Construction begins on ParkCrest site

EAST COUNTY — Developer Cindy Taylor is moving forward with plans to construct an apartment complex southwest of Bennett Park, despite announcements Manatee County may allow construction of a water park facility there.

“We’re all for adding amenities,” Taylor said, adding the water park, if approved, would be located along Interstate 75 frontage.

The Manatee County Commission approved changes to the final site plan for Taylor’s project, ParkCrest Landings, Oct. 2. The new approval will allow Taylor’s company, CKT Development, to construct an additional three-level, walk-up-style building, bringing the total number of units from 376 to 400 and the number of buildings to 17.

The 67-acre site, located north of State Road 64 and west of Cypress Creek Boulevard at 6219 S.R. 64 E., Bradenton, originally was part of a larger 95-acre site that now houses a car dealership. Commissioners approved a preliminary site plan for the entire site in October 2006, at which time developers planned to construct townhomes.

Taylor said modifying the site to offer apartments, rather than townhomes, meets market demand and also creates more open space on the site plan, which boasts 40 acres of trees and nine acres of lakes. The new site plan also includes two clubhouses, a fitness center, pool and playground.

Taylor said construction on the project already has begun based on prior approvals. Leasing is expected to start in January, and the first renters could move in within 60 days of the opening of the leasing office.

ParkCrest Landings is CKT’s first project in Manatee County, although the Tampa-based company has developed projects in the surrounding area.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].