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NewsYourobserverJuly 1, 2026Sarasota County

Plans for New Shore Restaurant and Boutique on St. Armands Circle

The owners of the Shore restaurant and boutique are planning a major redevelopment of their flood-damaged St. Armands Circle property, aiming to reopen by early 2028. The project includes a restaurant, retail space, a cafe, and a third-floor residential area, with significant engineering upgrades to prevent future flood damage.

zoningcommercial developmentflood mitigationst. armands circlemixed-use development
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Why It Matters

The project requires city approval for a 17,000-square-foot building that includes a third-floor residential space, which has historically faced opposition from local residents and merchants concerned about potential hotel development.

Key Facts

  • The project is scheduled for an initial review by the city's Development Review Committee on July 15.
  • The proposed building is approximately 17,000 square feet of mixed-use space.
  • The design includes a restaurant, retail boutique, cafe, and a third-floor residential area.
  • The third floor is currently planned as a shell with 4,580 square feet of residential space, including four suites and a gym.
  • The project aims for completion by early 2028.
  • The building is located in the city's only Commercial Tourist (CT) zone district.
  • The project includes flood-proof glass costing $5,000 per linear foot at 10 feet high.
  • The structure will feature a 20-inch slab to support the flood-proofing infrastructure.
  • The developer is seeking to avoid the FEMA 50% rule, which limits renovations on flood-prone properties.
  • The third floor is currently permitted only for residential use, not as a hotel.

Who's Mentioned

personTom Leonard“Owner of Shore restaurant and boutique and partner in the development project.”organizationFEMA“Federal agency with regulations regarding flood-prone property renovations.”organizationDevelopment Review Committee“City committee scheduled to review the project on July 15.”locationSt. Armands Circle“The site of the proposed development.”organizationTommy Bahama“Current tenant of the building at 465 John Ringling Blvd.”personMark Kauffman“Commercial property developer and partner in the project.”organizationKauffman Shore Properties LLC“Partnership between Tom Leonard and the Kauffman family developing the site.”personMindy Kauffman“Partner in the project.”