Sarasota 324-Unit Apartment Project Land Sale Canceled

SARASOTA – A planned sale of a 3.44-acre property on the 1800 block of Fruitville Road has been terminated, providing temporary relief for businesses and customers of the colorful cottages lining the street. The property owners, Alex and Marlene Lancaster, informed tenants on Saturday, October 3, 2026, that the site is no longer under contract with Bristol Development Group.

Bristol Development Group, based in Franklin, Tennessee, had been nearing approval for a 324-unit apartment building on the block situated between Fruitville Road and the Gillespie Park neighborhood. The project, known as the 1899 Fruitville Project, had received partial approval from the city's Development Review Committee in July, requiring only administrative sign-off. The Planning Board granted adjustments for driveway access and internal parking on August 19, bringing the project close to the building permit stage.

Philip DiMaria, a consultant for the project, stated that applications have not been withdrawn but efforts have been paused. Bristol Development Group did not immediately respond to an inquiry regarding the termination.

Meanwhile, Wendy Goldberg, owner of The Breakfast House at 1817 Fruitville Road, continues her efforts to relocate several businesses. She purchased property one mile east at the corner of Fruitville Road and North Briggs Avenue, envisioning it as the Sarasota Bungalow Village. Goldberg and Discovery Sarasota Tours owner Tammy Hauser remain committed to this vision.

The Lancasters’ email to tenants stated the property is not being listed, marketed, or offered for sale. The owners were directly approached by Bristol Development, and the property had not been publicly listed when it went under contract.

Goldberg has begun renovations at her new location and recently applied for rezoning. "Our vision has always been about more than simply moving a restaurant," Goldberg said. "We want to create a little village of small businesses — a place where friends and family can come together to eat, shop, visit, laugh and enjoy each other's company."

Hauser plans to move her donated cottage to the new site next summer, with an anticipated opening in October 2027. She hopes other historic cottages will find a home at the Bungalow Village, but acknowledges the significant cost of moving them presents a hurdle for many businesses.