Stickney Point motels sell for $1.5 million

At the height of the building boom, two parcels next to Siesta Key were slated to become a 10-story condominium. Now, the Tides Inn Motel and Sunset Lodge on Stickney Point Road will continue operating as transient housing with some renovations.

“We’re going to make it more like a resort inside,” said New Jersey rental owner Daniel Jones, who bought the motels for $1.5 million Sept. 5, from Siesta Vista Condominiums, a firm that had planned to redevelop the property, according to Sarasota County building permit records. Jones, who owns eight rental properties units on Siesta, plans to add gardens and a fence around the Stickney Point parcel.

“It’s going to be absolutely adorable” Jones said.

Jones said he didn’t know about Benderson Development’s plans for a project nearby at the intersection of South Tamiami Trail and Stickney Point Road. Siesta Promenade is slates to house 250,000 square feet of retail space and a 150-room hotel.

“I’m excited about that,” Jones said.

The two motel properties last sold for $2.2 million in 2005.