Sunset Automotive buys former Sarasota Springfest grounds

Sunset Automotive Group has bought the former Sarasota Springfest grounds in Palmer Ranch with plans to expand the footprint of two auto dealerships the firm is building on Clark Road.

Sunset Automotive this month bought the property southwest of its future Audi and Infiniti dealerships for $2.7 million from a company controlled by developer Hugh Culverhouse Jr. According to building records, the firm aims to build a 27,000-square-foot body shop to service the adjacent businesses, a 9,000-square foot auction facility and about 620 parking spaces.

At just under 10 acres, the newly-purchased parcel is the tenth largest agriculture property that has changed hands so far this year in Sarasota County. Springfest used the property for its annual event from 2008 to 2010 before moving  according to permit records.

The county issued two $3.5 million permits for Suncoast Automotive to construct the two dealerships at 4900 Clark Road in late February, while plans for a carwash are still under review.

The dealerships will join the adjacent Mercedes-Benz of Sarasota, Wilde Lexus of Sarasota and Gettel Acura across the street, as well as the nearby BMW of Sarasota and Lamborghini Sarasota to round out the robust auto sales district.