Bradenton DDA preparing to review development options for old Manatee Inns site
BRADENTON -- The 3.3 acres at 1404 14th St. W. have been vacant for about a decade -- since the demolition of the crime-ridden Manatee Inns -- but it may not sit empty for too much longer.
In April, the Bradenton Downtown Development Authority released a request for qualifications for developers to submit proposals on what could stand on a gateway into downtown. The deadline expires Tuesday, and the DDA finalized a qualifications ranking committee Tuesday to begin reviewing proposals June 22.
DDA Vice Chairwoman Jayne Kocher's committee consists of fellow DDA members and Ward 3 Councilman Patrick Roff, with city staff playing an advisory role. So far, five sealed proposals have been submitted, and DDA Executive Director Dave Gustafson said
there may be two more by deadline.
This is the second attempt to develop the property.
In 2008, the DDA released the first RFQ. Three developers submitted proposals, but the Great Recession prevented the DDA from recouping its purchase price made at the peak of the real estate market in 2006. The DDA, with Bradenton City Council approval, purchased the property for $1.5 million with the intention of demolishing the troubled hotel for redevelopment.
The DDA still owes about $600,000. At last appraisal, the property was valued at $438,500. DDA board members aren't looking to make money on the property and are willing to take a small loss if necessary to move the long-awaited project forward.
The RFQ had some city code requirements and is asking for a mixed-use development of retail, restaurant and residential. It did not restrict a developer from submitting a "wow factor" proposal, officials said. Developers will have additional freedoms in the design as the property is in the future expansion borders of the Village of the Arts.
Under city codes, the development could consist of a three-story main building with a two-story out building.
For surrounding businesses, developing the vacant lot is good news considering its heavy use by the homeless. Chef Gaetano "Guy" Cannata of Ortygia, 1418 13th St. W., has told the Bradenton Herald the development is an opportunity that can't be wasted and the design concept should complement the overall artistic village theme.
Business owners at Sixth Avenue West and 14th Street West said the proposal of mixed used is ideal to drive more foot traffic into the downtown area.
A first reading to expand the overlay district to 14th Street West takes place Wednesday with a final vote likely at the June 24 city council meeting. The expansion does not affect or restrict any existing businesses being absorbed into village boundaries, but does open the form base codes to be more creative in design.
Mark Young, Herald urban affairs reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7041 or follow him on Twitter @urbanmark2014.
This story was originally published June 10, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Bradenton DDA preparing to review development options for old Manatee Inns site ."