Medallion considers three plans

Medallion Home could be joining the rush in Manatee County to provide assisted-living facilities.

The development at 8945 77th Terrace E., off Town Center Parkway, has a proposed use of a 66,800-square-foot office park with a 234-bed assisted-living facility.

“With the demographics we have here, it’s not surprising there’s consideration for that,” said Sharon Hillstrom, the director of the Manatee County Economic Development Corp. “It’s really driven by demographics.”

Hillstrom said assisted-living facilities are popping up all over Manatee County.

However, Medallion has submitted three possible uses for the 20 acres tucked between Interstate 75 and Lakewood Ranch.

The developer has submitted preliminary plans for a 133,000-square-foot office park; the office park and assisted-living facility or 200 multifamily units.

“We think the site is a great site, but we’re not sure what to do with it,” said Pete Logan, vice president of Medallion. “We’re asking them to approve all three options.”

The project is working its way through the county’s planning process and will require approval by the Manatee County Commission.

Logan said it’s too early to determine which scenario will prove best for the market. The proposed number of units and multi-family buildings are unknown at this time.

If Medallion chooses multifamily as a preferred option, the application states a bridge and stormwater ponds would be the focal point for the proposed residential development.

Building codes limit building height for residential buildings to 35 feet, however the applicant is proposing three stories (42 feet) for the assisted-living facility, or 80 feet (five stories over parking) for multifamily structures. Manatee County commissioners will have to determine if the request is compatible with the surrounding area and does not create any negative impacts on surrounding development.