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 is dedicated to developing equitable, sustainable community revitalization models rooted in access, inclusion, and innovation. The main focuses are on adaptive reuse, local economic development, and stability, empowering communities to grow from within while preserving their cultural identity and opportunity for generational wealth.
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:
• Teaching garden
• Community center
• Affordable food access
• Coffee shop/art gallery
• Coding & robotics center for children
• Bookstore
• Affordable retail bays
Project Features
Healthy Roots is designed to create a self-sustaining ecosystem of health, wellness, and opportunity. Through its Food Farmacy, Home Garden Network, Tech & Innovation Hub, and community-centered programs, Healthy Roots connects residents to fresh food, preventive healthcare, and education, building a foundation for long-term self-reliance and neighborhood resilience.
Café Ora is a mission-driven, specialty coffee shop with a core mission to create dignified, quality employment and economic opportunity for individuals with non-violent records. It’s not just about coffee, it’s about cultivating a space where dignity, creativity, and belonging are served daily.
Pages & Perks sets out to bring literary escapism back into everyday life. The vision is to create a relaxing space where reading is accessible to the whole family. They strive to provide a safe, inclusive place where neighbors can gather, connect, and share in the joy of a good story.
Code Wiz believes that learning to code is the easiest way to shape your child’s future. Students develop programming skills along with invaluable approaches to critical thinking and problem solving. Anyone can learn to code—no matter their age, tech proficiency or personal interests. They’ve designed fun, flexible programs to ensure every child becomes a wiz.
Meet the Founders
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Julie Barkett
Healthy Roots
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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Business owners ask St. Pete to increase funding for roadway improvements
Bay News 9
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South St. Pete revitalization project takes shape
St. Pete Catalyst
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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