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Sarasota's Mira Mar restoration possible if rezone allows two 18-stroy condo towers, say architects

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Updated  January 24, 2025 5:29pm EST
Sarasota
FOX 13 News

Redevelopment plans for Sarasota's Mira Mar Plaza

FOX 13's Kimberly Kuizon reports.

The Brief

    • Business owner says Mira Mar brings a sense of peace to Sarasota.
    • Previous owner filed a permit for demolition, but it was denied.
    • Architects say two 18-story condo towers would bring new life to Mira Mar.

SARASOTA, Fla. - When you step foot into Sarasota Massage located in the Mira Mar Plaza in downtown Sarasota, there is a sense of peace. 

"Every single time I have a client walk in here, they come in and say wow, it’s so beautiful and pretty," said Diane Lane. 

Lane told FOX 13 that’s largely due to the historic feel of the 102-year-old building. 

"The lighting is gorgeous, the energy is really beautiful," she said. 

The backstory:

Three years ago, when the previous owner of the Mira Mar filed for a demolition permit, Lane was one of many voices who objected. 

The city of Sarasota’s historical preservation board denied the permit. 

"You can’t keep taking out the charm and the history. It’s that it’s that cohesive element of history and charm that makes a magnificent city," she said. 

But then the question became, how to preserve the Mira Mar? 

"It needs foundations, it needs piles, small piles we will have to drill inside. It’s a wood construction building. There’s been a lot of termite damage over the years," said Rick Gonzalez the President of REG Architects. 

Gonzalez and Igor Reyes, the Principal of Nicholas Architects, have a plan. 

"We need $29 to $30 million to restore these buildings. It’s been 100 years," said Gonzalez. 

What they're saying:

To pay for the restoration, architects suggest a rezone of the land that would allow two 18-story condo towers. 

"By having the condos for sale we will find the 30 million dollars to be able to pay for the restoration," said Gonzalez. 

Reyes agreed. 

"Those two towers will be able to make the economic engine to make the rehabilitation of this building possible," he said. 

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The condos would bring 70 residential units and be designed to fit the style of the Mira Mar. 

Retail would remain below, and affordable office space will still be offered on the second floor of the historic building. 

"It’s not just making it nicer. It’s really restoring the glory when it was first built and how beautiful it was back in the 20s," said Reyes. 

Still in its early stages, the design and idea will have to go through a rezoning first. 

"The sooner we can get these buildings restored the better so they’ll last longer," said Gonzalez. 

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