Iconic Dairy Inn in St. Petersburg to Make Way for Luxury Townhomes

In a significant development for St. Petersburg’s Crescent Lake area, the iconic Dairy Inn, a longtime ice cream shop, is set to be replaced by a luxury townhome project. Owned by Everett Vance, proprietor of The Vance Group and broker at Premier Properties, the plan is to construct six upscale townhomes on the site, with price tags ranging from $1.2 million to $1.6 million each.

The decision to transition from the historic Dairy Inn to a residential project was made late last year, with the vacant building currently awaiting demolition. According to Vance, the new townhomes will feature an upscale Mediterranean aesthetic, catering to those desiring proximity to downtown living without being directly situated in the bustling center.

Each of the six units is designed to encompass 3 to 4 bedrooms and 3 to 4 bathrooms, boasting amenities like a private elevator, a two-car garage with a versatile flex room, and a rooftop terrace that could potentially accommodate a hot tub or outdoor kitchen.

Vance acquired the property for $740,000 in December after being approached by the previous owners interested in selling. The city granted approval for the project last month, permitting up to eight townhomes on the site, though Vance decided to limit it to six for a more spacious feel.

With construction expected to commence in the next six to 12 months and complete within an additional six months, the transformation of the Dairy Inn site marks a transition from a historical landmark to a residential enclave. The Dairy Inn, which opened in 1947 as Dairy Queen and was later renamed in 1969, closed its doors last year after being under the ownership of Paul R. Johnson and Beth Johnson.

While acknowledging potential community sentiments, Vance believes the townhome project addresses the growing need for housing in St. Petersburg, emphasizing the increasing influx of residents. The shift from Dairy Inn to luxury townhomes reflects the evolving landscape of the city and its ongoing quest to accommodate a burgeoning population.