Residents respond to lease marketing for Main Plaza

It was once home to a Benetton store, Friedman’s Jewelry and Big Olaf Creamery. But decades after its development in 1986, Sarasota Main Plaza fell into near abandonment.

Originally designed to be an upscale mall, the shopping center at 1991 Main St. now houses government offices, corporate services for Sarasota Memorial Hospital and restaurants. That could change, as Ian Black Real Estate begins marketing more than 80,000 square feet inside the building for sale or lease.

“We’re creating additional space by taking in common areas and giving this building its own identity,” said Ian Black.

The Observer Group’s digital news team gathered input from businesses, residents and city officials on the future of Main Plaza. See what they said in our online video at YourObserver.com.

READERS’ WISH LIST
Observer readers responded on Facebook with ideas for the future of Main Plaza.

“A family fun center with laser tag, arcade, (skee ball), climbing walls and other fun activities!” — Carolyn Davis Cockey

“Dave & Buster’s.” — Jacob Truong

“Shopping and services targeted toward a younger demographic. We have enough retail oriented toward the snowbirds ... ”
— Nemo De Tuo Negotio