Metro Development Group Breaks Ground on Azalea Cay
Shovels are officially in the ground at Azalea Cay! On Monday, September 28, Metro Development Group and Porter Development celebrated the groundbreaking of this new rental community in St. Petersburg, marking a proud first for our team: Azalea Cay is Metro’s very first multifamily development.
For decades, Metro has been known for creating master-planned communities and our signature lagoon destinations across Florida. Now we’re bringing that same community-first thinking to apartment living, right in the heart of Pinellas County.
A New Chapter for Metro
Every great neighborhood needs a mix of homes for people at every stage of life. Young professionals, growing families, teachers, nurses and first responders all deserve a beautiful place to live close to where they work and play.
Azalea Cay opens that door. By adding multifamily to our portfolio, Metro can welcome even more Floridians into thoughtfully designed spaces built around connection, amenities and an easy, active lifestyle. It’s the same promise behind every Metro community, now in a fresh new form.
“Azalea Cay demonstrates what is possible when the public and private sectors work together toward a shared goal. The support of the City of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County has helped make it possible to move this important project forward. Together, we are creating more housing choices while bringing new life and long-term value to this property.” – Kartik Goyani, Principal, Metro Development Group
What’s Coming to Azalea Cay
The first phase will deliver 341 apartments across three buildings, with 102 of those homes (30%) dedicated to workforce and attainable housing. Of those, 51 will serve households earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and 51 will serve households at or below 120% of AMI, with the remaining 239 apartments offered at market rate. When all three phases are complete, Azalea Cay will grow to approximately 1,000 residences across 12 buildings on a 29-acre site, with a resort-style pool in every phase.
The location is a true gem. Azalea Cay sits right along the Pinellas Trail, giving residents miles of walking and biking right outside their door, plus quick access to Azalea Park, local dining and shopping, and everything St. Pete has to offer.
We’re also grateful to the City of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County, whose $11.25 million in combined public investment helps make this vision possible.
“Azalea Cay is the result of creative solutions and strong partnerships working together to address housing affordability and availability in St. Petersburg. It will provide more housing options for the people who make St. Pete work every day – teachers, first responders, hospitality workers, and so many others who want to live in the community they serve.” – Mayor Kenneth T. Welch, City of St. Petersburg
From Vacant Campus to Vibrant Community
Azalea Cay is rising on the former Raytheon Technologies campus, a site that has sat vacant for years. After six years of planning alongside our partners at Clearwater-based Porter Development, this long-dormant property is finally getting a second life as a place people will be proud to call home.
It’s a wonderful example of what’s possible when developers, local leaders and neighbors work together to reimagine a space for the community’s future.
“Azalea Cay has required a tremendous amount of coordination, trust and shared commitment. From the beginning, our focus has been on bringing the right public and private partners to the table and building a path forward for this important property. Today’s groundbreaking reflects what can happen when everyone works together with a common vision for the community.” – Les Porter, President, Porter Development
Celebrating the Groundbreaking
The day brought together our Metro team, Porter Development, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, Pinellas County Commissioner Brian Scott, City Councilmember Copley Gerdes, and community leaders and partners to turn the first shovels of dirt and toast what’s ahead.
Azalea Cay in the News
We’re thrilled to see the excitement around Azalea Cay spreading across the region! Catch the coverage from our friends in the media:
