Unicorp to make Colony announcement Thursday

The chain link fence surrounding the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort will swing open Thursday, when Unicorp National Developments hosts a press conference regarding redevelopment of the shuttered Longboat Key property.

Unicorp President Chuck Whittall will make a special announcement, and depending on whether Florida Power & Light can disconnect utilities, start the first phase of the redevelopment, according to a news release. The firm will also announce its team of architects and engineers who will work on the project as part of the event, which begins at 10:30 a.m.

Whittall had planned to start demolition of some of the collapsed recreational property and tiki huts.

“I’m hoping for effect that we’ll actually have loaders knocking the buildings down,” said Whittall, who plans to break ground on the official project within the next 18 to 24 months.

Tomorrow, the Colony Association board of directors will consider whether to forward a development agreement with Unicorp on to unit owners for approval. 

“I don't give up on stuff like this,” Whittall said. “It makes sense to be there, and it’s going to be a great project for the Key.”