Sarasota - Bradenton Development News

[smiley]

that being said, I don't think it will work very well on 41 unless they are trying to kill some people.

[renner01]

Opponents hope Perico Island developer will relent

St. Joe Company's attorney stands firm on the Perico Island plan at the conflict-assessment session.
By MITRA MALEK

mitra.malek@heraldtribune.com
BRADENTON -- A developer set on constructing the tallest buildings on Manatee County's coastline insisted Friday it wouldn't trim its project.

But the county and Anna Maria Island's cities, which in July sued Bradenton for approving the 10-story condos, are hoping St. Joe Company will relent.

However, an attorney for St. Joe repeated himself some half-dozen times during Friday's conflict-assessment meeting, saying the company wouldn't reduce the condos' height. The meeting was required as part of the lawsuits.

Still the county and the island cities, weary from years of fighting the Perico Island project, wanted the company to at least agree to discuss alternate plans.

They seemed to believe they had wiggle room because at the meeting's start St. Joe asked whether those opposing the complex had brought other proposals. None had.

So attorney Ralf Brookes, who is representing the island cities and environmental group ManaSota-88, pushed for planners and architects on all sides to look at the project during a workshop.

"St. Joe is a kinder, gentler company," Brookes encouraged.

But St. Joe's attorney was steadfast. Of course the company would talk to planners from the county and cities, Kevin Hennessy said. But there is no need for governments other than Bradenton, which has jurisdiction, to review the project.

"That's just not appropriate," Hennessy said. "That doesn't mean St. Joe isn't here to discuss fine-tuning of the plan that's before you."

A workshop date was never set, though. Instead, as law requires, all the members of the county and city governing boards will meet in a follow-up mediation session by Sept. 22. County and island cities said they plan to get in touch with the company before that session.

"Please go back and talk," Holmes Beach Mayor Carol Whitmore pleaded with the St. Joe attorney. "Bring the buildings down and spread them out."

But that means the company would lose money, its attorney said. The company already took a financial hit when it shrank the project from its original 898 units to the current 646, he said.

The current project met all of Bradenton's requirements when the City Council approved it in June. But many opposed it anyway, saying it simply didn't fit in with surroundings. It also would add many more people to a primary hurricane-evacuation route.

The county has taken many tacks to try to stop or change the project -- filing
ling lawsuits, threatening to not supply water and suggesting it might buy the 353-acre site.

Bradenton approved St. Joe's original project in 2000. Lawsuits followed, and the company withdrew that plan. It came back this year with a less-dense proposal -- although some of the buildings were just as tall.

http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pb...1003/COMMUNITY

[smiley]

Bel MAre (at riviera dunes)


Not a great website, but . .

http://www.belmareliving.com/

[renner01]

Any news on the construction timeline?

[MisterFreddy]

Is this thread dead?

[Jasonhouse]

No, but the construction talk is since the two storms blew through...

It will pick up in a week or so, when the papers start having space for articles about things other than how to save your ass in a hurricane.

[MisterFreddy]

Originally Posted by Jasonhouse

No, but the construction talk is since the two storms blew through...

It will pick up in a week or so, when the papers start having space for articles about things other than how to save your ass in a hurricane.

How funny! Even the local (SNN6, ABC7) have too much 'hurricane' news on. Omigosh...... it's too much!

I was in DT Sarasota on Monday and should have had my digital camera with me. The Five Points Plaza is up to the eighth floor, and the Courthouse Centre was about the same-- eight floors. I wonder if Five Points Plaza will be taller than what's listed on Skyscrapers.com (180'). The eight stories already completed (although it's still the steel/concrete skeleton) is quite high. It's going to be an impressive building once completed.

Since I live in Venice, I should take a couple of photos of the new condo highrises on the intercoastal waterway off of US41 business. One is completed, and another is being built adjacent to that one. If I only had my camera.....

[renner01]

Article published Sep 16, 2004
Foes win one against high-rises

By Mitra Malek

BRADENTON -- Residents who petitioned against plans for high-rise condos along the Manatee River marked their first victory Wednesday when a city board voted against the development.

The Bradenton Planning Commission recommended denial of the project with a 5-1 vote, saying the Mangrove Point development would be too dense, the buildings would be too tall and the access roads aren't adequate.

But the City Council will make the final decision on Oct. 13.

The Riverdale community fought Bradenton's May 2003 annexation of the property. The residents lost that battle and have since worried that homes will be built on the riverfront property.

