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SRQ DAILY Dec 6, 2016

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"We have this opportunity to develop a really premiere waterfront project."

- Liz Alpert, Sarasota City Commissioner
 

[Development]  Quay Plan Wins Approval
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

A development plan for the waterfront site that once served as home to the Quay won approval from Sarasota City Commissioners on Monday. GreenPointe Holdings now has 10 years to move ahead with the mixed use development. What the final construction looks like, though, will be decided at future site plan approvals done for every block of the project. “This is an exciting, creative project,” says City Commissioner Suzanne Attwell. “It can’t come soon enough.”

The commission voted 4-1 for the development plan and a series of related requests regarding the project. City Commissioner Susan Chapman cast the lone dissenting vote, citing the uncertainty about how the new construction on the Sarasota Bayfront could transform a critical part of the city. “This has the potential for nine 18-story high-rises, which has a huge impact on our city,” said Chapman Monday night. 

But developers say that won’t happen. While any given block in the project could legally be constructed at up to 18 stories per city code, a plan that would do so with the allowable density on the property doesn’t make market sense. The development plan allows for 695 residential units, 175 hotel rooms, 38,972 square feet of office space and 189,050 square feet of commercial use over the 14.65-acre site. Additionally, GreenPointe attorney Charlie Bailey noted that each block will have to go through a site plan process and public hearing before any vertical construction occurs. “This is the most transparent and well vetted development review process I’ve ever been involved with,” Bailey said. 

The Quay site has long been a frustrating vacant space in downtown Sarasota. The name comes from a mixed-use development once on the land. After purchasing the site in the early 2000s, Developer Patrick Kelly’s Irish American Company in 2007 won approval for a similar development density on site and a plan with three 18-story towers. The old Quay was torn down and the land cleared for the new project when, at the dawn of the Great Recession, ownership disputes arose. Ultimately, the property was seized as a toxic asset by the Irish government. GreenPointe purchased the land in 2014. 

Irish American’s approval can be acted upon until 2018 but GreenPointe officials say a new plan will allow for better public access and a more marketable project. Chapman expressed concern the new approval means almost 10 more years for developers to act. But City Commissioner Liz Alpert says this deal is far preferable to the old deal expiring and the project being developed piecemeal. “We have this opportunity to develop a really premiere waterfront project,” she said Monday. “We would be remiss not to take advantage.” 

[PINC]  Making the Unthinkable Unsinkable
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

When Filip Jonker chooses a material with which to construct something, the choices don’t just seem odd; they sound impossible. He’s made ceramic racecars and cardboat tugboats with enough structural integrity to handle crossing the English Channel. The founder of Ortega Submersibles will be a guest speaker at the PINC conference in Sarasota on Thursday. We spoke with him about material subjects.

Are you ever trying to convey a particular message when you select a material to use in unorthodox ways? Jonker: Most of the time, a material for a product is chosen on either an effective or aesthetic approach. I rather look at their limitations and try to break them. We tend to look at the limitations of materials and this also applies to our thoughts and dreams. I think that everything is possible and no dream should be withdrawn just because there are some limits set to it. There are none, and if there are, they certainly should not come from you.

What challenges prove the most perplexing when dealing in the world of fast submersibles? It’s possible to make a working submersible with a small team and with little budget. The perplexing thing is that bigger, far more experienced and well-known companies somehow collectively seem to forget about the Sleeping Beauty project. Industry insiders directly recognized the origin of the shape of our Sub and told us: “Why didn’t we come up with that?”  

[Daily Shop]  Sweet Mess
Taylor Young

This holiday season gift a mom (or yourself) peace of mind. Babies can be extremely messy—when lunchtime comes around, so does the stress of your kiddo ruining their new clothes. Bella Tunno wonder bib catches spills before you have to—not to mention it’s easy to clean, PVC and BPA free. Sold at Sweet Repeats & Boutique, this bib is definitely a must-have for all the mothers in your life. Stop by the local baby store and see all the benefits of this wonderful clean machine, just in time for gifting the newest little member of the family.  

Sweet Repeats & Boutique, 2823 US 301 N, Ellenton, 941-479-4959.

[Exec Moves]  $5.44 Million Estate Rests On Largest Available Lot

A $5.44 million waterfront estate has hit the market on Longboat Key on 2.5 acres of property, the largest tract of land available on the island. The residence stands 52 feet tall with three levels of living space and a rooftop terrace. Coldwell Banker residential real estate’s Oliver Giesser of the company’s Longboat Key office has the listing at 5444 Gulf of Mexico Drive. 

Coldwell Banker

[Synergy]  Selby Gardens And New College Partner Up

New College of Florida and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens have established a formal collaboration between the education and research departments with a focus on plant science, conservation and public outreach. The agreement sets a path for sharing research facilities providing international internship opportunities to students and adjunct positions for staff to work for both organizations and also assists Selby Gardens by offering opportunities for project collaboration. The partnership will be overseen by Dr. Brad Oberle, assistant professor of biology at New College, and Bruce K. Holst, director of botany at Selby Gardens. 

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

[Hires]  Johnson Joins Miromar Realty

Miromar Development announced the addition of Ryan Johnson to the real estate sales team at Miromar Lakes Beach and Golf Club. An award-winning Florida-licensed Realtor, Johnson brings with him more than 19 years of experience in all aspects of residential and commercial development from planning and construction to sales.  

Miromar Realty



[SOON]  BUSINESS: 2017 Home of the Year Call for Entries , December 9 – January 6, Submissions must be received digitally by SRQ Magazine by 4pm.

You are invited to participate in the 13th SRQ Annual Home of the Year competition brought to you by SRQ magazine. Our panel of expert judges will review entries based on innovation, functionalisty and overall design aesthetic toname SRQ's Home of the Year Platinum, Gold and Silver awards. Local professionals are invited to submit their best work in architecture and home design by the Call for Entries Deadlline of Friday, December 9, 2016 by 4pm.

SRQ MEDIA, 331 S. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  THEATER: Clever Little Lies , December 14 – March 4

Clever Little Lies by Joe DiPietro is an edgy yet hilarious show that challenges our beliefs about the sanctity of marriage. Most suitable for college aged students and adults, this play will be held in the Keating Theatre. Subscriptions and single tickets are available online or by calling the FST box office. 

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Avenue

SRQ Media Group

SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

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