St. Pete Eyes Lake Maggiore for Major Workforce Housing Development
ST. PETERSBURG — City officials are exploring an ambitious proposal to drain Lake Maggiore and replace it with a sprawling workforce housing development, tentatively named Maggiore Manor.
The project would transform hundreds of acres of underwater real estate into thousands of affordable housing units. Officials say the lake represents an underutilized development opportunity, occupying valuable land while generating virtually no tax revenue.
The proposed complex would feature dozens of apartment buildings and a modest data center. As part of the project’s commitment to environmental sustainability, a small portion of the lake would be retained as a stormwater retention pond to supply the data center’s cooling systems while commemorating the former lake.
City spokesperson Graham Whitmore dismissed concerns about the project’s impact on the community, noting that the development would retain the Maggiore name while helping the environment by making St. Petersburg a more walkable city.
The data center would also play a key role in addressing the city’s ongoing flooding problems by consuming large quantities of water.
“People have been complaining about flooding for years,” Whitmore explained. “Well, Lake Maggiore is full of water. By getting rid of the lake, we’re getting rid of an enormous amount of water. It’s really that simple.”
The city acknowledged that some flooding would occur during heavy rains, but emphasized that the data center would help absorb the excess water.
“We’re not saying residents will never get their feet wet,” Whitmore explained. “But these are working families. They’ll be fine.”
A portion of the city’s proposed $600 million SPAR funding could also be used to support the data center and address any drainage issues that arise.
As for the lake’s wildlife, alligators and other aquatic animals would be relocated to suitable habitats, with alternative arrangements made for those unable to be accommodated.
The city emphasized that the project will have no impact on the proposed Bass Pro Shops development at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve.
