Brista Commons hits the ground running

Foot traffic is steady, and public sentiment seems to be good so far at Brista Commons, Longboat Key's first new commercial complex in years.

Owner Mark Ursini said he’s looking forward to 2026.

“I’ve been very pleased with the positive comments. We’ve been well received,” he said. “All the businesses seem to be thriving. Especially after the new year, all the tenants have seen more people coming in.”

All but one tenant is open at 3120 Gulf of Mexico Drive. ClearView Windows and Doors was wrapping up its final preparations late last week, aiming to be ready by the complex's formal grand opening.

The doors are open, for the most part, and dollars are rolling in. Ursini, a custom homebuilder, said he’s already working with clients on two new builds: one in Country Club Shores and another on Gulf of Mexico Drive. Couch LBK, the anchor tenant of the complex, is working to provide interior decoration for a lobby at a condominium association on the island. The drastic renovation project is business for more than just Couch, but its neighbors, Your Flooring Warehouse.

Photo by S.T. Cardinal

“We’ll be doing the flooring, paint, chandeliers, furniture, even picking out the colors of the walls,” Couch LBK co-owner Noel Ladd said. “They came in looking for a one-stop shop and we said 'we can do it.' Now that we are in this location with a flooring business next to us and Mark’s expertise on all things home building, it’s a great situation.”

Karen Rothstein, who visits Longboat Key from Michigan in weeklong stints throughout the year, was perusing the newly opened Couch LBK showroom on Wednesday afternoon with her friend, Judy Berman. 

Ken Rushing, interior designer and co-owner of Couch, showed the two a roll of fabric and leather samples, explaining what they saw in the 5,000-square-foot showroom is just a sliver of the customizable furniture options. A touchscreen monitor can bring up the entire catalog of options for customers. Ladd said they take pride in offering American-made products, and those on display are meant to inspire style choices rather than displaying the business’ complete offerings.

Photo by S.T. Cardinal

Rothstein enjoyed browsing a selection of furniture without having to drive off the island.

“It’s very unique and I was very excited when I read what it was going to be,” she said. “I wish there were more places like this on Longboat Key.”

Next door to Couch is Your Flooring Warehouse, a 1,200-square-foot space with displays of wood, tile and vinyl flooring samples. Store Manager Peter Beale said they have stocked their showroom with hardwood and tile, which he said Longboaters often seem to prefer over vinyl. Customers who have come in have said they enjoy having home improvement experts on the island, Beale said.

The most foot traffic, though, has been at the outparcel of Brista Commons. The Goodwill Manasota used bookstore has been a hit, something all the Brista tenants have pointed out.

“Goodwill has been doing great,” Mark Ursini said. “They’ve been a great partner with Brista Commons.”