As a brand , Wurzak called Moxy “ the perfect fit ” for St . Petersburg , adding that it fills a gap where there was no true lifestyle hotel with the power of Marriott behind it . “ It ’ s a 3.5-star brand with a high-design aesthetic , offering the kind of experience that ’ s been missing in this market ,” he said . “ Moxy St . Pete is designed to buzz with energy .”
Elaborating on the hotel ’ s development , Wurzak said the hotel was launched before the capital markets became as challenging as they are now .
“ The structure is conservative , balancing debt and equity in a way that ensures longterm stability ,” he said .
The hotel also attained Opportunity Zone status , a type of development tool that allows people to invest in distressed areas in the U . S ., with the express purpose to spur economic growth and job creation , while providing preferred tax benefits .
“ As the hospitality supply pipeline continues to be constrained , the Moxy will stand out even more in St . Pete , where new competition is unlikely to emerge , solidifying our position as a market leader ,” Wurzak said .
Guestrooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows , with some of the units offering balconies overlooking the heavily trafficked Central Avenue . The tech-forward rooms , a staple of the Moxy brand , are done in neutral color palettes and have bathrooms with rain showers .
Guestrooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows , with some of the units offering balconies overlooking Central Avenue .
Every nook and cranny of the hotel lobby is programmed to be lively and transforms from day to night activity .
Interiors were done by local firm Storyn Studio for Architecture and the hotel ’ s lobby draws inspiration from downtown St . Petersburg , which is known for its waterfront and mural-lined streets . The check-in desk has a mural showcasing a collage of flora and fauna by Tampa-based artist Ashley Cassens and a sculptural art mirror by St . Petersburg artist Ted VanCleave . The lobby is also home to the second location of Rose ’ s Coffee Bar .
Additional services and amenities include a podcast studio in the lobby , which can also be rented by the public for free , 1,000 square feet of meeting space , a meeting room and a 24-hour fitness center .
“ The dual-sided bar that opens onto
the sidewalk is an example of how we ’ re blurring the lines between indoors and out , inviting the community into our space . The meeting room , adorned with a mural , offers a unique backdrop for any gathering , while our podcast studio adds a creative twist , doubling as a Zoom room ,” Wurzak said .
The hotel sits within EDGE Collective , a new 500,000-square-foot mixed-use destination near Tropicana Field , home of Major League Baseball ’ s Tampa Bay Rays since 1998 . The first phase of the EDGE Collective includes the opening of Moxy St . Pete and the redevelopment and modernization of the 1246 Central Avenue building , which consists of 16,000-squarefeet of office space and a Turkish restaurant . The second phase will deliver a 200-foottall tower with high-end rental units and 45,000 square feet of retail and commercial space .
“ Our vision was all about fun and memories ,” Wurzak said . “ We ’ re not just building a hotel ; we ’ re creating a destination . We envision the Moxy and rooftop Sparrow as must-visit spots in St . Pete — a micro-destination within the city where everyone comes to experience something unique , whether they ’ re locals or visitors .”
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