In our continuing series on the buildings of downtown Sarasota, today we are going to continue the bayfront area with four buildings of note that share the commonality of prime location, all next to each other right at the base of the Ringling Bridge on the north side. These buildings all boast incredible views that span out over multiple keys and islands, over Sarasota Bay right out to the Gulf of Mexico, and even the bridge and downtown skyline. These buildings appeal to different people, given the variances in building age, lifestyle & amenities, and size, but everyone who buys here will have sights to enjoy every single day right outside the window.

Sunset Towers

11 Sunset Drive

You cannot cross over to St. Armands Circle or Lido Beach without passing the sign for Sunset Towers. This condo development has been a staple on the Sarasota skyline for many years. Its residents enjoy a very rare private beach, right in the middle of downtown. Here’s what you need to know:

• Built in 1980
• 60 residences on 10 stories
• Modest floor plans range between 1300 and 1400 sq ft
• Sales in this building typically have recently been in the $400,000 to $600,000 range
• Amenities include a sundeck, community pool and hot tub, on-site manager & concierge, guest suites, and fitness center.

One Watergate

1111 N. Gulfstream Avenue

Just a few paces away from Sunset Towers is beautiful One Watergate. Pre-dating its neighbors, this building has recently undergone major renovations, including hurricane-grade sliders in each condo, a completely updated lobby and amenity level, and an exterior paint job, bringing it back to its full glory. Here’s what you need to know:

• Built in 1974
• 104 units on 18 stories
• Floor plans range from about 1500 to over 3000 in the penthouse units
• Sales in this building have recently ranged in the mid- to high-hundred thousands
• One Watergate does not allow pets
• Amenities include a community room, fitness center, on-site manager, heated pool, secure parking & entry, and tennis courts

VUE Sarasota Bay

1155 N. Gulfstream Avenue

Perfectly positioned on one of the most visible corners of Sarasota, the VUE is aptly named. Each unit enjoys expansive walls of glass in living spaces and master suites from which you can see absolutely everything off the coast of Sarasota. This architecturally appealing building has changed the overall look of downtown Sarasota with a strong contemporary design in a very prominent location. Here’s what you need to know:

• Built in 2016
• 141 units on 19 stories
• Floor plans range from just under 2000 to nearly 4000 sq ft in the penthouse units
• Resales in this building have been running in the low millions
• VUE has a full host of amenities for residents to enjoy a luxurious, resort-style life, including: full-time concierge, secure entry and parking, immense community space and bar area, state-of-the-art fitness center, and enormous heated pool on a very large sun terrace with outdoor kitchen for resident use

The Ritz-Carlton

The compound of buildings belonging to Ritz-Carlton on Sarasota’s bayfront bring white-glove living to our sparkling coast. These three buildings share access to the hotel’s fantastic amenities–which include in-room dining, catering, laundry and dry cleaning services, and housekeeping–as well as management by the Ritz-Carlton Management Company. Here’s what you need to know:

The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton

1111 Ritz Carlton Drive

• Built in 2001
• 48 units on upper 8 floors of 17-story Ritz-Carlton Hotel building
• Floor plans range in size from about 1500 to nearly 4000 sq ft
• Recent sales in this building have run in the $1-2 million range, with the exception of penthouses, which have sold for recently for close to $4 million
• Being attached to the hotel has its benefits, including full-time concierge, valet & doorman service, and access to the hotel’s pool & restaurant, acclaimed Jack Dusty. Other amenities include a private social room, three lighted tennis courts, a full-service salon, and full-time garage attendant.

  

The Tower Residences

35 Watergate Drive

• Built in 2003
• 80 units on 17 stories, adjascent to hotel
• Floor plans range in size from just under 3000 to over 5000 sq ft
• Recent sales in this building have been in the low- to mid-millions
• Amenities enjoyed by the residents of The Tower include a recreation room with billiards & game tables; social lounge with bar, catering area, and fireplace; private theater; fitness center with massage room, sauna, and steam baths; luxurious outdoor area with pool, spa and grills; 24-hour security; and secure parking

The Residences

200 Quay Commons

• Currently under construction
• 73 units on 18 stories
• Floor plans will range in size from 3000 to 5000 sq ft
• Pre-build pricing varies greatly depending on choices made at the time of purchase, but expect prices well into the millions
• Planned amenities for The Residences include board room, sports bar & café, grand entertaining hall, formal social room, club room, indoor-to-outdoor bar, 2 pools, spa, firepits, dog park, outdoor grill area, state-of-the-art fitness center, and a yoga/spinning room

If you have not checked in on our previous series on downtown, you can find information about other buildings on the bayfront, condos on Golden Gate Point, and some of downtown’s newest developments.