City's Tallest Eyesore to Reopen as New Skyline Fifth

As reported on Tampa Bay’s 10 News June 20, 2008…

St. Petersburg, Florida — One of St. Petersburg’s tallest buildings outside downtown, and one some have considered among the city’s biggest eyesores is about to have a major rebirth.

Eight months ago work began to completely gut, rebuild, and rewire Plaza Fifth Avenue. Chicago Development Firm, Providence Management, plans to turn the 1960’s era vacant building into 178 class A apartment homes. The building will be renamed Skyline Fifth.

“We’re going to keep the original architectural style of the building but we’re going to give it some modern touches,” says developer Craig Knight.

The top floor, once reserved for air conditioning and hot water heaters, will now be converted into two floor townhomes in the sky.

“[They] will have a 180 degree panoramic view,” Knight says.

At 12 stories, Skyline Fifth is the tallest building in St. Pete outside downtown. The Don CeSar, Bay Area beaches, and St. Pete skyline are all easily visible on a clear day.

“You’ve got the feeling of being in Central Park. You’ve got the top of tree tops everywhere,” Knight says looking over the city.

St. Pete Mayor Rick Baker was among city leaders who toured the building earlier this week. He calls the project an exciting one for the city, and one expected to breathe new life into an area of the city, once known as the place to be.