Broker wins bid to sell space in $7.3M project

SARASOTA — Local commercial real estate firm Ian Black Real Estate won a bid for exclusive rights to list properties for sale on the mixed-use side of a proposed downtown Sarasota parking garage.

The $7.3 million public garage project, on State Street, is still in the design phase, according to a release. Sarasota city officials have debated several aspects of the garage, though it's likely to have more than 400 parking spots and a mix of commercial and retail space. The garage would replace the existing public parking lot on State Street.

City officials, according to the release from Ian Black Real Estate, would like to have the commercial spaces sold prior to construction, so there aren't empty units when the garage opens. City officials hope to have the design and engineering approved by the end of 2013.