The Manhattan Casino, once a vibrant epicenter of Black culture and music, is set to undergo a $5 million renovation. In its heyday, the historic Manhattan Casino in St. Pete hosted legendary performers like Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, and James Brown — serving as a cultural beacon during the Jim Crow era. For some in the South St. Pete community, the Manhattan Casino, holds deep personal ties. Manhattan Casino makeoverBig picture view:However, the City of St. Pete is preparing to breath new life into the historic landmark with a $5 million renovation. The Manhattan Casino renovation aims not only to restore the building’s structural beauty, but also to reclaim its cultural significance.