New multifamily development planned for Tamiami Trail

Although no plans have been revealed, a developer has had a pre-application conference with the Sarasota Development Review Committee regarding an upcoming rezoning request for parcels covering the east side of North Tamiami Trail between 17th and 18th streets. 

At 2.88 acres, the property addresses are 1716, 1750 and 1770 N. Tamiami Trail. Developer MCRT Investments is seeking to rezone the property from North Trail to Urban Mixed Use and intends to build approximately 300 multifamily units utilizing the commercial centers and corridors attainable housing density bonus. Of the 300 units, approximately 30 would be identified as attainable. Those numbers may vary depending on the final design of the project. 

The site is partly vacant; the remainder occupied by the Sunshine Inn and Suites. The local government designated the restaurant building as historic. What the developer intends to do is submit an application for a certificate of appropriateness for demolition to the Historic Preservation Board. The city approved a demolition permit for the structure in 2021.

The project is anticipated to include a clubhouse amenity area and internal courtyards. The design will ensure compatibility with surrounding uses and will further develop the North Trail area as the northern gateway into the city. 

Saravela, round two

The DRC also held the first resubmittal hearing for Saravela, a 271-unit multifamily development planned on a 1.7-acre site on the east side of North Tamiami Trail between Fourth and Fifth streets. It will include 30 attainable-designated units, taking advantage of the downtown zone districts' affordable and attainable housing density bonus.

The project made its first appearance before the DRC since its original submission in December 2024.

The eastern portion of the site stands in the Downtown Bayfront zone district and western part in the Downtown Core. As a result, the height of the structure will vary with 18 stories along Tamiami Trail and 11 stories bordering the neighborhood to the west, including one bonus floor as permitted by the affordable housing ordinance.

The property is located across North Tamiami Trail from the luxury Cordelia by Lennar apartments in The Quay and across Fifth Street from the BLVD condominium tower. Vacant commercial buildings currently occupy the site.

Saravela will be required to make a second resubmittal to the DRC.