Times building sells for $2.1 million

The historic Sarasota Times building has sat vacant for more than a year. But, the former site of Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant on First Street — complete with an iconic rooftop bar — sold last week to a buyer with big plans for the property.

Sharon Carole bought the building for $2.1 million from Sarasota-based D.E. Murphy Constructors, and plans to open a nightclub, according to SaraBay Real Estate agent Rob Wilhoit, who served as the listing agent on the sale.

“The buyer is in the restaurant business, and we’ve heard (they) will be opening up a night club on third and fourth floor, and plan to lease out the restaurant on the first and second floors,” Wilhoit said.

D.E. Murphy Constructors owner Donald Murphy bought the 12,220-square-foot building for $1.4 million in 2004, restored the exterior and re-roofed the property. Dwight James Baum, who designed the home for Sarasota’s first newspaper, was the architect behind the Ca’ d’Zan and the Sarasota County Courthouse.