Retail center, hotel planned at Siesta Promenade

Published: Thursday, June 26, 2014 at 5:27 p.m. Last Modified: Thursday, June 26, 2014 at 5:27 p.m.

SARASOTA - Benderson Development is taking initial steps to start building a 250,000-square-foot retail lifestyle center with a 150-room hotel at the corner of U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road.

The center will blend entertainment with dining and shopping, similar to what Westfield Group has planned for Southgate Mall at Bee Ridge Road and Tamiami Trail, a property that began renovations earlier this year.

Officials with Manatee County-based Benderson presented the project, called Siesta Promenade, to a Sarasota County development review committee this week. A formal workshop with residents in nearby neighborhoods was held Thursday night.

Siesta Promenade would group relatively small retail buildings lined around the edges of the center. Shoppers would park in the middle and walk to restaurants, bars and shops.

While Benderson did not name any retailers interested in opening in the center, the demand for space along the Stickney Point and U.S. 41 corridor is strong, said Todd Mathes, the companys director of development.

Initial plans call for development to begin by spring 2015, Mathes said. The 24-acre property was previously a mobile home park. It has been vacant for some time.

Interest in bringing new retail and restaurant options to south Sarasota has increased in recent months.

Last month, Benderson Development announced that Total Wine and Sports Authority will open in the renovated Pelican Plaza on U.S. 41 near Sarasota Square Mall, not far from where Hobby Lobby, a craft store chain that is new to the market, opened last year.

All of a sudden a huge demand popped up in this area. Its amazing, Mathes said.

See the rest here:
Retail center, hotel planned at Siesta Promenade