The downtown area of Clearwater, Florida, is poised for significant transformation with a series of major construction projects scheduled to commence shortly. This development includes a new hotel, a high-rise apartment building, a parking garage, and extensive streetscape enhancements along Osceola Avenue. According to a city announcement, these projects aim to revitalize key sections of downtown, add essential parking facilities, and improve the overall aesthetic of the area.
One of the standout developments is a 10-story hotel that will feature retail space and a parking garage. It is set to be constructed on the eastern edge of the park, adjacent to the Clearwater Main Library. Meanwhile, a new apartment high-rise will rise from the site of the former city hall, further contributing to the urban landscape.
As part of this initiative, another parking garage, which will accommodate nearly 400 vehicles, will be built directly across Osceola Avenue. This facility is expected to alleviate parking shortages in an area that has experienced a surge in visitors since the reopening of Coachman Park. Since its redevelopment, Coachman Park has hosted over 100 concerts and attracted 336,500 attendees in 2023 alone.
To prepare for this wave of development, traffic patterns in the area are being adjusted. Drivers should note that the southbound lanes on North Osceola Avenue will now share the north lane just south of Drew Street.
Overview of Upcoming Projects
Several key projects are underway or scheduled to begin in the coming months, each aimed at enhancing downtown Clearwater’s functionality and appeal.
Clearwater City Hall is currently under construction at 200 S. Myrtle Avenue. This initiative is part of a broader $31.6 million civic redevelopment project, involving a two-story, 40,000-square-foot building that will modernize city operations. Construction began in 2024, with a phased move-in anticipated between August and September of 2026.
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has recently broken ground on the new Clearwater Station, which will serve as a modern multimodal transit hub. This facility is designed to replace the aging Park Street Terminal and is expected to improve accessibility and safety for riders. Completion is projected for early 2027, and the station will feature electric vehicle chargers and bike racks.
A new 158-room hotel is also set to rise on the site of the former Harborview Hotel. This construction will include retail space and a rooftop bar, promising a fresh dining and entertainment venue. The hotel is expected to be completed within 21 months.
Future Developments and Infrastructure Upgrades
A public parking garage with 397 spaces will commence construction later this fall at the intersection of Pierce Street and Osceola Avenue. This facility will also provide electric vehicle charging stations and is slated for completion in December 2026.
In January 2026, work will begin on a 28-story multipurpose building at the former City Hall site near Coachman Park. This ambitious project will feature 400 rental apartments, approximately 10,000 square feet of retail space, and an underground parking garage, enhancing access to the downtown waterfront with a targeted completion date of April 2028.
Additionally, the Osceola Avenue roadway and infrastructure improvements are set to begin in early 2026. This project will encompass upgrades to underground utilities, new sidewalks, enhanced drainage systems, and updated lighting. The goal is to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment while upgrading the stormwater system. Completion is expected by early 2027.
These developments in Clearwater signal a significant investment in the city’s infrastructure and public amenities, aimed at fostering a vibrant downtown environment that meets the needs of its growing population and increasing visitor numbers.
