Mark Aeling to debut larger-than-life-sized statue at The Residences at 400 Central

Downtown St. Petersburg’s skyline is about to welcome more than just a soaring new residential tower. At the foot of the city’s most ambitious high-rise—The Residences at 400 Central—a larger-than-life bronze sculpture will soon stand as a heartfelt tribute to the late Albert and Jane Vondersaar, commissioned by developer John Catsimatidis Sr. and crafted by renowned local sculptor Mark Aeling.

The 46-story tower, developed by Catsimatidis’ Red Apple Group, is nearing completion and has already reshaped the urban core. Now, alongside its luxury residences and sweeping Gulf views, it will feature a deeply personal homage: a bronze statue of the developer’s in-laws, who were longtime St. Pete residents. “They would be so proud to have the Residences at 400 Central dedicated to them and to be memorialized in this way,” said Margo Catsimatidis, their daughter and wife of the developer.

Image: Albert and Jane Vondersaar

Aeling, widely known for his monumental steel public art, welcomed the return to figurative sculpture. Working from a beach photo of the couple, Aeling and his wife recreated the pose in formal attire to capture the spirit of a "night on the town," aligning with the building’s elegance. The final sculpture, cast in bronze at Aeling’s studio in the Warehouse Arts District, is expected to be unveiled later this year at the building’s entrance.

Image: The Residences at 400 Central, Aerial Innovations

Meanwhile, construction at 400 Central is in its final stages. Framing has reached the top floors, drywall is being installed through level 42, and interiors up to the 30th floor are already fitted with European porcelain tile and custom ITALKRAFT cabinetry. The seventh-floor amenity deck—featuring a resort-style pool—is also taking shape. Outside, balcony dividers and exterior finishing work continue as the tower prepares to welcome residents later this year.

Image: The Residences at 400 Central

Rising as one of the tallest residential towers on Florida’s Gulf Coast, The Residences at 400 Central offers one- to four-bedroom homes priced from the low $1 millions. Each residence boasts open-concept layouts, high-end finishes, and expansive wrap-around terraces with panoramic views stretching from Tampa Bay to the Gulf. For those seeking a walkable, vibrant lifestyle in the heart of the city, the tower blends modern luxury with cultural resonance—now quite literally anchored by bronze.

Interested in living here? Click here to get more info from someone there directly.

Separate yourself from millions of readers and sign up for Florida of Tomorrow's free newsletter to receive the latest on all things coming to the Sunshine State.