The potential traffic made them most nervous: only a narrow two-lane road leads to the site off State Road 64, near Interstate 75. Those living on 48th Street Court East were beleaguered by the dusty shell road for years, until workers paved it this spring.

At worst, they thought 500 homes would wind up on the 374-acre peninsula because wetland covers so much of it. They assumed that the developer would build single-family homes.

Then they found out that WCI Communities wants 1,135 homes -- including some condos 14 stories high.

"We were all shocked," said Julie Castaneda, who lives on 48th Street Court East. The tallest condos would face Riverdale.

"I don't have a problem with single-family homes built around a nice, environmentally sensitive green belt," said Bill Hague, an Inlets resident in Riverdale. "To stick up condos … seems a bit foolish. It's going to block the whole area."

The Manatee County Commission doesn't like the proposed development either. It insists that Mangrove Point is subject to an agreement called The Accord, which Manatee County, its cities and the School Board signed to jointly review annexations and their development.

The agreement requires that developments on annexed properties abide by the county's 35-foot height limit.

City officials have argued that the Mangrove Point development isn't bound by The Accord because the property was annexed before it was fully implemented. WCI plans to widen 48th Street, but won't be able to widen it much without acquiring yards. Many residents say they won't give up their property.

That means that cars would travel down a two-lane road an estimated 8,500 times a day.

"We didn't move here for that," Castaneda said.

The road also could pose problems for the school district.

"It would be very difficult for school buses to get into that area to pick up kids," School Board member Frank Brunner said. Researchers estimate that Mangrove Point could add as many as 298 students. The school district does not object to the project.

But that matters little to Riverdale residents, whose schools were recently redistricted because of overcrowding.

WCI doesn't need any special exceptions for its project and has met the city's open-space requirements.

The $450 million project is expected to be completed by 2012. When it's done, it's expected to generate about $1.9 million a year in property tax revenues.

This year Bradenton collected $9.2 million in property taxes.
http://www.newscoast.com/apps/pbcs.d.../-1/ARCHIVES30

[renner01]

Article published Sep 22, 2004
Perico height limits proposed
The county's idea to trim the controversial project gets a cool reception, in mediation, from the builder.

By ROBERT PATRICK, Mitra Malek and Debi Springer STAFF WRITERS

BRADENTON -- The County Commission unanimously approved a proposal Tuesday that would cut the height of a controversial condo project planned for Perico Island, but the developer scoffed at it.

The move could signal that mediation to avoid a lawsuit over the proposed 686-unit complex will fail, and Bradenton, Manatee County, the Anna Maria Island cities and ManaSota-88 will end up in court.

The county's proposal would limit the St. Joe Co. buildings to three stories, or 45 feet, on the eastern portion of the site and five stories, or 65 feet, on the west side.

The Bradenton City Council had approved seven- and 10-story buildings.

"We were asked to give them something to work with. It's not to say that we won't get countered," County Commissioner Jane von Hahmann said. "We did what we felt comfortable with today."

The county's proposal left one company official "shocked."

"We'd been led to expect a thoughtful, substantive plan from them, but instead we get a poorly thought-out proposal that would have a negative impact on the environment they claim they're trying to protect," said Ed Hill, president of central Florida operations for St. Joe in a prepared statement. "It's hard to take this seriously."

Company officials said the same number of units in shorter buildings will increase the footprint of the project, causing more harm to the environment.

St. Joe officials said they were willing to spend whatever time and money it takes to win approval for the development in court.

Bradenton officials, who stand to collect $2 million in property taxes once the project is completed, say they are also ready for a legal fight.

"See you in court -- that's the only option," Bradenton Mayor Wayne Poston said. "The county hasn't budged an inch on this thing. I can't believe they would be that arrogant."

Bradenton City Councilman Gene Gallo said the county's proposal ignored traffic, environmental and safety concerns the commission had complained about and focused on just one issue, height.

The county, beach cities and environmentalists have been fighting plans for Perico since 1998, when Bradenton annexed the land over the county's objections.

In 2000 Bradenton approved plans for 898 units in seven- and 10-story buildings. The company cut the number of units but not the height of the buildings after lawsuits were filed opposing that plan.

Bradenton approved a revised plan in June over objections that the development dwarfed other buildings in the area and would crowd a primary hurricane-evacuation route. Lawsuits were filed again in July.

