More investment slated for east Main Street

Local architect Barron Schimberg and his wife bought one of the few remaining vacant lots on Main Street in downtown Sarasota this month, with plans to develop an office and retail building on the corner of East Avenue.

Schimberg acquired the 12,750-square-foot property at 2101 Main St. from First Church of Christ, Scientist for $332,500 under the firm East Main LLC. The property is zoned downtown core, which gives owners more flexibility in acceptable uses, and it is less than a block from a proposed townhome development.

"It’s a potentially great area,” Schimberg said. “It’s sort of the last real nice area that I think can be developed into an interesting part of town."

The Schimberg Group aims to occupy a little more than a quarter of the 6,700 square feet of space in the new building, and is looking for potential restaurant tenants for a café that could have as many as 19 tables and seating along East and Main, according to plans filed with the city. The company is looking for an upscale concept, but has been talking with a variety of potential tenants.

“It could end up being a law firm, but it has the opportunity for a restaurant,” Schimberg said.

Schimberg is responsible for the downtown Whole Foods Market, among a wide spectrum of other projects.

“Everything we have done is for other clients and this one is for us,” Schimberg said. “It’s going to be contemporary, earthy and rustic."