Two long-discussed luxury condominium projects — Waldorf Astoria Sarasota and the Mira Mar project — have now received full site plan approval. Together, they represent a potentially significant change for the core of downtown Sarasota.

The importance of these projects is not limited to the 156 new condominium units they would add. Both projects also include significant ground-floor retail space, which could help reshape the pedestrian experience, add new activity at street level, and strengthen the connection between Five Points Park, Main Street, Palm Avenue, and the surrounding downtown blocks.

With full site plan approval now in place, both projects may move toward building permit applications and other pre-construction steps. Construction will not begin immediately, but these approvals mark an important milestone for two projects that have been discussed for some time.

Waldorf Astoria Sarasota

The 86-unit Waldorf Astoria condominium project at Five Points Park has received full site plan approval. In practical terms, this means the developer has received detailed conceptual approval for the project’s core elements and may now proceed to the building permitting phase.

Based on information DSCA has received, demolition of the existing Zenith Building on the site could begin in early 2027, with construction of the completed project anticipated to take approximately two years.

Mira Mar Project

The Mira Mar project has also received full site plan approval, marking another important step for a project that has been under discussion for some time.

In the case of Mira Mar, the site plan approval covers both the restoration of the historic Palm Avenue retail shops and units, as well as the proposed two-tower, 70-unit condominium project. This makes the approval especially notable because it involves both historic preservation and new downtown residential development.

As with the Waldorf Astoria approval, full site plan approval does not mean construction begins immediately. It means the project has completed the City’s site plan review process and can move toward building permit applications and other pre-construction steps.

DSCA will continue to follow the project as more information becomes available regarding timing, permitting, and construction activity.

1260 North Palm Avenue

Formerly the Obsidian Project

This long-standing application came before the City Commission on April 4 and, for the second time, the site plan was denied. Members of the Bay Plaza condominium and other members of the public were in attendance.

With this second rejection, the applicant now appears to have three possible paths forward: withdraw the application, return to the mediation process, or pursue legal action against the City in circuit court. As we go to press, no further developments have been reported.

Adagio Project Receives Partial DRC Sign-Off

The proposed Adagio project, located at the intersection of Ringling Boulevard and Palm Avenue, came before the Development Review Committee on May 20. The project includes 134 condominium units and 75 attainable housing units.

At the meeting, the project received partial sign-off. This indicates that most of the materials necessary for further administrative review have now been received.

The concern for DSCA is what comes next. With partial sign-off, further consideration of the project may now continue administratively, without additional public review.

The project has generated concern due to its proximity to adjacent buildings and its overall mass and scale. DSCA has now made a third request asking the developer to hold a public community workshop. While the developer is not required to hold a community workshop, City staff have encouraged the developer to do so.

DSCA will continue to monitor the project and report as more information becomes available.