Colony developer cuts height of proposed buildings

Unicorp National Developments President Chuck Whittall has reduced the heights of the buildings and number of condominiums in his proposal for the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort property, he told the Longboat Observer Friday morning. 

The decision comes two weeks before Longboat Key voters consider the property in a density referendum on March 14.

The developer had previously planned for buildings on his proposed five-star resort to reach 12 stories, but now he intends for no building to exceed nine stories. Whittall said he believes buildings with a height of "eight to nine stories" will keep with the character of the Key. He also said he plans to reduce the condominium units from 180 to 108.

Whittall has held more than a dozen informational meetings with Key residents about the property, and he noted that his decision reflects the response he's received from the community.

"We've heard the town's concerns," Whittall said. "And we're addressing those concerns."

The Key's Planning and Zoning Board members approved language this week in an ordinance that allows additional height — up to 80 feet over elevation — for new buildings, as long as buildings are set back 2.5 times the height of the building from Gulf of Mexico Drive. The recommendation now heads to the Town Commission for discussion and final consideration. Whittall hopes the board will consider making the language concerning height in the ordinance story-based rather than foot-based. 

Whittall reaffirmed he will not sell the property if the referendum does not pass. Instead, he said his company will "go back to the drawing board" and begin the process of a new proposal.

If it the referendum does pass, Whittall said, Unicorp will move forward with the newly proposed lower buildings.

"We have listened, and that's what the community wants," said Unicorp Senior Vice President Amy Schuemann. "That's why we're lowering the buildings."

Whittall believes his proposal of condos, in addition to 237 tourism units, will have little impact on Key traffic, but he estimates his resort will generate $500,000 a month in property tax revenue.

Whittall said he's "excited" for the referendum and remains hopeful that it will pass. 

This is a developing story and more information will be added as it becomes available.