ARK Ellison Horus has named AECOM Hunt, Fengate Asset Management and architecture firm TVS as strategic collaborators for the proposed redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District in St. Petersburg.
The announcement identifies the firms responsible for construction management, infrastructure investment and design of Innovation Hall, one of the proposed district’s centerpiece facilities.
The proposed Gas Plant District plan includes Innovation Hall, flexible entertainment and music venues, convention and research facilities and integrated hospitality intended to support a range of programming and audiences.
Construction and delivery
AECOM Hunt will serve as the construction manager for the proposed district.
The firm will provide technical planning, infrastructure integration and delivery services aimed at supporting a multi-venue site capable of hosting large-scale events.
AECOM Hunt’s portfolio cited in the announcement includes Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Moody Center in Austin and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
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The firm has also delivered convention center projects including the Phoenix Convention Center, McCormick Place Convention Center and the Las Vegas Convention Center expansion, as well as connected convention center hotels in Chicago and Indianapolis.
“We believe infrastructure creates opportunity for everyone, and by partnering with ARK Ellison Horus and Fengate, we will help shape the Gas Plant District into a destination that uplifts the City of St. Petersburg, integrates innovative design and sustainability, and delivers long-term value for residents, businesses, and visitors alike,” said Bob Hart, president of AECOM Hunt.
Capital partner
Fengate Asset Management will serve as an infrastructure and investment partner.
The firm has financed, developed and managed long-duration civic and social infrastructure assets across North America, including public-private partnership projects tied to convention, healthcare, transportation and community facilities.
The announcement described Fengate’s experience as focused on long-term performance, public accountability and operational reliability.
Innovation Hall design
TVS has been selected as design partner for Innovation Hall, a planned 200,000-sq-ft venue intended to host conferences, exhibitions and global events.
Baker Barrios Architects is serving as the master plan architect for the overall district, with multiple design firms contributing to individual components.
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“Innovation Hall will be shaped as a true community asset,” said Ken Cowart, principal at TVS. “Our vision will be a flexible, inviting facility that will support global gatherings and major events while also adding meaningful everyday energy to the Gas Plant District.”
TVS’ portfolio listed in the announcement includes the Nashville Music City Center, Las Vegas Convention Center expansion, Nanjing International Expo Center and the Longgang International Art Center.
Project framing
ARK Ellison Horus said the facilities planned for the Gas Plant District are designed as flexible, technology-enabled environments intended to support programming tied to artificial intelligence, energy, life sciences, robotics and digital infrastructure.
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The development team said the proposed district is intended to support economic growth, job creation and cultural activity while aligning with the city’s long-term priorities.
Additional partners
ARK Ellison Horus said it has previously announced partnerships with Moss, Kimley-Horn, Pinellas County Housing Authority, St. Petersburg Housing Authority and Evara Health.
The team said it is also in discussions with event operators, technology platforms and programming partners with experience delivering large-scale multi-day events.
The development group includes ARK Invest, Ellison Development and Horus Construction, with Baker Barrios providing master planning and design services.
