Two New Tenants Move Into City Center, St. Pete

In the midst of an $8 million renovation project, the City Center in St. Petersburg recently welcomed two new tenants.

Ohio-based full-service civil defense trial firm Bonezzi Switzer Murphy Polito & Hupp Co. (BSMPH) leased a 1,651-square-foot space in the 240,000-square-foot City Center while Aqua Marketing & Communications, which is currently playing a role in the St. Pete Pier Aquarium relocation, leased 1,485 square feet.

Brokering the deals on behalf of the tenants was Jane Dizona of CBRE for BSMPH and Paula Clair Smith of Commercial Asset Partners for Aqua Marketing & Communications.

“We're looking to bring in the innovative-type tenants to make for a really dynamic workplace," says Larry Feldman, CEO of Feldman Equities, one of the owners of the City Center. “These are the kinds of businesses St. Pete needs. “

In the past year, the City Center has secured more than 65,000 square feet of new leases with occupancy rising from 45 percent to 70 percent. According to Feldman, this can be attributed to additional first-class amenities such as the building's fitness center. An indoor atrium cafe and 40-foot granite and wood concierge desk are among the amenities to be added during the City Center renovations.

“Our goal is to promote the intellectual, high-quality lifestyle that you might see in Manhattan," Feldman says. “Once renovations are complete, this building will be, without a doubt, the best building in downtown St. Pete."

Renovations on the City Center are expected to be complete by November 2012.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Larry Feldman, Feldman Equities
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