During Tuesday's commission meeting, Commissioner Pat Glass proposed an amendment that would have set five- and seven-story limits as a "good faith offer" and a way to avoid "lengthy litigation," but her amendment failed.

http://www.newscoast.com/apps/pbcs.d...73184864128850

[renner01]

Article published Sep 24, 2004
Developer cuts ties, stalls projects
Lauded as a catalyst for citywide redevelopment, the Wynnton Group leaves unfinished work.

By Kevin McQuaid

SARASOTA -- Ending its often contentious seven-year ties to the city, the developer of Sarasota Renaissance has sold the project to a Miami firm for $14.5 million.

In selling the 11-acre property at U.S. 41 and Sixth Street to America's Capital Partners, the Georgia-based Wynnton Group Inc. leaves behind a legacy of unfulfilled developments.

It also exits Sarasota without having fulfilled its potential. In 2000, for instance, its two projects -- Renaissance and the Five Points Tower downtown -- were the largest planned in the city, with a combined value of $125 million.

But neither reached fruition. At Renaissance, it developed just one of a series of planned buildings, a 16-story, 244-unit condominium complex.

At Five Points, market conditions and resident opposition combined to smash the developer's plans for a 14-story office tower. Wynnton's design for the skyscraper sparked fierce debate about its size and scope.

Wynnton sold the Five Points parcel to Houston-based Ersa Grae Corp. in late 2002 for $3.9 million. Ersa Grae is building a 16-story, mixed-use tower on the property.

But while Wynnton didn't complete either the Five Points skyscraper or Renaissance, its impact on Sarasota will be felt for years.

"As a client, they were a dynamic development company," said John Harshman, president of commercial real estate brokerage firm Harshman & Co. Inc., which represented Wynnton in land sales for both projects.

"They anticipated the rise in the downtown residential market before anyone else," Harshman added.

Like Five Points, Wynnton's Renaissance project was also a lightning rod for opposition.

Many residents complained when Wynnton elected to change the tower from apartments to condominiums, and others griped that the developer had altered the way the building was constructed on the 750 N. Tamiami Trail property.

"Originally, it was laid out as a V shape," said Ernie Babb, who argued before the City Commission that the change was "illegal" because the panel didn't vote on the alterations. Instead of creating a V shape to the highway, the building is parallel to U.S. 41.

Renaissance neighbors in the city's Rosemary Park district also grumbled when Wynnton sold a parcel there intended for a luxury hotel to a developer who planned, but has never completed, a Holiday Inn Express.

Commissioner Richard Martin, on voting for the hotel, described the Renaissance project as "a broken dream."

Neither Wynnton officials nor their New York-based parent company could be reached for comment regarding the sale Thursday.

The arrival

Wynnton arrived in Sarasota in 1997 amid great expectations.

Chosen from a half-dozen developers who submitted plans for the former Mission Harbor site, it paid the city $3.1 million.

It donated another $1 million to the Players Theater, to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and to improve the Cohen Way public housing complex one-half mile away from Renaissance.

City officials lauded Wynnton as the developer that would spark citywide redevelopment.

Two years later, Wynnton began work on Five Points Tower, a site briefly considered as a headquarters for juice giant Tropicana Products Inc.

When Tropicana decided to keep its home base in Bradenton, NationsBank Corp. emerged as the tower's prime tenant. But it got mired in banking industry consolidation and civic objections, and the project stalled.

Wynnton's local denouement had little to do with the banking or real estate markets, though.

It came in mid-November 2001, when Wynnton President Robert Schiffman was arrested in the Newtown section of the city and charged with possessing a gram of cocaine, a felony.

Less than a week later, Schiffman resigned from the Board of Trustees of New College and severed ties with the school's foundation.

"I don't think Mr. Schiffman is happy today," said board chairman Robert Johnson. "I don't think anyone else is happy today."

Despite Schiffman's troubles and his absence from the company after his arrest, Wynnton continued with plans to develop a second condo tower at Renaissance.

The city approved the developer's concept for the 17-story, 205-unit tower in August 2002.

Although the design was similar to the initial condos, Wynnton promised larger units and amenities such as a fitness center, a pool and a Zen garden.

The new Renaissance owner said it doesn't intend to alter the city-approved plan for the tower or future phases, which include town houses and some commercial space.

America's Capital Partners hopes to start construction on the Alinari at the Renaissance early next year, and complete the second tower in late 2006.

