Extreme Makeover in Store for Downtown?

Today the Isaac Group unveiled their plans for the make over of downtown Sarasota’s retail face. The plan includes 30 to 40 new retail shops at ground level, a 600 space public parking garage, additional 400 private parking spaces and 210 new residences. A total of 130K ft² new retail space is proposed.

One of the pictures below shows the frontage on Pineapple - interesting touch to include the First United Methodist Church in the picture. The developer indicates they need to move forward with plans now and while purchasing the church property is not required, they are still negotiating. Our understanding is that the church membership vote, on whether to sell, is scheduled for August.

Also shown is the footprint of the project, located primarily south of Main but also extending to both sides of Lemon, north and south of Main. The red colored area is the property owned or controlled by the Isaac group.

The unveiling was held at the Ritz Tuesday evening, with many members of the business community attending. Mayor Mary Anne Servian also attended and spoke briefly but very enthusiastically about the project.

According to the literature provided, the project includes a "large central pedestrian breezeway, the width of a street and thirty feet tall". It will have retail frontage and connect Pineapple and Lemon (at State). While the buildings are mostly proposed to be ten stories, they will be stepped back above the first couple of floors. Some arcades may be included and two urban plazas will be featured. It was indicated that all development would conform to the new downtown code.

Plans include targeted 60/40 percent mix of national chain to local/regional stores. This will include 80% fashion/soft goods and 20% dining/entertainment.

Apparently the national retail/developer trade show is coming up next week. This is where all the developers showcase their plans and hope to get commitments from the retailers. Competition is expected to be fierce in the Sarasota area with new major retail developments proposed for Lakewood Ranch, University and I-75 and a rumored Fruitville and I-75 project.

The plans were impressive and the use of the "dead area", south of the Main storefronts to increase pedestrian circulation throughout this part of downtown is an excellent concept. While the project is in very early stages the concepts and building step backs are encouraging. This will keep the open atmosphere and allow light and air to permeate the space.

Save Our Sarasota will be closely following the development of this project. Initial discussion with John Simons, who will be managing this project, were open and encouraging.

More information at their web site.