Apartments planned near Bennett Park

MANATEE COUNTY — As children played on rope obstacles at Tom Bennett Park, developer Wayne Ruben sat at a nearby picnic table and spread out construction drawings for his newest venture.

Just a short distance away, he and business partner Roger Holland, owners of Ruben Holland Construction, have been preparing to unveil their newest project — The Landings at Parkview.

Construction on the Key West-themed apartment complex is expected to start in the next few months, with an anticipated opening in early 2013, Ruben said.

“I think the location can’t be beat — being that close to Interstate 75,” Ruben said. “It’s on the west side of the interstate. We have a great Super Walmart nearby, a Publix nearby and, of course, the park.”

Once finished, the new apartment community, which includes 19 three-story buildings, will wrap around the southwest side of the park. Amenities include a clubhouse and leasing office, barbecue facility, pool and spa, boat and RV parking, a wellness center and several connections to the park itself, where residents will be able to go fishing, play sand volleyball and more.

“We’ve got a jewel next to it,” Ruben said, noting Bennett Park is one of the largest parks in the county. “It’s kind of themed a wellness community.”

Additionally, each apartment has a park and lake view.

“It’s very linear,” Ruben said of The Landings’ layout. “It’s got incredible views from every (unit).”

The project shares an entry road with Tom Bennett Park, off Cypress Creek Boulevard.

Ruben said developers originally had envisioned a development of townhomes but saw the potential for an apartment complex, instead, last June as they studied changes in the housing market.

“The apartment business has become such a strong demand; we’re just moving to that market,” Ruben said. “Our studies showed there was room for us. The demand was higher than expected, even.”

Although both Ruben and Holland are seasoned developers, they have never owned and operated an apartment complex before. They now are looking for a joint venture partner or property management company to lead leasing efforts and oversee the complex itself.

“That’s the piece we’re missing,” Ruben said.

Ruben said his company already has started required off-site improvements, such as adding a turn lane on Cypress Creek Boulevard, among others, and developers now are working to finalize construction drawings.
Additionally, the company soon will be asking the county for approval for a slight project density increase —399 units in total, compared to the 384 for which they already are approved.

Ruben said he hopes to start vertical construction on the apartments in the next four months, and to open the first 250 units in early 2013.

“We’re really excited about it and are looking to bring this to fruition as soon as possible,” Ruben said. “I think it’s a great opportunity and great for the county (overall).”

Construction will be completed by Ruben Holland Construction’s sister company, Holland Construction, which built Tom Bennett Park for Manatee County, Ruben said.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].