Archive for February, 2009
400 Beach Seafood & Tap House progress
February 25th, 2009 categories: 400 Beach, Downtown St Petersburg, Lifestyle, Places to Eat
According to an e-mail received today from Parkshore Grill, the companion restaurant to 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House, the new restaurant in downtown St Petersburg is scheduled to open in June 2009.
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Andalusian horses perform in downtown St Petersburg
February 18th, 2009 categories: Downtown St Petersburg, Events, Lifestyle
Sunday afternoon, February 22nd, in conjunction with its current exhibition, Albrecht Durer, the Museum of Fine Arts in downtown St Petersburg is presenting Durer Family Day in North Straub Park, from 1-4 pm. There will be a jousting tournament, performances by Andalusian horses, story telling and arts activities.
That’s right across the street from our new ALVA International, Inc. real estate office.
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Dog treats at Wags in downtown St Petersburg Florida
February 16th, 2009 categories: Downtown St Petersburg, Lifestyle, Pets
Wags on Beach Drive in downtown St Petersburg Florida has these delectable treats in their bakery case – but they’re for your dog, not for you! Click on the photo for a larger view of the dog treats.
Wags has healthy food for your dog as well as traditional treats, but these are really unique. Wags is now open and their doggie day care will start next week, from 7 am to 6 pm. Current hours start at 9 and grooming and spa services are available.
Visit the Wags website for more information.
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Construction to look out for
February 15th, 2009 categories: Buyer Tips
Thousands of Florida homes have defective drywall, primarily in homes built in 2005-2006. Building was still fast and furious then, and some of the drywall from China gives off a sulfur-like gas. Some people can smell it; most can’t. The bigger issue, though, is that the odor corrodes metal and in some homes has eaten away the electrical wiring, air conditioning systems, and sometimes the plumbing pipes. Some homes have had their wiring and A/C replaced more than once. This has been a significant problem Read the rest of this entry »
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Baywalk in downtown St Petersburg was foreclosed today.
February 13th, 2009 categories: Downtown St Petersburg, Things To Do
Baywalk retail complex in downtown St Petersburg was offered at auction today and Wells Fargo Bank has now foreclosed and owns Baywalk. Some of the original tenants are still operating, such as Gratzzi’s restaurant, Chico’s and Muvico, and others that came later such as Shapiro’s and Grill 121.
Baywalk was instrumental in the redevelopment of St. Petersburg and we owe a great deal to the original developers. We understand it’s the plan for Wells Fargo to redevelop the property and spruce it up before actively offering it for sale.
Fred Bullard took over ownership of the property early last fall, in hopes of renewing it himself – but, the renovation loan didn’t happen, so neither did the renovations. We’ll see how Wells Fargo does at turning it around.
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School zones in Pinellas County Florida
February 12th, 2009 categories: Real Estate News, Schools
Pinellas County Schools have made it easier for you to determine the school zone for any address. Just type in your street number and part of the address and it will give you the zoned elementary, middle and high schools. There’s also a new map of elementary zones.
That’s the good news. The bad news is that there have been necessary changes of school zones due to school closings and enrollment shifts. Keep in mind that there are many choices in addition to your neighborhood school, with fundamental schools and magnt programs. Check the Pinellas School Board site for details on these.
Another big change is bussing. Children may be able tobe grandfathered and stay at the nonlocal school they’re attending – but the Pinellas County School Board will no longer be providing busses for that – families will have to arrange their own transportation when going out of their zone.
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Overvue condos in St Petersburg revert to retirement community
February 11th, 2009 categories: Downtown St Petersburg, News and Views, Old Northeast, Other Downtown Condos
The Northshore, an assisted living community at 939 Beach Drive NE in St Petersburg was a desirable “cruise ship on land” that was sold to be converted into condominiums. I know it was desirable because my mother lived there. The residents were ousted, and construction began on Overvue, 72 condo residences, some with wonderful water views. Alas, none of them had balconies. Then …
The economy hit, and hit hard. Overvue wasn’t able to sell enough condos to complete the project.
Its neighbor, Westminster Communities of Florida, at 830 Northshore Drive NE in St Petersburg, recently bought the building from the bankruptcy court for $9 million. Westminster will convert the high-rise back to retirement living, with 135 apartments for active seniors. The $15 million of revenue bonds will finance both the purchase and the renovations. It’s expected to be ready for occupancy by the beginning of 2010.
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Signature Place developer provides “significant” reductions
February 10th, 2009 categories: Real Estate News
Joel Cantor, developer of Signature Place in downtown St Petersburg Florida recently said thatGulf Atlantic Communities, Inc wanted to reward people who put their money up nearly three years ago by giving them a “significant” reduction on their pre-construction prices. This is a reflection of a readjustment to the market.
Kudos to Joel Cantor and Gulf Atlantic for recognizing the reality of the current marketplace and giving credits to those who believed in him at the start of the project. So many developers discount the unsold units, at significant detriment to early purchasers.
The percentage of these discounts has not yet been disclosed. The 36 story architecturally significant condo is expected to welcome its first residents within weeks.
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Wedding Bells are a good reason to sell
February 9th, 2009 categories: Miscellany, News and Views, Pink Streets, Properties
We see so many sign riders advertising misery – Short Sale, Foreclosure, Price Reduction, Must Sell – we thought we’d set this house apart. We had sign riders made up saying WEDDING BELLS. This wonderful 2 story Colonial home in the desirable Pink Streets of St. Petersburg is priced to sell at $575,000 (we listed it Thursday afternoon and held it open yesterday, with 22 groups of visitors, including three good prospects).
“What does WEDDING BELLS mean?” asked several guests. It means that this house is being sold because the owner is getting married. She’s selling her house; he’s selling his house; and they’re buying a new property together. It’s been a happy house, and it’s selling for a happy reason. That’s good news in the current market. More than one visitor said, “He must be quite a guy for her to give up this house!”
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