City Commission to discuss Players Centre purchase

Looking ahead to the future redevelopment of the bayfront, on Monday, the City Commission will consider the purchase of the Players Centre for Performing Arts property at 838 N. Tamiami Trail.

The theater property is listed for $9.5 million, but City Manager Tom Barwin said residents shouldn’t focus too much on the advertised sales price. If the commission gives its blessing, he said staff will attempt to negotiate a favorable agreement for the city.

“Just because somebody is listing a property for a certain price doesn’t mean that’s the sale price,” Barwin said.

The city identified the Players Centre site as a potential parking solution for a redeveloped bayfront. Sarasota Bayfront 20:20 and the Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization are currently working on developing a master plan for the 42 acres of city-owned land surrounding the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Bayfront planning leaders and city staff have both suggested it would be ideal to have most parking for the bayfront area off-site.

“What I think is most important is that the whole bayfront becomes this spectacular place to go,” said Steven Cover, the city’s planning director. “The less parking on that property, the better.”

Barwin said stakeholders involved with the redevelopment effort have endorsed the use of the Players Centre site to accommodate the needs of the bayfront. The bayfront planning group has suggested the use of a property on the other side of Tamiami Trail would help establish a link between the bayfront district and the rest of the city.

“They were very strong and consistent in seeing this as a key part of the potential solution to the connectivity challenge,” Barwin said.

Ian Black, whose real estate company is listing the property, said he’s seen renewed interest from prospective purchasers after lowering the asking price from $12.5 million to $9.5 million in May. 

Materials included with Monday’s City Commission agenda identify the property as a potential “mixed-use site.” Barwin said the city could work with a private partner to incorporate some commercial aspects into any project.

The city manager said the city would consider a variety of funding mechanisms to support any purchase — if the City Commission directs staff to proceed with negotiations. Although he diverted attention from the listing price for the property, he said the city should be forward-looking and potentially consider a significant investment if officials believe it will have a lasting impact.

“When you look at the community as a whole, it’s a big house,” Barwin said. “Every once in a while, you improve your house.”

Also on the agenda for Monday’s commission meeting:

• The board will hear a presentation from residents at the Essex House condominiums on Palm Avenue regarding the construction of the neighboring Echelon on Palm condo building. Essex House residents have reported several incidents in which material from the construction site have fallen onto their property.
• The city will discuss specifics regarding the creation of a tree advisory committee. At its last meeting, the commission decided a citizen advisory board was its best option to refine the city’s tree protection ordinance.
• The commission will vote to officially rename Pineapple Park for Paul Thorpe, whose contributions to the city earned him the nickname Mr. Downtown.
• The board will discuss a potential settlement agreement with the county regarding the ongoing dispute about the end of the downtown Community Redevelopment Area.

The full agenda for Monday’s meeting can be found on the city website.