Demolition underway at Sarasota Square Mall

Demolition is underway at Sarasota Square Mall, where developers plan to create a mixed-use project that includes commercial, residential and event space.

Sarasota County issued a demolition permit in December for the property at 8201 S. Tamiami Trail, and multiple sections of the building are being demolished as of Feb. 18. Heaps of rock and metal are piled in front of gaping holes where the mall structure used to be.

Demolition of Sarasota Square Mall is an estimated $1 million job, according to county records, which say the building is made of concrete, steel, metal studs, drywall, tiles, stone, glass and many other specialty finishes throughout the interior.