Developer proposes three-story mixed-use project on St. Armands

A three-story, mixed-use development with retail space, a popular restaurant, a cafe, a bodega and a courtyard-style pool is the vision for a piece of property on the edge of St. Armands Circle in Sarasota. 

Documents submitted to the city of Sarasota’s Development Review Committee show tentative plans for two parcels on northeastern quadrant of the circle, at the Madison Drive corner. A pre-application conference for the Shore Restaurant is listed on the Dec. 17 agenda, describing a renovation of .33-acres to a mixed-use project which includes “a restaurant, retail space, and approximately eight residential units” at 24 and 28 N. Boulevard of the Presidents.

Image courtesy of Kimley-Horn & Associates

Shore Restaurant, with locations on Longboat Key and near Orlando, previously had a St. Armands Circle location, but it closed in late 2024 after suffering flooding damage from hurricanes. Shore co-founder Tom Leonard said at the time infrastructure issues on the circle “forced us to re-evaluate our future here.” A Tommy Bahama Restaurant and store opened there, in the former Shore at 465 John Ringling Blvd., in September. (Tommy Bahama Restaurant had operated a location at 371 St. Armands Circle for about 15 years before moving to the former Shore spot.) 

Shore’s potential return meanwhile, according to the DRC agenda, comes through a pre-application conference with United Associates Ltd. and Kauffman Family Prtshp #1 Ltd listed as the applicant of the project. (United Associates and Kauffman Family are connected to Dr. Mark Kauffman, a prolific Sarasota property owner and developer; his daughter Mindy Kauffman; and Sarasota-based Red Property Management, according to Florida Department of State records.)

Rezoning from Commercial Tourist will not be necessary, but there are many steps before the project is finalized or approved, starting with the pre-application conference during which city staff will discuss any potential issues or needed steps with the developers and Development-Review Committee. According to a city of Sarasota development application, there are a possible 17 steps needed after which include traffic studies, site plan submittal and community workshops.

Image courtesy of Kimley-Horn & Associates

According to a packet submitted to the DRC by consultants Kimley-Horn and Associates, the proposed project would combine 24 and 28 N. Boulevard of the Presidents into one building while adding a third floor. The project will be completed in three phases, which includes a partial demolition and renovation.

“The scope of this renovation will be substantial but carefully calibrated to stay within the maximum limits permitted by the city’s zoning code,” the Kimley Horn packet states. “By approaching the project in carefully planned phases, the development team aims to reopen an iconic destination in a resilient manner that respects local regulations, while preserving and enhancing the unique character of this iconic Sarasota locale.”

This article originally appeared on sister site YourObserver.com.