Archive for the ‘Sarasota's New Construction’ Category

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Longboat Key Club Expansion

October 14, 2009

The Longboat Ke CLub in currently in the final stages of planning and approval of a proposed $400,000,000 expansion of the resort and club. The expansion will bring a new hotel additional resort amenities, condos and jobs and tourism to Longboat Key.

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Honore Avenue Palmer Ranch

September 9, 2009

The county began construction of Honore Avenue years ago as a third North/South road in addition to Tamiami Trail and I75. The road was intend to run from Manatee County south to State Road 681. To date most of the road has been completed with the exception of the portion between Bee Ridge and Fruitville and the portion south of Central Sarasota Parkway in Palmer Ranch. With political climates and economic realities having changed these projects are set to move forward. Construction costs have decreased dramatically since the end of the housing boom of 2003 to 2005 and the county is now able to complete these projects for a fraction of the original cost. Construction is expected to be complete in 2012. The portion in Palmer Ranch will be funded in part with impact fees from planned development in the lands along the new road.

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Longboat Hilton Expansion

August 25, 2009

The owner of the Longboat Key Hilton recently filed application to expand the hotel. Currently the hotel has 102 units. The proposed expansion would bring that total to 187. The new plans would also incorporate a new restaurant, bar and banguet rooms.

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Buying Foreclosures

July 17, 2009

Harris Interactive recently conducted a study in which it was determined that 55 percent of people surveyed identified them selves as likely to purchase a foreclosed property. Back in November of 2008, the same survey indicated that only 47 percent were likely to purchase a foreclosed property. People currently renting (68%) were among the most likely to buy a foreclosed property. Here in the Sarasota / Bradenton real estate market we are experiencing the effects of this increased interest in foreclosure properties which make up a high percentage of the closed transactions.   There are some excellent opportunities among the foreclosures in our market. However, not all foreclosure are good deals because in some cases the costs associated with repairs and upgrades may be too high. The best deals may newly constructed homes that were purchased by out of town investors at the end of the boom. In many cases these foreclosed properties have never been lived in and are in excellent condition. If you are interested in such properties, give me a call at 941-650-4626.

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Five Points Roundabout

May 21, 2009


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This Summer the City of Sarasota will begin the work of installing a roundabout at Five Points on Main Street in Downtown Sarasota.  Additional roundabouts will also be created at the corners of Orange Avenue and Alderman Street and at Ringling Boulevard and Palm Avenue.  The total cost of the three Roundabouts are expected to be $1.5 million.  Fund will come mainly from the Florida State Department of Transportation.  Some funds will also come from sales taxes collected in the City of Sarasota. These improvements to our intersections will make our streets more pedestrian friendly. Possibly more importantly these projects will can be seen as a beautification. Sarasota is already a beautiful place and further improvement and beatification to roads and neighborhood areas is a welcome idea. Take a moment to navigate the embedded maps.


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Mahindra Dealership in Sarasota

May 13, 2009

Soon an Indian automotive dealership will open on Clark Road next door to the Land Rover Dealership. The new automotive dealership from India is known as Mahindra Motors. The company which is a maker of trucks and SUVs enjoy an 85 percent market share in India. The company hopes that their economical diesel powered vehicles will be hit here in the US. Sarasota will be home to the first US dealership. The company hopes to open hundreds more in the near future.

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Sarasota Yacht Club

April 30, 2009

The Sarasota Yacht Club is undergoing a dramatic transformation.  The original club which opened in 1951 has recently been demolished to make way for a new 27,000 sq foot state of the art facility which is expected to be complete by the end of this year.  Amenities will include a new resort style pool with an infinity edge overlooking the bay and shallow lounge areas and cabanas.  The new dinning area will seat 550.  Plans include upgraded boater amenities and a fitness center.  Although larger than the original building the new club will incorporate 15 % more green space and will incorporate the latest green building techniques.  The Sarasota Yacht club, founded n 1926 is one of the original 13 members of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs.  Membership types include, seasonal summer, seasonal winter, social and full marina.

For more information visit the club’s website at www.sarasotayachtclub.org.

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New Publix on Bee Ridge Road Update

February 6, 2009

Back in July I wrote of the new 28,000 square foot Publix grocery store and 19,000 square feet of retail to be developed on Bee Ridge Road.  This new shopping enter which will also include a Suntrust Bank will make life much more convenient for those living in communities such as;

  • Laurel Lakes
  • Laurel Meadows
  • The Hammocks
  • Bent Tree Golf & Country Club
  • Laurel Oaks Golf
  • Gator Creek Golf Club
  • Misty Creek Country Club
  • Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club
  • The video above was taken February 5th, 2008.  Improvements are also being made to the intersection of Bee Ridge and Iona Roads.  In the coming days you will find profiles and updates of the above communities that will benefit most from this new shopping center.

