Sandal shop may take over former Siesta 7-Eleven

After a sale earlier this year, the former convenience store is slated for retail development, with the Key West Sandal Factory leading the list of potential tenants.

By Anna Brugmann
| 4:13 p.m. June 14, 2016

Mark Smith architects shared this rendering of the plans for the new building. The owners hope to have a tenant moved in by the beginning of 2017.

Sarasota
News

A faded sign and a message written in white paint on the front doors are all that remain of the former 7-Eleven on Ocean Boulevard on Siesta Key.

“Yes, we’re seriously closed,” the now-chipped paint reads — but the vacant convenience store will not be closed for long.

Although cars are parked in the former 7-Eleven parking lot at 5232 Ocean Blvd., a new tenant isn't slated to move in until the end of the year.

Property owners Jay Lancer and Jim Syprett, along with architect Mark Smith, are moving forward with plans to prepare the former convenience store in the village for a retail tenant.

Renovations will include the addition of windows to the front of the building and the expansiono f the structure by 1,100 square feet.

Smith filed a permit request for renovations on Friday. He hopes to finish exterior construction and pass on the property to a tenant for interior renovations by Aug. 1.

Syprett has several tenants already interested in the property, including Key West Sandal Factory. Though no leases have been signed, Syprett said the sandal chain is the leading candidate at this time.

“It’s the right thing, I think, for the village, because I think the village needs a good mix of retail and restaurants.” Syprett said.

He hopes to have all interior renovations finished and a tenant settled in the space by the beginning of 2017.