Cosmetics store to replace Brooks Brothers in downtown Sarasota

More changes are coming to Pineapple Square in downtown Sarasota following the departure of longtime tenant Brooks Brothers this summer.

Bluemercury, a Washington, D.C.-based luxury cosmetics retailer, is slated to move into a portion of vacant space at the intersection of Main Street and Lemon Avenue, according to Ernie Ritz, whose company Ritz Construction is dividing the former Brooks Brothers for two tenants. A second lessee, whose entrance will be next to Pastry Art, has not been secured.

Along with the $125,000 project to split the space, Ritz is also planning $220,000 in renovations for the interior of the building, according to city of Sarasota permitting records.

Ritz has been busy with work at Pineapple Square, as his firm also just finished the $351,000 build-out for Boca Kitchen, Bar & Market. The farm-to-table-focused restaurant and retailer aims to open Sept. 5, according to staffers training at the restaurant this week.

Boca will seat 160 patrons in total, and includes a 100-seat semi-private mezzanine and a market featuring fresh produce and jams, along with local products, such as SaraFresh Juices, according to the release.

The new retail in Pineapple Square will likely benefit from the coming Mark luxury condominium development, which is planned for State Street near Lemon Avenue. The city is reviewing a $100,000 permit for the foundation of the 11-story, 157-condo, mixed-use tower.

Bluemercury, which has three locations in Florida, is also slated to move in the Mall at University Town Center, according to its website.