    Click here to view more information about the new shopping center.

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    Bleu Claire, Longboat Key

    January 7, 2009

    Demolition has begun at the site of the Holiday Beach Resort which will make way for the new French Riviera-inspired luxury condominium to be named Bleu Claire.  This new beachfront condominium on Longboat Key will be comprised of 11 luxury condominiums ranging from 3,906 to 4,709 square feet.  Prices will start at roughly $3,500,000 and range $5,000,000.  The developer is Crossgate Partners.

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    Lakewood Ranch Builder Incentives

    December 19, 2008

    Lakewood Ranch Country Club

    Right now home builders in the Country Club East section of Lakewood Ranch, The Lake Club, Greenbrook East, and La Cantera in the Country Club are offering a Platinum Membership at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club.  This incentive valued at $52,000 is offered on select homes and homesites when purchase before January 15, 2009.  I have seen some very attractive pricing on these new homes.  With rates currently at the lowest point in 50 years coupled with this lated incentive and already reduced prices, it just may be a great time to consider coming down from the fence.   Contact me at 941-650-4626 for more information.

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    Fresh Market University Parkway

    December 19, 2008

    The new Fresh Market Grocery is now open on University Parkway.  Click here to visit the official Fresh Market Website.  The store which is located at 5251 University parkway is open from 9 am to 9 p.m. Weekdays and Saturday and from 10 am to 8 p.m. on Sundays.  Fresh Market focuses on perishable goods such meats, fish and garden produce in the style of traditional European markets.  The new market is convenient to most Lakewood Ranch residents and communities along the University Parkway corridor such as University Park Country Club.

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    Homesite Price Reductions – 70%

    December 11, 2008

    John Cannon Homes has announced price reductions on some of it’s homesites in The Oaks, on Siesta Key and the Hammocks. The prices have been reduced by as much as 70%. If you would like to explore any of these offerings give me a call at 941-650-4626. Now is a great time to build. Construction cost are down.

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    Lakewood Ranch Post Office

    December 3, 2008

    The official grand opening of the Lakewood Ranch Post Office is today at 1:30 P.M.  The new postal facility is located at 5910 Post Boulevard which is just east of Lorraine Road on State Road 70.

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    New Mall on University Parkway

    November 4, 2008

    Recently the Benderson Group and it’s partners have received final approval to pull permits on the construction of their new mall on University Parkway.  The mall to be called the University Town Center will be modeled after the Mall at Millenia in Orlando.  The developers expect that at least 70% of the retailers in the mall will be new to the Sarasota area which they say has been undeserved by the luxury retail segment. Currently shoppers in our are have to travel to Tampa or Naples to shopp at a Tiffany’s or Neiman Marcus.  Additional retailers will include the likes of Pac Sun, Talbots, Abercrombie & Fitch, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Chanel and Vilebrquin.  Soon locals and international travelers will be able to enjoy such stores right here in Sarasota.  Such high end retailers will be good for our area and will attract more international visitors to our town.  According to Visit Florida, shopping ranks as the highest priority among international travelers while only fifth in importance among domestic tourists.  This is one of the reasons the mall’s developers are bullish on the project despite the current economic climate.  They have indicated that they will pay for the project from their own funds if favorable financing terms are not procured.

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    Kohl’s University Parkway

    October 7, 2008

    The New Kohls in Sarasota is now open.

    The new Kohl’s store is now open on University Parkway.  The 90,000 square foot store is on par with JC Pennys and Bealls.  The new store is reported to have created 150 new jobs.  There will soon be a Fresh Market at the same location.  Also recently opened on University Parkway is Circuit City, Best Buy and Sports Authority.
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    New Publix on BeeRidge Road

    July 3, 2008

     New Publix on Bee Ridge Road

    Residents living east of I75 will soon have a new Publix grocery store.  The new store is being built at the intersection of Bee Ridge Road and Iona.  There has long been very nice neighborhoods east of I75 along the Bee Ridge corridor but the convenience of a grocery store has been lacking.  In addition to the new 28,000 square foot grocery store there will be 12 retail stores and two out parcels reserved for banks.  This project is expected to be completed in Summer of 2009.  The following fine neighborhoods will benefit greatly by the new Publix grocery store:

    • Laurel Lakes
    • Laurel Meadows
    • The Hammocks
    • Bent Tree Golf & Country Club
    • Laurel Oaks Golf
    • Gator Creek Golf Club
    • Misty Creek Country Club
    • Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club

    Click here to view the project’s website.