Roughly half the units there have been pre-sold, said Chris Cobbs, Renaissance's development manager and a former Wynnton executive.

The units are expected to sell for between $400,000 and $1 million.

"This is a transaction that facilitates bringing in a good, new developer to continue the project," Cobbs said. "We're moving ahead and we're very excited about it."

Officials from the six-year-old Miami development firm, which owns 46 mostly suburban office buildings totaling 4.4 million square feet, declined to be interviewed.

But on its Web site, American Capital Partners lists its goal to become "the largest and most successful real estate owner in the state of Florida."

http://www.newscoast.com/apps/pbcs.d.../-1/ARCHIVES30

[Jasonhouse]

I forgot to tell folks... My G/F is startig a new job in downtown Sarasota on Monday. She will be working in the old Kress building... Poit being, expect me to be down there more frequently, taking more pictures. Hell, I might even get a job there myself and move there if her job goes as well as she hopes.

[renner01]

Article published Oct 4, 2004
Plan to heighten condos faces vote

By Selina Roman

PALMETTO -- Condo developers at Riviera Dunes are fast on their way to building taller towers on the Manatee River.

Developers with Bel Mare at Riviera Dunes want to build 15-story condominium towers instead of the 12-story ones they originally planned. The revised plan means one less building -- three instead of four.

City commissioners will have a first reading and approve it for advertising at its meeting Monday. They will vote on the height increase at their Oct. 18 meeting. Palmetto's planning and zoning board unanimously approved the change last week.

But another Riviera Dunes developer, Laguna, also wants to change its course and build taller towers if commissioners approve Bel Mare.

Jerry Shaw, senior vice president of real estate for Opus South Corporation, which is building Laguna, said going higher is a definite possibility.

"We'll be taking a real hard look at that within the next 60 days," Shaw said.

Laguna's plan calls for five buildings at about seven stories. The first phase is nearly complete, with the second to begin later this year. Shaw said the remaining three buildings could be consolidated into two taller buildings.

Although Palmetto's mayor and commissioners haven't voted on the change, they've given their vocal approval on the project because the changes would mean one less building.

Eric Ball, a city commissioner who represents the entire city, said the Bel Mare plan calls for more open space and a better overall look for the waterfront,

"It looks less crowded," Ball said. "Four would look like one solid wall."

Originally, plans for Bel Mare's 32-acre site called for four 12-story condominiums. Developers recently amended their plans to ask for three taller buildings to allow for more parking at the marina, Mangrove Grille restaurant and proposed retail shops.

The Bel Mare condominiums would contain about 160 homes ranging from $450,000 to $1.2 million and come with amenities such as fitness and business centers, a community room, a lap pool and a handyman workshop. Construction is slated to begin by Nov. 1.

Earlier this year, some existing Riviera Dunes residents balked at the taller plan. But city commissioners said they haven't heard any recent complaints.

"As long as the (people) in the area are satisfied, I don't have any issue with it," Ball said.

Brian Williams, a city commissioner whose district includes Riviera Dunes, said he likes the plan. "It's better to have three buildings than four."

Commissioners will also vote on the city's budget as well as the property tax rate, which will not increase. The meeting is at 7 p.m. Monday in the commission chambers, 516 8th Ave. W.

[renner01]

Posted on Fri, Oct. 15, 2004
Click here to find out more!

15-story condos planned for river

TIM W. McCANN

Herald Staff Writer

PALMETTO - Three condominium towers reaching 15 stories high and capturing scenic views of the Manatee River and beyond make up the latest plan for Riviera Dunes, the growing development on Palmetto's riverfront.

Dubbed Bel Mare at Riviera Dunes, the plan calls for three 190-foot towers instead of four 12-story towers. Developers opted for three in an effort to eliminate what some critics have called a concrete wall of buildings lined along the river.

But developer Corvus International of Florida first needs to get the city's OK to exceed its 130-foot height cap. The development plan goes before the Palmetto City Commission at its 7 p.m. Monday meeting.

Mayor Larry Bustle said Thursday he expects the commission to approve the plan because tall buildings are planned for the city's urban core, where even opponents of tall towers agree they should go. But Bustle acknowledged there are opponents to all tall buildings.

"I'm concerned the issue of high buildings has gotten off the track in Manatee County," Bustle said. "The county needs to discuss it with the cities."

