Parrish shopping center proposed for old post office

Alan Jones, owner of Jones Potato Farm, is seeking approval to add 7,000 square feet to the old Parrish Post Office, and expand it into a shopping center.

The 2,000-square-foot red brick building was Parrish’s long-time post office building at 12355 U.S. 301 North, until it was replaced by a newer facility, which opened in September 2008 at 12144 U.S. 301.

Members of the Parrish Civic Association unanimously support Jones’ plans for the former post office building, board member Norma Kennedy said Thursday.

Jones was hesitant to go too deeply into his plans, pending site plan approval from Manatee County. Manatee County staff have until June 1 to complete their comments on the project.

Potential clients include barbers, doctors and coffee shops, and hopefully the shopping center will be built and open by the end of this year, Jones said Thursday.

The 1.76-acre parcel is next to the Florida Railroad Museum. Jones acquired the property July 20, 2011, for $200,000, according to the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s website.

“I am excited about it. It’s the first new project in that area,” Jones said. “I think the community is excited about it, too. This is something really needed by the community, but I don’t want to create any waves before we have our approvals.”

When Jones purchased the property, he considered putting his farm office there, but reconsidered. The farm office is now located on Dickey Road.

“I am looking for great things to come,” Jones said.

Jones is no stronger to business deals. In 2014, the company bought 600 acres near Piney Point for $6 million for farming operations.

Jones

This story was originally published May 26, 2016 at 5:05 PM with the headline "Parrish shopping center proposed for old post office."