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    Downtown Sarasota Developments

    March 3, 2008

    Down Town Sarasota 

    The slower real estate market of the past two years has caused many developers to reconsider or revise their plans for downtown condominiums in Sarasota.   Despite delays and postponed start dates, most developers remain bullish on the Sarasota market as are so many high end retailers moving into the area.  Condominiums currently on hold, pending procurement of financing or redesign include:

    • 1289 North Palm – 140 room hotel planned and 150 condos postponed.
    •  Atrium - Request for extension on approval denied.  Developer will redesign.
    • Avalon – To be redesigned with hotel and fewer condominium units.  
    • Bank of America Building - To be redesigned with fewer than original 168 units.
    • City Place at Pineapple Square – Start delayed pending successful pre-sales.
    • DeMarcay - Restaurant and 39 units expected to begin in summer.
    • Devenshire Park - Construction will begin when homes are sold.
    • Grand Sarasotan - This 17 story project was granted an extension.
    • Marquee on the Bay – Three more pre-sales required to obtain financing.
    • One Palm - A hotel is now being planned in it’s place.
    • Sarasota Bayside – $1 billion in in proposed development delayed untill market improves. 

    Visit www.sarasotacondominiums.com for more information.

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    Waldorf-Astoria in Sarasota

    February 28, 2008

    The deal to bring 255 room Waldorf-Astoria hotel to Sarasota has been finalized.  This is wonderful news for Sarasota and downtown.  Together with the 265 room Ritz Carlton the two hotels will be able to attract luxury travelers and book large business meetings.  One problem in Sarasota’s tourism market has been the dearth of luxury hotel rooms to attract larger business meetings and conventions.    With a Ritz-Carlton and soon a Waldorf-Astoria, Sarasota will continue it’s rise in cache among wealthy travelers and visitors.  There is a need for high end hotels as many beachfront hotels have yielded their prime location to condominium development. 

    The new hotel will anchor the Proscenium project along Tamiami Trail at Boulevard of the Arts.  The Proscenium project will include an 800 seat theater and 300,000 square feet of office space in addition to 67 condominium units.   Before some begin to decry the state of affordable housing in Sarasota lets remember that this new project comes at a time when many downtown projects have been postponed or canceled due to the changing market.  The economic impact of this 1 billion dollar project will be fantastic for the downtown area.  The presence of high end brands such as the Ritz-Carlton, Waldorf-Astoria, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrums and Sacks Fifth Avenue serves as a testament to the long-term allure and strength of Sarasota’s market.

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    Laguna at Riviera Dunes

    February 26, 2008

    Laguna at Riviera Dunes is a new condominium directly across the Manatee River from downtown Bradenton.  Many of the spacious units there have excellent views of the Manatee River and the deep water yacht basin.  Condominium homes there range in size from 1,700 to 4,300 square feet.  There are five floor plans available each including 9 foot 3 inch ceilings in living areas, granite counter kitchen counter-tops, private balconies and under-building parking.  Other amenities include tennis courts, clubhouse with catering kitchen for entertaining, fitness center and pool overlooking the boat basin.  Currenlty there are four completed buildings each with 42 units.   The deep water boat basin will accommodate vessels of up to 110 feet in length.  Remaining slips are currenlty availble in 45 foot and 55 foot lengths.

    The five floor plans include the:

    • Azul, 1,839 sq ft, priced $399,000 – $522,000
    • Bellisima, 1,905 sq ft, priced $457,000 – $536,000
    • Costera, 2,409 sq ft, priced $580,000 – $640,000
    • Del Sol, 3,974 sq ft, priced $1,101,000 – $1,200,000
    • Encantada, 4,993 sq ft, priced $1,300,000 – $1,485,000
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    Citrus Square

    February 1, 2008

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    Work has begun on the foundations of Citrus Square in downtown Sarasota.  This new development, the first to start construction in downtown in the last two years will be located on North Orange Avenue between 4th Street and Boulevard of the Arts.   Citrus Square will feature ground-level retail shops and restaurants, outdoor cafes, green spaces and an open plaza.  There will also be two levels of boutique-style condominiums priced from the mid-$200,000s to the $500,000s.  The condominiums will be built above the retail spaces. Phase I of Citrus Square  is slated for completion in 2008.

     Click here to request more information about Citrus Square.