Projects
The Looking Glass Initiative
A Community Revitalization and Adaptive Reuse Project in South St. Pete
The Looking Glass Initiative, led by John and Julie Barkett, is a transformative effort to reclaim and revitalize two neglected city blocks along Dr. MLK Jr. St. S., bordering Historic Roser Park, Campbell Park, and 13th Street Heights. For decades, South St. Pete communities have faced economic disinvestment, food insecurity, and disconnection.
This initiative was born from recognizing the potential beneath the blight and boldly demonstrating the opposite of what’s expected. By turning vision into action, the project directly addresses many of the area’s economic and health inequities—moving beyond talk to real solutions.
Through an innovative partnership of local leaders and organizations, the project is programmed to create a vibrant hub of wellness, culture, community and inclusive growth. This project hopes to bring:
Wonderland Garden
Food Farmacy
Equitable Food Access
Community Coffee Shop
Affordable Retail Bays
Real Estate Boutique
Project Features
Wonderland Garden’s primary focus is on alleviating food insecurity and providing fresh, nutritious produce directly from the garden to help improve dietary health and address the immediate challenge of accessing healthy food options. They will be actively engaging community members, empowering them to cultivate their own urban gardens at home.
This initiative supports building food literacy and promotes sustainable practices, fostering long-term food security and self-sufficiency. Wonderland Garden is a vital hub for economic opportunity and skill development, specifically tailored for individuals with disabilities.
Barkett Realty is a boutique real estate company offering a full-service solution to both commercial and residential clients. With decades of combined experience in sales, leasing, investment development, appraisal services and property management. Barkett Realty is a one-stop shop that will exceed your real estate needs while turning transactions into relationships.
John Barkett, its founder, has a proven track record in breathing life into 100+ year old buildings and curating districts while winning awards like Preserve the Burg’s Adaptive Reuse Award.
Meet the Founders
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Julie Barkett
Wonderland Garden
Julie Barkett, a registered nurse turned stay-at-home mother, brings a passion for the environment and social justice to the project. Her hope is to create places where people feel they matter and where communities can become more self-sufficient, especially by growing their own food. Julie’s first nursing role was working with people with disabilities, an experience that shaped her belief in creating meaningful opportunities for all.
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John Barkett
Barkett Realty
John Barkett is a St. Petersburg-based real estate developer and civic leader known for adaptive reuse, urban revitalization, and community building. As founder of Barkett Realty and Managing Partner of Ascension Real Estate Partners, John has transformed neglected spaces into vibrant community hubs. He is also co-founder of Friends of Trails Crossing, a nonprofit advancing equitable access to green space, arts, and cultural connection.
Where we’ve been featured
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Developers plan 'wellness hub' on neglected stretch of MLK in St. Pete
Tampa Bay Business Journal
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Developer unveils ambitious South St. Pete revitalization project
St. Pete Catalyst
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St. Pete real estate experts look beyond 86-acre Tropicana Field site
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Get Involved
(727) 388-9500
615 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N.
St. Petersburg, FL