Plaza at Five Points - Downtown Sarasota Condos Update

Downtown Sarasota Condos - Plaza at Five Points
Urban Lifestyle in Sarasota Florida


In April, we commented on Plaza at Five Points, one of downtown Sarasota Florida's top new condominiums. When these condos were built in 2006, luxury customers were plentiful and Plaza at Five Points was one of the most talked about new condos as the amenity lists is geared to the luxury owner.

Amenities: BBQ/Picnic, Elevator, Kitchen, Fitness, Heated Pool, Spa/Hot Tub

Residents can walk to the bay front area and enjoy waterfront activities, sip a soda at O'Leary's or have cocktails at Marina Jack's and watch an incredible sunset.

Since Plaza at Five Points is right in the heart of downtown Sarasota, you can stroll through the tree-lined downtown area and visit shops, cafes and restaurants. Sarasota's wonderful cultural attractions are in this area also. Even though Sarasota has a small town feel, it isn't without city cultures such as the opera, ballet and museums.

Want to get away from urban life for an afternoon? The island beaches of Sarasota are a short drive away from the downtown area where you can enjoy fishing, walking, diving and visit the dolphins and pelicans.

Condos in downtown Sarasota are reasonably priced for their location which is close "everything" and the inventory levels offer a great selection for buyers who are shopping for South West FL real estate. In our April post we mentioned a two bedroom and two bath unit at Plaza at Five Points listed in the Sarasota MLS at $799,000. This unit has been reduced, according to MLS data to $749,000.

There are currently a few condos at Plaza at Five Points listed as active and prices range from $749,000 to $$4,500,000. If you can purchase a condo on a grander scale, be sure to ask to visit a penthouse unit offering spectacular water and city views. Plaza at Five Points may be your next Sarasota home!

More Downtown Condominiums:

Established Condos: Tessera, Sarabande, Essex House and Embassy House

Newer Downtown Condos: 1350 Main, 100 Central, Kanaya, Burns Court Villas, Plaza at Five Points

Be sure to check with a real estate agent in Sarasota regarding pets as each downtown Sarasota condo building has a pet policy for its residents and many are not pet friendly! Don't' buy something only later to find out that your special family member won't be allowed to even visit.

For photos, virtual tours and area information on downtown Sarasota real estate or its barrier islands: Longboat Key,Casey Key, and Siesta Key, visit our main site.

Annette Smith offers the highest of Internet exposure for selling your downtown Sarasota condo with multiple websites and a creative marketing strategy for the changing Sarasota real estate market. Email Annette with your questions or to ask for a buying or listing appointment.

Downtown Sarasota Restaurants

Downtown Sarasota is has many new restaurants but one of my all-time favorites continues to be The Bijou Cafe. Their ad tag line is "setting the standard for fine dining in Sarasota since 1986." The Bijou has never disappointed me or any of my guests. Not only is the food excellent, but the service is impeccable and don't forget to order a bottle of wine. The servers at Bijou know their wine too.

Located at 1287 First Street in Sarasota, diners of this Sarasota restaurant can also enjoy bustling Sarasota after a fine meal and enjoy galleries, shopping and theater. Sarasota's cultural venues are all close to The Bijou Cafe.

If you are searching for Sarasota real estate, contact Annette Smith or John Allen for all your real estate needs on the mainland and the barrier islands of Siesta Key, Casey Key, Lido Key, Bird Key, and Longboat Key.

Selling Your Downtown Sarasota Real Estate

Jan Chilton of Myrtle Beach, SC wrote a very good article recently on Choosing a Real Estate Agent. For those of you considering selling your downtown condos in a buyer's real estate market, you might find a new an interesting point or even a tip or two. Jan's article reiterates that "experts say 80% of buyers look on the Internet to do the initial shopping for homes, condos, and land." Jan also recommends our sites for the Sarasota area -- a nice compliment. We're covered on the web A-Z.

The Internet has changed how Realtors market their listings and web exposure is critical. See how Annette Smith is staying connected in this challenging Sarasota FL real estate market. Watch for our downtown Sarasota condos market report.

Downtown Sarasota Condos Report

Downtown Sarasota Condos



Urban Living, Convenience with Style

In our June downtown report, hundreds of condos listed for sale in the downtown Sarasota area were available for buyers of Sarasota real estate. Currently among the inventory in the downtown area, the Sarasota MLS reports 100 Central 5 units available priced from $450,000 to $1,200,000. At 1350 Main, 19 units are currently listed. 1350 Main's resident walk to the Bayfront or visit the New Stand across the street, experience leisurely lunches at Epicure or dip in for happy hour at Ceviche. Price at 1350 Main range from $349,900 for a one bedroom to $1,695,000, a penthouse unit with over 3200 sq.ft. This 1350 Main unit offers gorgeous views, high ceiling, 3 balconies, gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and more upgrades for its new buyer to enjoy.

