Burns Square gas station scheduled for demolition

After sitting undeveloped for nine years, the property at 300 S. Pineapple Avenue will finally begin to see some activity next week.

On Monday, Nov. 3, crews will begin demolishing the vacant gas station structure at Pineapple Avenue and Ringling Boulevard. The demolition will allow for the groundbreaking of Sansara, a 10-story, 17-unit luxury condominium building planned for the property.

In an earlier interview with the Sarasota Observer, property owner Matt Kihnke said he was hoping to begin construction as early as this May, and targeted a completion date of August 2015.

Although the beginning of work has been pushed back, the developers hope to have some units finished by the end of 2015. The project should be completed by early 2016, according to Jonathan Abrams, a real estate agent with Michael Saunders & Company.

Kihnke said the name of the condominium building — which can refer to the cycle of life, death and rebirth — was fitting for the long-dormant land.

“It’s kind of a zen, meditative connotation,” Kihnke said. “I like the definition of it. It’s a rebirth, and I think that’s kind of a rebirth of that piece of property.”

Contact David Conway at [email protected].