Bradenton seeks development of 14th Street West property near Village of the Arts
BRADENTON -- Almost a decade ago, the Bradenton Downtown Development Authority bought an old, crime-ridden motel site on 14th Street West with visions of it becoming a key gateway to downtown Bradenton and Village of the Arts.
The DDA purchased the Manatee Inns property at the high end of the real estate market in 2006 -- and just before the economic crash.
Fast forward to today. The DDA is finally seeking development proposals for the 3.3-acre site at 1404 14th St. W. Hopes are for a mixed-use development consisting of retail, restaurants and residential.
DDA Executive Director Dave Gustafson points to the recent successes of Riverwalk, the Ninth Street entertainment district, the Village of the Arts and the historic Ware's Creek neighborhood.
"You can see everything converging from all sides of 14th Street West so this property is an extremely important, key component," Gustafson said.
The DDA this week released a request for qualifications for the property and set a June 16 deadline for conceptual development proposals.
The DDA purchased the site for $1.5 million and still owes $613,000. The property was valued at $317,000 in 2013, but rose 38 percent in 2014 to $438,500.
Gustafson said the city isn't looking to make money but rather to see the property's true value realized.
"There are a lot of smart, artistic individuals out there that can come up with great designs," said Gustafson. "I look forward to those individuals coming forward to give us a wow factor."
If "wow" includes residential, it's good news to Yadira Diaz, who opened her second Yadi's Beauty Salon in the renovated 1926 Welsh Kirk Building, 14th Street West at Sixth Avenue West. Diaz said her business is thriving since opening in December.
"It's residential that drives foot traffic," she said.
Tom Jess, owner of the plaza and Jess Jewelers, agrees.
"I'd like to see residential mixed with retail," he said. "Something like another little shopping plaza with a nice parking area where people can stop and shop and then walk downtown. If you get shoppers into the area, they are willing to walk around and explore more downtown. It makes sense for that area."
The 14th Street West property will be in the Village of the Arts once its boundaries are expanded, which is expected this summer.
Developers will be able to take advantage of unique codes regulating development in the neighborhood.
Chef Gaetano "Guy" Cannata of Ortygia, 1418 13th St. W., is just a few feet away from the back end of the property. Cannata called this is an opportunity for the city that simply can't be wasted.
"I've been waiting for something to happen for nine years," said Cannata. "Now it's real and I'd like to see something to do with art and the village. I want to see something artistic and creative. Something that's not an eyesore. Something contemporary, funky and artistic. There is so much potential to do something like that. I'd like to see a deal finalized in the next six to nine months. It's aggressive but possible."
A development proposal could consist of a three-story main building with a two-story out building. During the RFQ process, developers will present conceptual proposals with proof of qualifications. The review committee will begin ranking the proposals after the June 16 deadline.
Mark Young, Herald urban affairs reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7041 or follow him on Twitter@urbanmark2014.
This story was originally published April 22, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Bradenton seeks development of 14th Street West property near Village of the Arts ."