Some Downtown Amenities within walking distance of 100 Central and 1350 Main includ:

Cafes, Cofee and Restaurants

Caragiulo's
Epicure
Bijou Cafe
Ceviche
First Watch
Sarasota News and Books
Starbuck's

Call Annette Smith at 941-504-3922 with your price range if you're searching for a downtown Sarasota condo or check out some Sarasota FL Real Estate on your own.

Burns Court Storewide Sale at the Wright Look

Storewide Sale at the Wright Look in Sarasota's Burns Court

If you haven't been on Pineapple Street to the Burns Court area in awhile, you are missing a huge sale at the Wright Look. Melanie Wright is closing shop and everything is 50% off. Yes, that's everything including the Mary Frances purses. Melanie has done a fabulous job of buying at Atlanta's Gift Market for the last several years. The store's inventory includes lamps, pillows, some furniture pieces, artwork and decorative accessories as well as major gift lines and it is all 50% off until it is gone.

If you need an extra piece of Salviati crystal from Italy, better hurry as these prices will never be lower. Vietri, Casafina, jewelry, baby gifts are all on sale and inventory won't last much longer although you may be able to purchase items later on Melanie's website.

We write about the Burns Court Sarasota area often as a great spot to shop and dine, attend a movie, and we'll certainly will hate to see Melanie Wright go. She's thinking maybe the next stop will be the mountains.

The Burns Court area is a great place to live, shop or work.  Contact Annette Smith or John Allen for all your Sarasota real estate needs.

Ceviche - Downtown Sarasota Dining

Ceviche Perfect Spot Friday Happy Hour
Ceviche is one of downtown Sarasota's newest dining spots on 1st Street. The restaurant is located in the historic Times Building, constructed in 1925. Downtown Sarasota is home to professionals, full-time residents and vacationers in the summer. These diners are always searching for the newest restaurant to sample the savory delights of this seaside city.

Last week I returned to Ceviche with my Cleveland, Ohio customer to enjoy "housemade" potato chips, tapas and wine for Friday evening happy hour. I had mentioned to Claudia the excellent restoration of the Times Building previously, and part of our dining experience was to enjoy the beautiful work done in this new "hot" dining spot.

As early as 6:00 pm, customers started to appear enjoying the main bar serving Spanish wines, sangria, martinis. Adventurers who didn't mind the summer heat took the staircase or boarded the elevator to the top floor to goggle at nice views of the city. Many happy hour customers from the roof top terrace retreated to the main dining room to nipple on tapas, cool off in the air conditioning and order another happy cocktail. Sunset views at Ceviche are awesome!

Visit Downtown Sarasota condos to search for condominiums, area information and articles about living in one of Southwest Florida's thriving downtown communities. Ceviche is within walking distance to most Sarasota downtown condos.

For more information on downtown Sarasota condos and all Sarasota real estate, contact Annette Smith or John Allen.

Summertime - Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, Florida

Rich and Stephanie Jackson were at the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota this week with their children, Richie, Cole and Reese. The Jacksons are my friend and former partner at RE/MAX and now at 41 West Realty, Sandy Whitehead's family. Stephanie and Rich invited me to join them on two occasions while they visited the beautiful downtown Ritz.

Thursday evening we sat on the terraces of the Ca d'Zan Lounge sipping Pinot Grigio and feasting on sliders, caesar salads and burgers. Quite a combination, I know, but with three little ones on tow, you tend to reach and grab a bite when you can. The two boys enjoyed the pool while baby Reese took a nap.

Friday evening Craig and Jennifer Whitehead of Clearwater arrived to join the group with their two little Whiteheads: Katie and Carson. Carson and Reese were born in March a few days apart. Stephanie and Craig continue the rich tradition of family gatherings and the Ritz-Carlton was the perfect place for a mini-reunion.


Condos in downtown Sarasota are available for purchase at the Ritz-Carlton Tower Residences if you desire the elegant services and amenities of one of the world's finest resorts. The Sarasota MLS lists 14 condos in the tower for sale currently. Five condos have sold at the Ritz Tower Residences in the last six months.