The man behind the sleek geometric and classic transitional homes popping up in many of St. Petersburg’s and Tampa  neighborhoods is Richard McGinniss, the owner of Modern Tampa Bay Homes. McGinniss’ bio includes being the executive in charge of some of the largest communities and mixed use projects in the Southwest, including a $600 million research facility in North Carolina, a 13,000-acre master planned community in central Florica as well as a variety of large scaled  condominium, hotel and resort facilities. In 2013, McGinniss left the corporate grind to do what he loved: build high-quality, unique modern homes. 

Four years ago, McGinniss moved his company to the Grand Central District in order to get away from the high downtown rents. Once he spent time in the area, he realized that Grand Central was home to his favorite restaurants, bars, breweries, coffee shops and activities.  Realizing the mind-boggling activity going on in the Warehouse Arts District, just a few steps away, McGinniss concluded that living on Central Ave was the best place to live in St. Pete. 

 “I think the area will become even cooler over time with what is being planned – more culture, more fun places to go, all in a tight neighborhood setting,” he said. “It is exploding.” Thus, his latest project, the AD Lofts was conceived to create modern residences in the heart of the Grand Central District.

McGinniss is interested in supporting the artistic community in St. Petersburg because the creative vibrancy is what makes the city such a great place to live.  “Since we will be living and working in Grand Central, and admire the beautiful, exciting, and progressive types of artwork done by our local artists, we want to support our neighbors.” McGinniss said. “We thought it would be only right to include some of our local artists work to our buyers.” McGinniss has partnered with the Warehouse Arts District Association to give each AD Lofts buyer a commissioned artwork of their choice.  The Call to Artists is available here. 

He added, “We are, in our small humble way, paying homage to our wonderful art community by giving exposure to this important asset of St Pete - our Artists.”