Shore Restaurant could return to St. Armands

A three-story, mixed-use development with retail space, a popular restaurant, a cafe, a bodega and a courtyard-style pool is the vision for a piece of property on the edge of St. Armands Circle.

Documents submitted to the city of Sarasota’s Development Review Committee show tentative plans for two parcels on northeastern quadrant of the circle, at the corner of Madison Drive. A pre-application conference for the Shore Restaurant is listed on the Dec. 17 agenda describing a renovation of .33 acres to a mixed-use project which includes “a restaurant, retail space, and approximately eight residential units” at 24 and 28 N. Boulevard of the Presidents.

Image courtesy of Kimley-Horn & Associates

Shore Restaurant, with locations on Longboat Key and near Orlando, previously had a St. Armands Circle local, but it closed in late 2024 after suffering flooding damage from hurricanes. Shore co-founder Tom Leonard said at the time that infrastructure issues on the circle “forced us to re-evaluate our future here.” In Shore’s previous space the Tommy Bahama clothing store and restaurant opened.

Now, Shore’s potential return to St. Armands looks to be in the works. A pre-application conference appears on the agenda for the potential return of Shore with United Associates Ltd. and Kauffman Family Prtshp #1 Ltd listed as the applicant of the project.

Rezoning from Commercial Tourist will not be necessary, but there are many steps before the project is finalized or approved, starting with the pre-application conference during which city staff will discuss any potential issues or needed steps with the developers and Development-Review Committee. According to a city of Sarasota development application, there are a possible 17 steps needed after which include traffic studies, site plan submittal and community workshops.

Image courtesy of Kimley-Horn & Associates

According to a packet submitted to Sarasota’s Development Review Committee by consultants Kimley-Horn and Associates, the proposed project would combine 24 and 28 N. Boulevard of the Presidents into one building while adding a third floor. The project will be completed in three phases which include a partial demolition and renovation.

“The scope of this renovation will be substantial but carefully calibrated to stay within the maximum limits permitted by the city’s zoning code,” the Kimley Horn packet states. “By approaching the project in carefully planned phases, the development team aims to reopen an iconic destination in a resilient manner that respects local regulations, while preserving and enhancing the unique character of this iconic Sarasota locale.”

United Associates and Kauffman Family are connected to Dr. Mark Kauffman, a prolific Sarasota property owner and developer; his daughter Mindy Kauffman; and Sarasota-based Red Property Management, according to Florida Department of State records.