Florida’s Abandoned Hospital Set to Transform into Affordable Senior Housing

Photo byST. PETERSBURG HOUSING AUTHORITY

If you’ve been following Florida’s housing market, you probably know there’s been a lot of talk about the need for more affordable housing—especially for our seniors. Well, here’s some good news: the abandoned Edward White Hospital is getting a second chance at life, and it’s going to help Florida’s seniors find a place to call home. Ground has officially been broken, and soon enough, this space will be transformed into much-needed affordable housing.

First, a little backstory. The Edward White Hospital, located at 2323 9th Avenue North, opened its doors back in 1974. For years, it served the community as part of HCA West Florida. However, like many things, times changed, and the hospital struggled with declining revenue. In 2024, it officially shut its doors, leaving the property abandoned. But now, that’s all about to change.

In a few years, that empty building will be bustling again, but this time, it’ll be home to 71 affordable apartments designed specifically for seniors 62 and older. These apartments will cater to those whose incomes are 80% below the area’s median income, making it a lifeline for seniors who’ve been feeling the pinch of Florida’s skyrocketing housing market.

This isn’t just a typical apartment complex, either. Behind the building, there are already pickleball and basketball courts, so residents will have plenty of opportunities to stay active. The new building will also feature an open dining hall, a community room where people can gather, a computer lab, and even a fitness center—everything you’d need to keep life vibrant and connected.

The official groundbreaking took place on August 27, 2024, and construction is expected to take about two years. This is more than just another housing project; it’s about giving back to the people who helped build this community. As Richie Floyd, the St. Petersburg City Councilmember representing the area, beautifully put it:
"Seniors built this part of the city and the city as a whole, and so, it's really nice to be able to bring back some of that history and provide housing for seniors here."

It’s fitting that a hospital that once cared for people will now provide a safe, affordable home for our seniors. The project is a great example of repurposing an old building to meet the community’s needs.

Affordable housing can be hard to come by in Florida, but this project shows that change is happening. It’s a big step toward providing much-needed relief for seniors on fixed incomes who are struggling to find a place they can afford. The Edward White Hospital may have once been a hub of healing, but soon it will be a home, bringing life back to a building that was once left behind.

What do you think? Are you excited about this project? Let’s hope we see more initiatives like this across the state, giving our seniors the housing options they deserve.