Building momentum: Inside 400 Central’s rapid rise to adding a floor ‘every six days’

It may not be the speed of light, but turns out, it’s pretty darn fast. Ever since construction reached the halfway mark, I began paying more attention on my morning walks to the gym, and started to wonder just how fast it was going. Remember, 400 Central poured its foundation just over a year ago.

400 Central is rapidly evolving St. Pete’s skyline

“It’s a pretty healthy pace,” said Bob Zorn, of the Red Apple Group, which owns and manages over 2,000,000 square feet of real estate–describing the pace as not unreasonable yet impressive for a market that has less skyscraper density as compared to New York City. 400 Central recently completed the 36th floor as they were already working on the 37th, achieving this feat in about six working days per floor during good weeks, with Saturdays usually dedicated to work, weather permitting.

With efficiency and quality in mind, pace may slow as higher floors are reached

Bob detailed their methodical approach: dividing each floor into sections, pouring concrete on one side while prepping the next. “It’s about maintaining efficiency without sacrificing quality,” he emphasized. Their goal is to complete the top floor by October, acknowledging that as they move higher, the pace might adjust slower due to larger floor plans.

The process involves the installation of temporary floors on steel structures, known as ‘tables,’ and the integration of post-tension cables for strength and stability. Within that are plastic tube caverns within the floors to run mechanicals, ensuring seamless integration of building infrastructure.

400 Central designed to stand out among current St. Pete high rises

Beyond functionality, Bob stressed the architectural and design investment Big Apple Group has made into 400 Central, aiming to enhance St. Pete’s skyline with a visually striking addition rather than just “another high-rise with balconies jetting out.” Inside, they have plans for top-of-the-line amenities like a heated pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a game lounge, and even a co-working space. As construction progresses toward its expected completion, there’s no denying 400 Central’s presence.

The rapid rise of 400 Central not only transforms the skyline but also symbolizes the dynamic growth of our city, where each floor adds a new chapter in St. Pete’s urban narrative.