Wawa among proposed Fruitville projects

Prolific local developer Jim Bridges is behind plans for a new Wawa near downtown Sarasota. And he’s not the only investor eyeing the Fruitville Road corridor. 

JBCC Development filed initial plans for the gas station and convenience store — which has a rapidly growing presence in the area — earlier this month. Next week, the city’s development review committee will discuss the proposal for the new 5,800-square foot building at the corner of Fruitville and North Lime Avenue, which is across the major thoroughfare from Sarasota Lanes.

Bridges has partnered with commercial real estate broker Clint Conway, a senior investment advisor with Sperry Van Ness, on the project. 

The Wawa would sit on about 1.82 acres of land, and become the first of the brand within the city limits. A Wawa opened at the corner of Myrtle Street and North Washington Boulevard earlier this year, and Tampa-based Brightwork Real Estate last year began the permitting process for another one about two blocks from the latest proposed Wawa.

Brightwork representatives did not respond to a message for comment on that project.

Closer to downtown, but also on Fruitville, Oaktree Development has submitted plans for a five-unit commercial plaza at the corner of East Avenue North. A single family home currently sits on the property. According to the development application, each retail space in the proposed building is slated to occupy 1,500 square feet of space.