Downtown Clearwater is on the cusp of a significant transformation, as a wave of construction projects is set to revamp the area with a new hotel, high-rise apartments, a parking facility, and an extensive streetscape enhancement.
According to a statement from city officials, these upcoming developments aim to revitalize key sections of downtown, enhancing parking solutions and giving Osceola Avenue a fresh look.
Plans include a 10-story hotel featuring retail spaces and a parking garage, strategically located just south of the Clearwater Main Library on the park’s eastern boundary. Meanwhile, the site of the former city hall will be repurposed to host a new apartment high-rise.
Additionally, a substantial parking garage with capacity for nearly 400 vehicles will be erected across Osceola Avenue, which is also slated for significant upgrades.
These developments are expected to bring essential amenities to downtown Clearwater, an area that has already experienced a surge in activity and events since the $84 million renovation of Coachman Park.
Since its reopening in 2023, Coachman Park has attracted over 100 concerts and welcomed approximately 336,500 visitors to BayCare Sound.
To accommodate the upcoming wave of development, drivers should be aware of a few traffic changes. Southbound lanes on North Osceola Avenue have shifted to share the north lane just south of Drew Street.
Here’s the list of the upcoming developments:
Clearwater City Hall
Construction is already underway on the new Clearwater City Hall, located at 200 S. Myrtle Avenue. Part of a $31.6 million civic redevelopment project, the two-story and 40,000-square-foot building will provide a modern and efficient space for city operations. Construction began in 2024, with a phased move-in expected between August and September of 2026.
PSTA Clearwater Station
In August, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) broke ground on the site of what will be the new Clearwater Station. This will be a modern multimodal transit hub to replace the aging Park Street Terminal. The new station is located in the heart of downtown, and will improve accessibility, safety, and overall rider experience while supporting the region’s growth. It is expected to be complete in early 2027 and will include electric-vehicle chargers, bike racks, and more.
The Harborview Hotel
Construction will soon begin on a new 158-room hotel with parking and retail space where the former Harborview site was located. The hotel will feature a rooftop bar, bringing a new dining and entertainment experience to the area. Construction is expected to take 21 months.
Osceola Avenue Parking Garage
Construction is set to begin later this fall for a 397-space public parking garage located on Pierce Street and Osceola Avenue. The garage will also include electric-vehicle charges. This is set to be complete in December of 2026.
Bluff Apartment Development
Construction on a 28-story multipurpose building will begin in January 2026. It will be located at the former City Hall site near Coachman Park. In addition to 400 rental apartments, the project will include approximately 10,000 square feet of retail spafce and an underground parking garage. The development, once finished, will provide access to the downtown waterfront. Completion is expected by April 2028.
Osceola Avenue Roadway and Infrastructure Improvements
Construction will begin in early 2026 on Osceola Avenue from Court to Drew streets. The project will include underground utility upgrades, new 10-foot sidewalks, improved drainage, updated lighting, landscaped crosswalks, and on-street parking. The stormwater system will also be replaced and pipe systems will be updated. Completion is expected for early 2027.
