Thanks to the St. Petersburg Innovation District (SPID), the city will soon have a Defense and Maritime Technology Center – which will simply be known as “The Hub” in the future – in the former SRI (non-profit scientific research institute) building.
The city council enthusiastically approved SPID’s plans to repurpose the vacant waterfront facility at 450 8th Avenue SE at the council meeting last Thursday. The project is expected to create 182 jobs for a total salary of approximately $ 15 million when the space is at full capacity. Urban Development Administrator Alan DeLisle told council members that they don’t ask for a vote at the meeting and just seek feedback before coming back with a formal lease.
The feedback was unanimously positive.
“This is such a win-win-win project,” said Councilor Darden Rice. “And really everything we’ve always hoped for by building and developing our part and aligning ourselves with our ‘Grow Smarter’ strategy.”
DeLisle said the mayor’s office made innovation district development a priority early on, and for the past seven to eight years officials have been studying how higher education, business, economic development, government, and the community at large can be brought together.
“Other cities that have done this and done so well are probably the most competitive cities in the country for economic development,” DeLisle said.
DeLisle added that previous goals set by SPID are already being met, including a $ 3.4 million road construction project that will begin shortly. Research is a priority, he said – research leads to innovation, which leads to commercialization, which in turn leads to more money for the city.
“There’s no city in the world that hasn’t begged for the John Hopkins Research Facility,” said DeLisle. “You would have killed for it, and we got it.”
Jessica Eilerman, the city’s economic and people development manager, said the conversion of the former SRI building not only brings unique value online, but does it in innovative and collaborative ways to create connections, partnership, entrepreneurship and opportunity. She added that the impact must go beyond the building walls and into the community.
“The project is focused on creating targeted internship programs and opportunities for students, as well as peer mentoring for local entrepreneurs in emerging industries specific to this hub project,” said Eilerman.
Eilerman said there will be a tiered rent for tenants over the five-year term, starting at $ 0 for rent and going up to $ 10 per square foot. She said this will give space and time to properly align businesses with the unique capabilities of the building. The run times also include the number of job goals, which are increased each year. These jobs are expected to be high-wage positions with an average salary of between $ 100,000 and $ 125,000 per year.
Councilor Robert Blackmon asked DeLisle how much SRI was paying to rent the building, to which DeLisle replied “nothing”.
“Sounds like a better deal,” Blackmon said, causing laughter from those present.
SPID will be responsible for operating costs and maintenance, and the city will provide $ 250,000 for capital expenditures over the first five years. Thereafter, SPID is responsible for all capital expenditures.
Allison Barlow, executive director of SPID, said this was a great opportunity to take an advantage in the Innovation District and turn it into something magical. Barlow said SPID began meeting with prospective tenants back in January to discuss the potential for the location, which will have a campus vibe. She said the building has unique features not normally seen in the city.
Half of the space is a laboratory space for research, assembling equipment and implementing the next wave of technology. It is also located at the harbor, which allows testing and evaluations in the water. Finally, Barlow said the building was able to provide secure communications.
“We can actually blossom our world of defense treaties here,” she said. “It’s a space where many of our community members work, but have to travel to do these jobs.”
Twelve companies were selected as first-time tenants, with more possible. Florida Fish and Wildlife is an organization Barlow is actively pursuing to join space.
“A company that comes in can’t just be tenants,” said Barlow. “You will have obligations to the community and the district.”
Barlow said they are working on pathways from local colleges and universities so students have internship opportunities – including internships where they can get safety clearings while in school – as well as future employment opportunities.
Councilor Deborah Figgs-Sanders said that while she is always excited about growth, she would like to know what the 12 companies moving into The Hub will do to ensure there is opportunity for all.
“I plan to see it grow and serve a community as diverse as the city of St. Petersburg,” said Figgs-Sanders.
The post St. Pete Receives New Defense and Marine Technology Center • St. Pete Catalyst first appeared on Daily Florida Press.
from Daily Florida Press https://dailyfloridapress.com/st-pete-receives-new-defense-and-marine-technology-center-%e2%80%a2-st-pete-catalyst/
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