Downtown Sarasota is experiencing yet another wave of transformation. A new 10-story Tempo by Hilton hotel is in the works for Fruitville Road, between North Lemon and Orange avenues. The project, still in its early stages, involves the demolition of a series of single-story shops at 1524, 1534, and 1542 Fruitville Road. These long-standing retail spaces will be replaced with a 120-to 170-room hotel featuring ground-floor commercial space and modern amenities, including a fitness center, pool, dining areas, and a rooftop bar.

The parcels, which sold for $5.25 million, were facilitated by Steve Horn and Lauren Dixon of Ian Black Real Estate. The previous owners, Donna and Lawrence Lerner, operated Miner’s Patio and Casual Furniture until its closure in 2006 after 54 years in business. The current tenants include Antiques & Chatchkes, Summer Home and Garden, Todburn Antiques, and Downtown Hair Studio, some of which have been fixtures in the area for decades.

The project is being led by Chris Gallagher of Hoyt Architects, with Dunedin-based AV Florida Sarasota Hotel LLC—headed by Benedikt Fritzsche and Eliza Garcia Bello—as the buyer and developer. Before demolition, a historic review will be required, as two of the buildings date back to the early 1950s and are listed in the Florida Master Site File. This review will be overseen by senior city planner Dr. Clifford Smith.