Criticism from county government and residents has hampered recent attempts by developers to gain approval of site plans calling for tall buildings and hundreds of homes on waterfront land in Bradenton and Palmetto.

For example, the city of Bradenton is facing a lawsuit from the county over its approval of 10-story towers on Perico Island, and county leaders also opposed the city's Wednesday approval of 10-story towers on a peninsula. That development, Mangrove Point, drew opposition from county leaders for other reasons, too.

Earlier this spring, some county leaders question the method the city of Palmetto used to calculate density for annexed property. Density is the number of homes per acre.

Bel Mare calls for 186 condo units.

"I think the community needs to have a dialogue on the general subject of height of buildings, density, open space, green space and probably affordable homes," Bustle said. "They're all related."

Developers could not be reached late Thursday for details on the Bel Mare proposal. But when they presented a preliminary site plan to commissioners in March, the site plan was presented as a "mini St. Armands Circle" with condos, restaurants, retail shops, a dog park, recreational opportunities and green space.

During an impromptu gathering with nearby residents in February, developers laid out their plans to ask the city for three 15-story buildings instead of four 12-story ones. Although some residents liked the idea, many feared the tall buildings will block views from their Riviera Dunes single-family homes.
http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradent...al/9922584.htm

[renner01]

High and out of place

Bradenton council should reject Mangrove Point project

Developers have lopped four stories off high-rise condos proposed for the eastern edge of Bradenton. But it's still the wrong project in the wrong spot, and the City Council should reject it.

Today, WCI Communities is scheduled to ask for approval of Mangrove Point, a mix of condos and houses on the Manatee River just east of the Interstate 75 bridge.

The city annexed the site in May 2003. A full year earlier, officials from Bradenton and Manatee County signed the Accord, a growth-management pact that stipulates that the county's regulations for building heights apply to annexed land.

"It is understood," the Accord reads, "that no increase in building height over 35 feet shall be permitted in annexed areas without full public hearing in front of the City Council using the current height ordinance criteria of Manatee County … "

The county's rules are somewhat flexible to take into account a project's design and location, but WCI's four proposed 10-story buildings clearly don't meet the standard.

This project is miles from the county's urban core. It would add to the mounting pressure to line Manatee's waterfront with highrises, contrary to community wishes.

Council members also must consider public safety: The site lies in the highest-priority evacuation zone and is accessible by only one road.

Supporters are likely to point out today that the city would reap tax revenue from this project that could aid revitalization efforts elsewhere. But in their eagerness to solve one problem, city officials shouldn't create a new one that will tower over the community for years to come.

[renner01]

Posted on Tue, Oct. 19, 2004
Click here to find out more!

Development gets go ahead

The plan was approved after negotiations dropped it from four towers to three

AIMEE JUAREZ

Herald Staff Writer

PALMETTO - Developers received a thumbs-up from city commissioners Monday night to build three 15-story towers along the Manatee River at Riviera Dunes.

In a unanimous vote during Monday night's commission meeting, the city of Palmetto allowed developer Corvus International of Florida to exceed the city's 130-foot cap by granting permission to construct the three 190-foot high towers.

"I think we worked very hard over the last 12 months to genuinely communicate with the residents and get their valid input relating to not only our condominium development but also the future retail and what shops they're looking for," developer Tim Vining, principal of Corvus International, told the Herald after the meeting. "We're just glad the commission supported what really is the majority of the feeling at Riviera Dunes."

Dubbed Bel Mare at Riviera Dunes, the plan calls for three towers instead of four 12-story towers.

After numerous meetings with Riviera Dunes residents through the community's homeowners' association, developers opted for the three in an effort to eliminate what some critics have called a concrete wall of buildings lining the waterfront.

"We're all happy with the Corvus corporation in terms of providing us neighbors at Riviera Dunes the opportunity to view the project as it was ongoing and provide us with the opportunity to give them feedback," Charlie Castelli, secretary of the Riviera Dunes homeowners' association, told commission members. "I thought it was kind of unique and actually good for our neighbors to get involved and find out what they did like and what they didn't like."

Patricia Shafer, resident of Riviera Dunes, told commission members that not all of the community's residents agreed with the proposal. Shafer questioned whether approval of the Corvus plan would encourage other developers to follow suit.

"The people that I've talked with bought in our community because we liked Palmetto," Shafer said. "When they came up with 15-story condos, we were upset simply because it was destroying our view of the west that borders the back end of our property. That's what we're going to be looking at - concrete monoliths."

