New apartment development on horizon for Sarasota's Park East area

Redevelopment of downtown properties for new multifamily residential continues to migrate eastward with the initial submittal of Fruitville Gateway, a 274-unit low-rise apartment project, to the city’s Development Review Committee.

The site, which currently consists of 22 parcels and 3.14 acres, stands between Washington Boulevard and East Boulevard, fronting Fruitville Road and Fourth Street. It is taking advantage of the city’s downtown affordable housing bonus density program and will include 30 units priced as attainable and affordable for households at or below 80%, 100% and 120% area median income.

The project, which will be located on the edge of the Park East neighborhood, will be developed by American Land Ventures, a limited liability corporation based in Miami.

In introducing the project to the DRC at its March 19 meeting, Philip DiMaria of consultant Kimley-Horn said it will be an apartment building varying in height up to five stories. It will feature a five-story, off-street parking garage for residents located internal to the project. Amenities will include a 2,216-square-foot gym and an approximately 7,524-square-foot courtyard, a 7,012-square-foot clubhouse and swimming pool on the top level. 

Besides administrative approval, Fruitville Gateway will require two Planning Board adjustments to permit access to off-street parking and a loading area along a primary street. In addition, an administrative adjustment is requested to increase the maximum building setback along East Avenue to preserve a grand tree.

The development does not include the entire block. Remaining is an office building at the southwest corner of Fruitville Road and East Boulevard and the convenience store/gas station on Washington Boulevard between Fruitville Road and Fourth Street.

With a significant amount of staff comments remaining to be addressed, the project will require a resubmittal to the DRC.