There was once a day when St. Petersburg was known as the home of the “newly wed and nearly dead.” The only people living downtown were homeless or transients in decaying old flop house hotels.
Those days have faded into the past as the remarkable renaissance of downtown St. Pete continues as a dynamic (and LGBT friendly) place to work, play and live. Fusion 1560, a new upscale creatively designed apartment complex, is helping to change the face of what life looks and feels like in the Sunshine City.
“We are definitely the kind of community for someone looking for some place unique and interesting to live,” says Jonathan Young, community manager. “And what really sets us apart is the quality and quantity of our amenities. We offer more of those than any other apartment development in St. Petersburg. “
Lots of Unique Amenities
The amenities are indeed impressive. The property has more the look and feel of a luxury hotel than an apartment complex. There's even a concierge and a WiFi Cafe that resembles a business center in any major metropolitan hotel in cities far bigger than St. Petersburg. There are dedicated laptops, a printer, copier, fax and scanner.
Residents can even use a professional looking boardroom for meetings with clients or guests. It seats 12 around a board table and walls are adorned with trendy modern art that is prevalent throughout all the common areas. In addition to a beautiful pool with lush tropical landscaping there's a spa area and the property has hired four massage therapists that are at residents' disposal.
Security is paramount throughout the entire complex with 39 surveillance cameras on duty 24 hours a day. Residents enter their building, whether from the street level or the parking garage, with a magnetic card.
If its activity you crave, Fusion 1560 is a dream come true. It's well-equipped fitness center features angled floor-to-ceiling front window glass, so you'll overlook the hustle of Central Avenue as you enjoy a workout. A distinctively designed Club Room, Billiards Room and Demonstration Kitchen can add further unique excitement to life at Fusion 1560. The complex sponsors monthly resident social gatherings that are often co-sponsored by a corporate partner with food catered from local downtown restaurants. There's food, wine, beer and other beverages and a chance to meet and mingle with your neighbors.
A feature that is extraordinary in its uniqueness is that the complex offers residents a wine cellar where they may store their libations in a climate-controlled private storage bin.
Other amenities include a video game area, an outdoor amenity deck facing Central Ave (2nd Floor), a highly designed courtyard with a grilling area, gathering areas and sculpture garden, a rooftop amenity deck with outdoor kitchen, covered cabana area, turf and sunning areas. The secured buildings feature upgraded finishes throughout and storage units are available for lease. There is also significant parking within the complex's garage.
“We're also trying to be a greener building,” says Young. There are automatic lights in the common areas hooked to sensors which shut off automatically when no one is in the room. Young said the building is well insulated and has an energy efficient heating and cooling system. He noted that the complex is sound-proofed so that you won't be hearing that neighbor's loud music upstairs.
It's All About Lifestyle and Location
“Our chic collection of 325 luxury apartment homes has distinctively styled interiors and club quality amenities, says Young. “It's a place that's on the edge for those who want to live on the edge.”
That style is especially reflected in the stylish post-modern architecture and color schemes of red, black and silver.
“We've tried to create a look like this was a restored old industrial style building instead of a brand new building with no character,” he added. That commitment has lead to visually interesting features like polished concrete floors in the welcome area and common spaces, artistically exciting light fixtures and exposed metal ventilation duct work.
Each apartment home at Fusion 1560 is designed to exceed expectations. Created in a contemporary loft style, each home is a rich combination of the most sought-after features and amenities. Its ideal location in the heart of St. Petersburg allows a short convenient drive to world-renowned shopping, exquisite dining and endless entertainment opportunities. The facility is right next door to Tropicana Field and its range of activities from live professional baseball to concerts and expos. The roof top terrace affords stellar views of downtown St. Petersburg and the wide range of things to do and see including events like the annual Grand Prix. The complex is within a few blocks walking distance to the annual St. Pete Pride celebration.
Fusion 1560 apartment homes boast high end finishes, solid wood cabinetry and oversized closets. Accent brick walls, Quartz kitchen counter tops and polished concrete flooring further adds to the character of these luxurious modern homes.
The bottom line
There are seven different layouts available, from a studio to a two bedroom with a balcony overlooking the pool or a courtyard. Prices range from $985 to $1885 a month. Applicants must show they make at least three times the monthly rent to qualify in addition to the standard background and credit checks. The complex allows up to two pets less than 35 pounds for a one-time pet fee. Most amenities are included, but there is a parking fee to use the garage. Young says for applicants to ask about parking specials.
While rental non-discrimination laws don't allow Young to specifically say Fusion 1560 is “gay friendly,” both Fusion 1560 and its sister property Tortoga Point (in north St. Petersburg) will join together at a booth at St. Pete Pride. He said they welcome gay applicants (or those of any kind) as long as they meet the financial requirements.
The complex offers three- or six-month leases in addition to yearly ones. The $65 million property was developed by Zaremba Company out of Cleveland, Ohio. In addition to the Tampa Bay area the company also has rental properties in Ohio and Arizona.
For more information, visit the Fusion 1560 office at 1560 Central Ave. in downtown St. Petersburg, call 727-502-5700 or visit Fusion1560.com.
