10-story residential building, pizza restaurant planned for Ringling Boulevard

Planning for redevelopment continues to make its way along the northern boundary of Laurel Park along Ringling Boulevard. 

The latest entry is a proposed development known as Ringling & Osprey, a 10-story, 50-unit residential building at 1776 Ringling Blvd. and 222 S. Osprey Ave. The project had its pre-application conference with the city’s Development Review Committee on June 4.

The location consists of two parcels totaling 0.64 acre at the southwest quadrant of the intersection, currently the site of an office building and a multifamily residential structure, which will be demolished for the new development. They are separated by a non-utilized dead-end right of way known as Osprey Court which, combined with the two properties, results in a 0.77-acre project site.

Because the developer, Sarasota-based PFI 721 Development, is seeking no adjustments or changes to the future land use designation of the property, the project will require only administrative review and approval. By including two attainable housing units within the building, the development is taking advantage of the city’s bonus density incentive program. 

The proposed building is expected to feature a variety of amenities including meeting rooms, a fitness center and a pool deck. Additionally, according to the application, “The public realm will be improved with street trees and wide sidewalks consistent with the Sarasota City Plan, zoning code, and the Engineering Design Criteria Manual. … Context sensitive urban design of the Osprey Avenue and Ringling Boulevard frontages will establish a sense of place, positively contributing to the urban fabric of downtown Sarasota and better emphasize pedestrian-oriented streets.”

Another pre-application was held for a new restaurant, a Proper Pizza franchise, planned several blocks east at 2283 Ringling Blvd. Proposed is a 2,204-square-foot restaurant in an existing building at the intersection with Lime Avenue. 

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Property owner and restaurant partner Sean Zametz is planning an interior renovation of vacant space to accommodate a bar area, dining room and patio seating to the rear of the building, bringing another dining option to the east end of the downtown area. 

Proper Pizza was founded in Los Angeles in 2018 by Marc Spenziero and Igor Popovic. The brand is known for its traditional New York-style pizza, as well as pasta and other menu offerings.

This story was updated to clarify the origins of Proper Pizza.