Let’s talk about the elephant in the sky.
A two-story penthouse just sold for $27 million in downtown St. Petersburg. That’s not a typo. That’s twenty-seven. Million. Dollars. For a rooftop home atop the future Waldorf Astoria Residences—a 50-story icon-in-the-making that’s about to permanently change our city’s skyline and redefine what luxury looks like in Florida’s most dynamic waterfront city.
Yes, we’ve officially entered the international destination chat.
What’s the Buzz?
Let me break it down:
A local business leader—name withheld but described as a longtime supporter of the city—has snapped up the 11,000-square-foot crown jewel of this development. This isn’t just the most expensive condo ever sold in St. Pete… it’s the most expensive in the entire Tampa Bay region, shattering records previously held by Saltaire and The Ritz-Carlton in Tampa.
This penthouse is next-level:
· 49th and 50th floors.
· Private movie theater.
· A 50-foot rooftop pool.
· And presumably, a view good enough to make God pause mid-sunset.
What This Means for St. Pete
Now, before you go thinking this has nothing to do with your condo, townhome, or single-family listing, let me explain why this matters:
1. The bar just got raised.
This sale sets a new high watermark for our city. Luxury buyers from Miami, New York, even overseas? They're now eyeing us in a whole new light. St. Pete is no longer the quiet cousin of Tampa—it’s a destination.
2. Demand follows design.
These condos aren’t just expensive—they’re exquisitely curated: smart home tech, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, Italian vanities, and more glass than a Tiffany’s showroom. Buyers want design-driven spaces. If you’re selling a home that’s thoughtfully updated and elevated? You’re now part of the conversation.
3. We’re not done yet.
The Waldorf project is slated for completion in 2030, with 163 luxury residences, 73,000 square feet of Class A office space, and enough five-star amenities to rival the best resorts. This will anchor an entirely new tier of living in downtown St. Petersburg.
So... What Should You Do?
If you’re a homeowner in or around downtown, this is your moment to get strategic. Let’s have a real conversation—no fluff, no sales pitch—about where your property sits in this shifting landscape. Because even if your home isn’t on the 50th floor, the value you’ve built could be poised for a major leap.
And if you’re a buyer feeling like you missed the boat—take a breath. There’s still opportunity. The best moves in real estate come from knowledge, not hype. I work with clients who want clarity, not pressure.
Final Thoughts
$27 million for a penthouse may sound like Monopoly money, but make no mistake: it’s a signal. A vote of confidence in the city we call home. And for those of us who have loved St. Pete before it was trending? It’s a reminder that we’re living in a rare moment. One that rewards bold moves and smart timing.
Let’s make the most of it.
—Annie
