Local developer plans condo for vacant Siesta Key lot

A vacant Siesta Key lot, which has become a popular spot for fishers and sunset gazers, may be on track for new ownership.

Harry Rosenblum, a local developer, turned in a presubmittal to the county to discuss the property at 4740 Ocean Boulevard Feb. 15. His application lists a 9-unit, 4-story condominium building with the first floor reserved for parking. The 0.91-acre lot is currently owned by Jefferson Development Group, a firm located in Louisville, Ken., under the LLC, MK Siesta Property. Jefferson purchased the property in February 2013 for $2.7 million.

Jefferson mocked up a rendering of the future condominium building, dubbed Oceana Condominiums, but the firm’s plans were never completed. The parcel is still listed as an active project with the county.

Rosenblum found the property listed for $5.79 million, but he hasn’t purchased the property—yet. The sale is pending, and he met with the county to discuss the options for the site.

“We’re in an exploratory phase,” Rosenblum said. “It’s a beautiful piece of land. It should become something.”

Rosenblum said he met with county staff to get a feeling for what the best course of action would be for developing the property. Staff drafted the presubmittal review March 6.  The county would be keeping a close watch on his plans, he said, but he got a diverse reaction to developing the property.

“They’re open to responsible development,” he said. 

Surrounding neighbors have always been interested in the property, he said, and there are a lot of stakeholders.

The small space isn’t easy to develop because of the cramped quarters, but Rosenblum’s initial application lists the same general concept that Jefferson had planned. He is confident that something can be built that will complement the area, however.

“You can never underestimate the power of the creative American to come up with an idea,” he said. 

Rosenblum has worked on other projects in Sarasota County, but this would be his first effort on Siesta Key. He was one of the developers behind the Hudson Crossings apartments in downtown Sarasota.