ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — For nearly a decade, the Edward White Hospital in St. Petersburg has sat vacant after closing its doors in 2014. That will soon change thanks to funding to help redevelop the property into affordable senior housing.

The St. Petersburg Housing Authority was recently awarded a $1 million grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. The agency also received funding from Valley Bank and the city of St. Petersburg, adding to the funding it already has going towards the redevelopment of 71 apartments for low-income seniors.

But that’s not the only change. The housing authority is also looking to move its headquarters to the building, ensuring they’re central to the community they serve.

“We’re trying to come back with our elderly buildings," St. Petersburg Housing Authority CFO Carolyn Avington said. "We recently put 60 units in Jordan Park that are specific for 62-plus elderly, and that’s what we’re trying to do here.”

Along with the move of its headquarters, the housing authority says it's looking to create a space for a health facility within the building. The redevelopment project is expected to begin in the first quarter of next year.

Twice a week you’ll find John and Beth McHoul taking their dog Birdie on a walk.

“It’s pleasant there’s wildlife there’s water, it’s a peaceful nice place to be,” John McHoul said.

Enjoying their five-minute walk from their home to this park is something they’ve been doing for six years since moving to St. Petersburg.

“We lived overseas for 28 years and came back here because of health things and retirement,” he said. 

It's an area they love and where they started a kettle corn business a few years back. Although retired, it’s something they do to connect with others as they get older.

So hearing about the redevelopment for senior housing beginning in their backyard was a plus for them.

“There’s a lot of older folks in this area and we all know that might be in our future,” Beth McHoul said. 

As they get older, the couple says places like affordable housing for seniors is something they’ve thought about.

“To have a nice place — a nice surrounding, a safe place, a quiet place, I think its admirable and a good idea,” John McHoul said.

Whether it’s walking their dog or enjoying a cup of coffee, Beth McHoul says this is a step in the right direction for seniors.

“I’m looking forward to what happens over there,” she said.

As they continue to enjoy the retired life, the couple says the future is bright for those in need of affordable housing and are welcoming their new neighbors with open arms.

The transformation of the building will take a few years to complete once it begins. However, the housing authority says that anyone interested in an apartment should sign up to get put on the waiting list. You can learn more information by clicking here.