New P.F. Chang's construction wrapping up

Construction of a new P.F. Chang’s restaurant at the corner of U.S. 41 and Osprey Avenue is nearing completion.

Construction of the 6,900-square-foot, stand-alone building began in December, and crews are in the process of wrapping up construction. The restaurant is expected to open June 17, said developer Mark Kauffman, of Bayou Associates Ltd., who purchased the property in June 2012.

In a construction milestone, crews recently installed the pair of trademark horses in front of the restaurant. On Tuesday, workers were installing tile around the base of one of the horses. P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Inc. plans to open the doors to the new downtown Sarasota well before the 2013 fall season.

Kauffman expects to secure an occupancy permit next week for the building.