The influx of renderings that illustrate the future of the Burg have made our city feel like an enchanting graphic novel. Two major announcements, paired with two sets of renderings, underscore the point. First, a facility dedicated to fostering a bright future in the region received a key grant. Second, a time capsule of all things St. Pete announced a massive expansion that includes a waterfront rooftop terrace. Here’s the development news:

Innovation Center receives major grant

From Florida Trend: “The U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $7.5 million grant to the Pinellas County Board of Supervisors of Clearwater, Florida, to help build the Tampa Bay Innovation Center Incubator.”

This is huge news for Tampa Bay. Officials expect the 45,000-square-foot facility to create more than 400 jobs in the area. The massive incubator will be located at the corner of 11th Avenue South and 4th Street in the Burg’s Innovation District.

The project will cost $12 million total, with more local funds coming in to help bring it to life. This could help develop a highly skilled local workforce, which only benefits the Sunshine City and its local businesses.

Want to learn more about the Tampa Bay Innovation Center? Visit its website to read about its goals, initiatives and local events.

St. Pete Museum of History plans major expansion

St. Pete Museum of History is about to grow. The facility that houses the story of the Burg is planning a major expansion ahead of his 100 year anniversary in 2020.

The expansion will include 8,000-square-feet of space, a new exhibit gallery, a visitor’s center and a roof-top terrace overlooking the bay, according to WTSP.

How will this come to fruition? The museum hopes to raise $7 million from donors to create another museum gem in the Burg.

The second phase also includes constructing The Flight Deck, a rooftop terrace as a venue for the museum, private and community events, according to WTSP.

St. Pete Museum of History, 335 2nd Avenue Northeast.