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Pinellas County Community Foundation, Valley Bank, and Federal Home Loan Bank also helped provide the resources necessary to bring the project to fruition.
About The Edward White Campus:
The Edward White Campus will house three facilities:
- Gemini Senior Living Community at the Edward White Campus: (Pronounced JEM-ih-nee) This facility will provide 71 affordable housing units for seniors aged 62 and above, offering a safe and comfortable living environment.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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 (Pronounced JEM-ih-nee) 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:
Located in the North Kenwood district, the site offers proximity to many city amenities and thriving businesses. The property is adjacent to Booker Creek Park, providing residents with lake views, access to walking trails, and various park amenities.
The site redevelopment plans were designed by Wannemacher Jensen Architects.
The first floor will 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.
The building will be updated to meet ADA accessibility code requirements. The exterior will receive a fresh look with new windows, doors, paint, and landscaping.
The Edward White Campus is expected to open within two years. This project is just one way that SPHA is working to create opportunities for stronger communities!
Architectural visualization by Wannemacher Jensen Architects.
ABOUT THE ST. PETERSBURG HOUSING AUTHORITY (SPHA):
An independent quasi-governmental entity and a political subdivision of the State of Florida, operating under Chapter 421 Florida Statutes, SPHA is the local administrative agency for housing assistance programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). SPHA offers a variety of programs and services that provide affordable rental housing to low-income families, seniors, veterans, and the disabled in the greater St. Petersburg region. For more information, visit www.stpeteha.org.
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