A renovated Manhattan Casino, a historic south St. Petersburg landmark, recently reopened its doors after being closed for more than 40 years.
Originally built in 1925,
Manhattan Casino , at 642 S. 22nd St., will now be available for rent as a banquet facility.
A significant contributor to Pinellas County African-American culture and entertainment, the facility once served as a primary neighborhood gathering spot by hosting performances by popular musicians in the 1950s and 1960s, including
Louis Armstrong and
B.B. King.
“During its heyday, the Manhattan Casino was the African-American's coliseum as segregation limited opportunities for gathering places for blacks,” says Terri Scott, chairperson of the Manhattan Casino Project. “The community has long awaited the return of the space: After having been closed for 43 years, the midtown community will once again be afforded a venue within the neighborhood to host parties and receptions with reasonable rental options.”
Donning a $2.8 million price tag for renovations, the 12,000-square-foot facility will rent in four-hour increments, ranging in price from $1,300 to $1,500 per slot. Lauren Kleinfeld, manager for
St. Pete's historic Coliseum at 535 N. 4th Ave. and
Sunken Gardens at 1825 N. 4th St., will run
Manhattan Casino.
Writer:
Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Terri Scott,
Manhattan Casino
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