A $4.8 million renovation is planned to return St. Petersburg’s historic Manhattan Casino to active use as a modern event venue while preserving its cultural significance. Located at 642 22nd Street South in the city’s Deuces neighbourhood, the building dates to 1925 and has long been associated with the area’s African American community.
The City of St. Petersburg is leading the effort to bring the property back into use. The proposed two-level venue is intended to host weddings, reunions, private events and community gatherings, giving the historic structure a renewed role in the neighbourhood.
The building once hosted prominent musicians, including Ray Charles, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, establishing its place in the city’s musical and cultural history.
The redevelopment seeks to retain the building’s historic identity while adapting it for contemporary event use. Reusing an established community landmark can help preserve local heritage while returning an existing property to productive use.
The project also reflects the continuing importance of The Deuces, a historically significant commercial and cultural district in St. Petersburg. Bringing the casino back into service is intended to create a venue for both private celebrations and community activities.
The Manhattan Casino renovation demonstrates how historic properties can be adapted for new uses while maintaining connections to local cultural history. The project combines building preservation with a plan for ongoing public and private events, potentially supporting activity in the surrounding district.
The reported reopening schedule requires clarification: the source page is dated October 12, 2026, but refers to a spring 2026 reopening. The current completion and opening status should be verified before publication.
Source: Ajax Building.
