Bidder offers $65-million for Tropicana redevelopment

ST. PETERSBURG -- One of the developers hoping to purchase and redevelop Tropicana Field said it is willing to pay $65-million for the 86-acre site, but maintained that the city pay for demolishing the dome and any environmental cleanup.

Developer Archstone-Madison's offer came in response to questions posed by the City Council last month. All three developers hoping to win the work provided the city with additional information this week. Among the highlights:

* Hines, which is offering $50-million, said the demolition of the dome would cost $5-million. They suggested creating a new community development district to pay for the work. Hines did not address possible environmental issues.

* Williams Quarter, which is offering $61-milion, says it now wants to add a 500,000-square-foot office building to its mix of 4,000 rental units and 570,000-square-feet of retail space. Williams Quarter is willing to contribute to the demolition of the dome, but the group did not say how much. The developer also said the environmental issues at the site has been "somewhat exaggerated." However, Williams Quarter did not say it would cover the costs.

* Archstone-Madison, which is offering $65-million, said the city would be responsible for the demolition of Tropicana Field and any environmental cleanup. Those costs would be subtracted from Archstone-Madison's offer.

City officials are expected to brief the City Council on the proposals Thursday.

Aaron Sharockman, Times Staff Writer