Tropicana Field site proposed for $8.1B transformation by St. Petersburg group

Blake Investment Partners unveiled an $8.1 billion plan to remake 86 acres around Tropicana Field, including a 13-acre park, Museum Row, more than 3,600 homes and a light rail station; the firm seeks to buy 58 acres for $275 million.

Blake Investment Partners has pitched an $8.1 billion proposal to redevelop 86 acres surrounding Tropicana Field. The plan calls for a 13-acre central park with a Museum Row, more than 3,600 housing units and a transportation hub designed for light rail service to Tampa International Airport. The firm values the site at $405 million and said it aims to purchase 58 acres for $275 million. Project partners named in the proposal include Blue Sky Communities, The Related Group and Skanska, and backers formed a Historic Gas Plant Visionary Panel to advise the effort. Project details: - Blake Investment Partners proposed an $8.1 billion redevelopment of 86 acres around Tropicana Field. - The vision includes a 13-acre park anchored by Museum Row, the Woodson African American Museum of Florida, a Museum of Public Art, and over 3,600 homes. - The firm pegged the site's worth at $405 million and aims to buy 58 acres for $275 million. - Blue Sky Communities is slated to handle affordable and workforce housing, while The Related Group and Skanska are listed as project partners. - Plans show a transportation center built for light rail to Tampa International Airport, plus attractions such as St. Pete Surf Wave, an outdoor water park, and the Booker Creek Cultural Center. - A Community Investment Fund would allow residents to invest and receive matching funds from the company. Summary: Backers say the proposal would deliver what they describe as the largest affordable and workforce housing effort in the city's records and weave together housing, culture and transportation. Undetermined at this time.