Planning Board Rejects Condominium Tower in Downtown Sarasota

The Sarasota Planning Board has rejected the plans for the development of Obsidian Residences, a planned 18-story condominium tower that will rise to 342 feet in downtown Sarasota, making it the tallest building in Sarasota. The Planning Board voted 4-1 against the project, citing street level retail and commercial space does not comply with the zoning district. In the Downtown Bayfront zoning district, the zoning requires 100% of the street frontage in new developments to be utilized for commercial or retail space. The architect submitted a plan that would increase the ground level retail space from 640 feet to 3,850 square feet and eliminate some of the ground-level parking spaces, but the board did not accept the changes. The developers are expected to appeal the decision to the City Commission. In June, the development received partial approval from the Sarasota Development Review Committee, however the zoning code exceptions were later rejected. Obsidian Residences would feature only 14 residences, each one will occupy its own floor. Amenities will include a rooftop pool, fire pit, spa, and lounge, wine tasting room, card and game lounge, humidor – cigar lounge, bocce ball court, golf simulator experience, full guest suite, state of the art fitness center, indoor/outdoor yoga and meditation studio, hot tub, sauna, steam room, and cold plunge, massage/physical therapy room, and meeting & club room. The location is within walking distance of shopping and dining venues.

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