10-story Hilton-branded hotel proposed in downtown Sarasota

A new 125-room, select service hotel is being proposed for three buildings on the south side of the 1500 block of Fruitville Road in downtown Sarasota. 

Developer Florida Holdings LLC, which lists an address in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, plans to build a nine-story Tempo Hotel, a Hilton brand, on parcels at 1524, 1534 and 1542 Fruitville Road. Those parcels currently have single-story-businesses with a combined floor area of 9,919 square feet. Businesses in those storefronts, at an end of Fruitville leading into one of the busiest traffic circles in Sarasota, include an interior design and home furnishings studio and an antiques store. 

The project had its first appearance before the city’s Development Review Committee Dec. 4. The 0.46-acre site is narrow, located between Fruitville Road and an alley to the rear, presenting multiple challenges that will require approval of adjustments from both the Planning Board and the city’s Director of Development Services. Because the property is in the Downtown Core zone district, it will not require approval of the City Commission.