City of Sarasota issues permit for Mira Mar Residences
This week, the City of Sarasota issued the permit for construction to begin at Mira Mar Residences, a limited collection of 70 estate-style bayfront residences across two 18-story towers and set to rise above South Palm Avenue.
All tenants have moved out of the more than 100-year-old structure and initial construction will focus primarily on the rehabilitation of the historic portions of the existing buildings first, then moving to preliminary residential tower construction before coming back to finalize rehabilitation of the historic buildings.
“This is an incredibly important milestone that has been years in the making,” said Patrick DiPinto, owner of Seaward Development and developer of Mira Mar Residences. “It officially kicks off the rehabilitation portion of the project and to be stewards of the history and legacy at this site is an incredibly humbling position that we take very seriously.”
Most of the interior work will take place inside the walls and underground, all overseen by Rick Gonzalez, president of REG Architects. Gonzalez is a nationally recognized historic restoration expert, who was recently appointed to the National Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.
“Everything being done in the beginning will be to stabilize the current structure and to not jeopardize the strength of the building,” said Gonzalez. “This is an exciting process that has to be done right, and that starts with the interior. The first things we will start on will include placing a construction fence around the property, as well as stabilizing and reinforcing the foundation of the existing historic building.”
REG Architects will direct the local arm of the general contracting team from Suffolk Construction, a group with extensive historic rehabilitation experience. The team from Suffolk Construction most recently completed the billion-dollar restoration of the iconic Waldorf Astoria New York in Midtown Manhattan that preserved landmarked interior elements.
“At Suffolk, we are honored to help bring new life to such an iconic Sarasota landmark,” said Brian Stathers, project executive for Suffolk. “Our team will leverage advanced technologies, including digital modeling and real-time project controls, to carefully restore the historic structures while preparing for the new residential towers. By combining innovation with deep expertise in complex rehabilitations, we’re proud to help preserve the site’s legacy while contributing to the continued revitalization of the surrounding community.”
The Seaward Development team is in discussion with multiple first-to-market dining groups and shopping retailers to fill the commercial space along Palm Avenue at the front of the building, spanning nearly 400 feet down South Palm Avenue and encompassing an acre and a half of land and approximately an entire city block.
“This project is like nothing else being built in Sarasota, with its extensive setbacks that will allow for an open-air lobby, outdoor dining for lunch and dinner, shopping at street level, and wide sidewalks, offering connection and activation in this exclusive downtown location,” said DiPinto.
Mira Mar was the city’s first hotel and first luxury residences, and the site had a casino, auditorium and cigar factory.
“It’s really exceptional that we have our incredible century-old story, plus incredible bayfront views as far as the eye can see,” said DiPinto. “We believe preserving the long-standing century old tradition of the Mira Mar adds incredible long-term value to the community, and ultimately, our owners are the beneficiaries of this vision.”
The adaptive reuse project is being touted by architects and historians as a case study for the state of Florida in historic restoration.
The collection of condominium residences will feature three- and four-bedroom homes designed to reflect Sarasota’s history while offering modern luxury and convenience with sweeping water views on the top floors, unmatched amenities and refined interiors.
The open-concept floor plans will be complemented by private elevator access, outdoor terraces, designer fixtures, a chef ’s kitchen and custom scullery, quartz countertops, custom-paneled Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, and a grand island, among others.
Owners will also enjoy private access to best-in-class amenities, including an owners’ speakeasy lounge with stunning bayfront views, resort-style lap pool, massage therapy rooms, yoga and social lawn, infrared saunas, steam rooms, entertaining space with bar area and sunset terrace, a dog park and more.
The buildings are expected to be completed by the end of 2028 and reservations for the condominiums are being accepted now. The sales gallery is located down the street from the building site, at 1258 North Palm Avenue in Sarasota.
For more information or to learn about Mira Mar Residences, visit MiraMarsarasota.com.