Sarasota Commission Approves Midtown Plaza Development

The city commission voted to allow a new 145-room hotel and 91 apartments to replace a vacant supermarket.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Hospitality

Sarasota Commission Approves Midtown Plaza Development

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The Sarasota City Commission approved a mixed-use development at the former Winn-Dixie site in a 3-2 vote. This decision overturns a prior denial by the planning board, clearing the way for a 145-room hotel and 91 apartments.

Why it matters

The project addresses housing and infrastructure needs by including 23 attainable units and funding for city trust funds, though it moved forward despite vocal concerns from local residents regarding traffic and safety.

The plan authorizes 145 hotel rooms and 91 apartments atop the 45,860-square-foot former Winn-Dixie site. Additionally, the developer is contributing $450,000 to the city's affordable housing trust fund.

The players

Sarasota City Commission

This is the primary legislative body responsible for governing the city of Sarasota and making final decisions on zoning and land-use appeals.

Sarasota Planning Board

This board acts as the city's advisory body for land development and initially rejected the redevelopment proposal for the former Winn-Dixie site.

The details

The approved plan includes 1,861 square feet of commercial space and a three-story parking garage on the site. To mitigate transit concerns, the developer will widen sidewalks along Prospect Street and East Avenue, with buildings permitted to reach a maximum height of 65 feet.

2018: The developer first envisioned the site redevelopment.
September 9, 2026: The Sarasota Planning Board denied the project proposal.
September 16, 2026: The planner filed an appeal of the planning board denial.
October 19, 2026: The City Commission voted to approve the project.

Market Landscape

This development reflects the city's ongoing trend of repurposing vacant retail space to address housing shortages. It highlights the competitive tension between urban density requirements and the pushback from established residential neighborhoods.

Area residents can expect physical changes to the intersection near the site, including widened sidewalks on Prospect Street and East Avenue. The community will also see the addition of 23 attainable housing units, which may impact future housing stock availability.

The takeaway

This approval demonstrates how developers are navigating local zoning disputes by offering community-focused infrastructure improvements. Residents interested in future projects should monitor city commission agendas for discussions regarding infrastructure easements and affordable housing initiatives.