Gateway plaza gets new owners

MANATEE COUNTY — The commercial plaza deemed as the ‘gateway’ to Lakewood Ranch is under new ownership.

A company called 8515 SR 70 Lllp, owned by Ron Wolf, has purchased Gateway to the Ranch, located on either side of the Rosedale community, out of foreclosure for about $1.9 million. ICORR Properties International, of which Wolf is managing broker, announced Nov. 18 it will handle leasing and management.

“We’re in acquisition mode,” said Earl Fossum, vice president of property management for ICORR. “We saw great potential here with the growth of Lakewood Ranch.”

Fossum said the future addition of Walmart and other retailers to the area east of Interstate 75 and throughout Lakewood Ranch will help foster a positive synergy for tenants in the plaza.

The western Gateway to the Ranch Plaza already is fully leased with tenants including Manatee Golf, Maxillofacial Sugery Associates, Great Florida Insurance and We Fix Computers. The remaining plaza farther east, has about 16,000 square feet available for lease, although 2,200 square feet is under contract. Leasing Manager Susanne Stovall said the company already has seen interest, with potential tenants including restaurants, a hair salon, a childcare center and more.

ICORR plans to invest up to $50,000 in improving the overall plaza by painting buildings, repairing light fixtures, improving landscaping and adding signage to give the plaza more visibility.

ICORR oversees One Sarasota Tower in Sarasota, as well as Square South Shopping Center, Citrus Park Shops in Tampa and Pinebrook Plaza in Venice.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].