The Mirror Lake neighborhood in downtown St. Petersburg may have a 21-story mixed-use tower coming. Real estate development and investment firm Gravel Road Partners filed an application to the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency with plans for the tower that show 200 apartments, 10,843 square feet of commercial space, as well as a 264-space parking garage with 214 bicycle storage spaces. 

The tower has been proposed at 685 First Ave N., 699 First Ave N., and 694 Arlington Ave N. The properties have existing buildings on them currently and according to the application the developer will demolish the existing buildings for the project. The properties were purchased in March 2022 for $3.2 million. The properties combined amount to 21,858 square feet brining the sales price to $146.40 per square foot. The Community Redevelopment Agency will vote on February 2^nd to determine if the tower aligns with the Intown Redevelopment Plan.

Construction costs for the project are estimated to be $63.5 million. The northeast side of the property will have a large outdoor space helping to provide separation between the proposed development and the existing Unitarian Universalist Church. There are also large covered open spaces along the east and south sides of the building according to the plans. 

The ground floor will have a residential lobby, commercial space, back-of-house facilities, as well as parking spaces and a parking garage entrance. Floors two through seven will be used for the parking garage. Amenity space and residential units will be available on the eighth floor with all remaining floors being designated to residential units. 

Improvements to the site will also include a 10-foot sidewalk, landscaping, and street trees. A mural or public art is being considered for the northeast corner of the building that faces Arlington Avenue N. A new drainage system will also be implemented. The developer will contribute $1.27 million to the Housing and Capital Improvement Trust Fund for workforce housing according to the application.