City approval allows Sarasota Yacht Club to set sail on expansion

Having outgrown its facilities built on Coon Key in 1958, Sarasota Yacht Club has received approval to expand its facilities on its 3.76 acres just east of Plymouth Harbor. 

On July 21, the Sarasota City Commission, with little discussion, unanimously approved a rezoning amendment and site plan to allow the club to construct a new three-story building, expansion of its existing clubhouse and structured parking plus an expanded outdoor dining deck area.

The club plans to build more than 12,000 square feet of new building space including a 1,000-square-foot expansion of its existing outdoor dining deck. The project will include a 4,691-square-foot expansion of the existing clubhouse and a new 8,200-square-foot, three-story multi-use building to house offices, classroom space and a fitness center; a 2,540-square-foot roof deck; and additional parking spaces.

On May 14, the Sarasota Planning Board unanimously recommended commission approval of the club’s rezoning amendment request and site plan.

Courtesy image

“The membership has grown in a way that we found that the fitness has been much more in demand, and the existing fitness room in the building is not big enough,” said architect Mark Sultana, a 17-year member of the club and principal of DSDG Architecture. Of the new building, Sultana said, “We will have an entire floor devoted to fitness and wellness for the members. The second level will be office and classroom space for the sailing program that they have for youth. Right now, the kids have to be outside to get instruction from the coaches.”

Atop the new building will be a rooftop deck. 

The 4,700-square-foot expansion to the existing building will include a grill room that will provide the added benefit of dining space for members when events such as weddings and bar mitzvahs are taking place in the dining room.

Immediately to the west of the club and sharing Coon Key is the retirement community of Plymouth Harbor, which is planning an expansion of its own. The only concern raised by the commission is noise that may emanate from the club after hours when special events may be held.

Project consultant Joel Freedman told commissioners hours of operation of the club will not change and all special events have a hard stop of 10 p.m.