The historic Cordova Inn, a beloved downtown St. Petersburg hotel that has stood for 103 years, is undergoing a significant expansion project that will dramatically increase its capacity. This iconic boutique hotel, located in the heart of St. Pete, is poised to more than triple its number of guest rooms, marking a new chapter in its storied history.
New Hotel Collection, the current owners of the Cordova Inn, along with TDZ Capital Partners, announced via LinkedIn a major milestone in the expansion project: the near completion of vertical construction. The new five-story building, situated adjacent to the existing hotel at 253 2nd Avenue North, is rapidly taking shape.
When completed, this expansion will elevate the Cordova Inn from a charming 32-room boutique hotel to a more substantial 97-room establishment. The expansion is particularly exciting as it includes the addition of VIP luxury suites on the top floor, promising guests panoramic views of the vibrant downtown St. Petersburg cityscape. This development addresses the growing demand for high-quality accommodations in downtown St. Pete, a city experiencing rapid growth and increased tourism.
According to a construction update from Reno Boyd Building Co., the project is progressing steadily. Craig Fulmer, Senior Project Manager at Reno Boyd, noted, “The penthouse and low roof on the fifth floor had their hollow core panels installed last month. We’re currently working on the perimeter forms for the fifth floor and preparing the hollow core slab for the topping slab pour.” This update signals that the structural phase is nearing completion, and the project is moving towards interior and finishing work.
Reno Boyd Building Co., the general contractor for the Cordova Inn expansion, has a strong local presence and a portfolio of notable commercial projects in downtown St. Pete. Their past work includes popular venues such as the Floridian Social Club, Grand Central Brewhouse, Allelo, Book + Bottle, and Baba, demonstrating their expertise in constructing spaces that resonate with the St. Pete community. Their involvement adds a layer of local expertise and assurance to the quality of the Cordova Inn expansion.
The design of the new hotel building is being led by Tim Clemmons and Greg Glenn of PLACE Architecture, another locally-based firm. The architectural vision for the expansion is to seamlessly blend the new construction with the historic character of the existing Cordova Inn. The new building will incorporate Neoclassical Revival elements, a design choice that pays homage to the original hotel’s 1921 architecture and its listing on the National Register of Historic Places since 2004. This thoughtful design approach ensures that the expansion enhances, rather than detracts from, the historic charm of the Cordova Inn.
Beyond just increasing the number of rooms, the Cordova Inn expansion is set to introduce new amenities that will enhance the guest experience and attract visitors. Plans include a brand-new restaurant on the first floor, offering convenient dining options for guests and locals alike. A rooftop bar on the fifth floor will provide a stunning vantage point for enjoying St. Pete’s beautiful weather and city views. Additionally, a landscaped mid-block courtyard will be created between the original and new sections of the hotel, offering a tranquil outdoor space. The expansion will also feature a dramatically expanded front porch, transforming it into a wraparound balcony with lush streetscaping, further enhancing the hotel’s curb appeal and creating inviting public spaces. Importantly, both the courtyard and the expanded porch are designed to be accessible to the public, not just hotel guests, fostering a welcoming atmosphere and integrating the hotel into the downtown fabric.
The entire Cordova Inn expansion project is anticipated to reach completion by the end of this year. An official grand opening date is expected to be announced in the coming months. The New Hotel Collection envisions the expanded Cordova Inn as “a beacon of hospitality in downtown St. Pete, offering both historical significance and modern elegance.” This vision underscores their commitment to preserving the inn’s heritage while providing contemporary luxury and amenities.
New Hotel Collection, under the leadership of Tommy Del Zoppo and Alex Hodges, acquired The Cordova Inn in 2020. Since then, they have demonstrated a commitment to enhancing the property, including the addition of The Scott, a popular upscale craft cocktail and coffee bar located within the hotel lounge. Their portfolio also includes other notable properties like the Beachside Resort in Indian Shores and the Central Hotel in Sevierville, Tennessee, as well as a hotel inside Harbourside Resort in Indian Rocks Beach, showcasing their experience in managing and developing successful hospitality ventures.
The expansion of the Cordova Inn is a significant development for downtown St. Petersburg. It not only increases the city’s hotel capacity but also enhances a historic landmark, blending the past with the future. The project promises to offer an elevated hospitality experience while contributing to the ongoing growth and vibrancy of St. Pete’s downtown core. Travelers and locals alike can look forward to the grand reopening of the expanded Cordova Inn, a destination that will offer a unique blend of history, luxury, and modern amenities in the heart of St. Petersburg.