With a proposed 186 condo units, Shafer noted concerns of inadequate infrastructure that may not be able to handle the volume of residents the three towers would draw.

Construction on the Bel Mare project could start in three months, Corvus officials said.
http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradent...al/9954424.htm

[streetscapeer]

Great news!!

[smiley]

Very nice - if only they could do something downtown.

[sarasotan]

County to amend building height caps

By PATTY ALLEN-JONES



patty.allen-jones@heraldtribune.com

SARASOTA COUNTY -- The Sarasota County Commission agreed Tuesday that if developers of mixed residential and commercial developments meet certain conditions, they can build high rises as tall as 110 feet.

The five-member board unanimously voted to change the section of its zoning code that capped building heights in commercial districts at 85 feet. But developers will have to apply for a special exception permit for the additional 25 feet, and get the approval of at least four of the five commissioners.

Such requests will be considered only for mixed-use projects that include such things as community centers and sidewalks that promote walking rather than driving.

Special exceptions were required for buildings up to 85 feet high, said Anne McClung, the manager of planning and development services. Now applicants must get a "special exception with extra criteria."

"The burden of proof will be on the applicant to show the benefit," she said. "You have to prove it's a positive."

The amended height limit is one of many changes to the zoning ordinance, which was updated last year for the first time since 1975. Other amendments address such issues as guest houses, signs, farm or produce stands and roof ornaments.

The board, which held public hearings and workshops this summer, is expected to adopt the amendments when it meets today in North Port. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at North Port City Hall, 5650 North Port Blvd.

According to McClung, developers asked for more flexibility in height restrictions for large-scale developments that incorporated new urbanist concepts such as pedestrian friendly environments.

No height cap was proposed until Tuesday's meeting, when Commissioner Shannon Staub recommended that the buildings not exceed 110 feet, or nine stories, "which is something I would feel comfortable with," she said. The board agreed.

"It makes what I think is a bad policy better," said Commission Chairman Jon Thaxton.

[renner01]

Sandpile poised to go condo soon

KURT D. SCHULTHEIS

Herald Staff Writer

BRADENTON - The first unit of the Promenade at Riverwalk condominium complex will begin to rise from the Sandpile in two weeks after partners with the project closed on construction financing.

The first condo complex, called River Dance, consists of 115 units that range from 1,277 to 2,111 square feet. Pilings for the unit were driven into the ground more than a month ago.

But for a month, the area has had no construction activity. Bradenton Riverfront Partners, the investors of the Promenade project, said they were waiting for the influx of construction money that comes once financing is complete.

"We were able to close on the project and vertical construction on River Dance will begin soon," said Ron Allen, a partner.

Further construction will begin in about two weeks, he said.

The pilings, some of which are taller than others, will get "cut and capped" to fit the dimensions of the building, he said.

River Dance has 115 units and all are sold except for eight.

Condos for the residential buildings are selling at between $286,000 and $575,000.

The multimillion-dollar project, as it is currently drawn, calls for a mixed-use development featuring 350 condos in three, eight-story buildings with parking decks.

There are also plans for five commercial buildings.

Promenade at Riverwalk President Bob Hatfield is looking at the possibility of a redesign for the other structures that call for four total residential buildings that are a bit smaller in size to gain more waterfront views for interested buyers.

Reservations for River Dance have also been converted to sales contracts.

"As the building starts to rise, the new owners will begin working with interior designers for their specific units," Allen said. "They will close on their properties once the building is complete."

Once River Dance is complete, reservations will begin on the second building.

Kurt D. Schultheis, Herald business reporter, can be reached at kschultheis@bradentonherald.com or at 748-0411, ext. 2120.
http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradent...s/10023025.htm

[CBR3]

Sarasota high-rise to break ground

Rivo at Ringling, a 15-story high-rise condominium in the heart of downtown Sarasota's new entertainment and business district, will break ground Nov. 10.

The development will have 92 two- and three-bedroom residences ranging from 1,400 square feet, as well as 14 penthouse residences on the top three floors, each providing more than 3,000 square feet. Following construction on the 2-acre site, the first residences will be available for occupancy in June 2006.

Prices on the units will range from $411,408 to more than $1.4 million.
© 2004 American City Business Journals Inc.

http://tampabay.bizjournals.com/tamp...ml?jst=b_ln_hl