Welcome to Quay at The Bay
Quay at the Bay is Sarasota’s newest and most exciting neighborhood redevelopment. This area is in the early stages of what will be a transformational change to Sarasota’s northern bayfront and downtown extension. This burgeoning neighborhood begins at the intersection of Bayfront Drive at Gulfstream Park, and travels west of the downtown along Sarasota Bay, to 10th Street at Waterfront Park.
The excitement for this area is two-fold. “The Quay”, is a commercial and residential redevelopment project that will ultimately include a mixture of high-end and more affordable condominium towers, an apartment complex, luxury shopping, entertainment, fine dining, galleries, and refurbished historical landmarks. “The Bay”, is a massive civic bayfront project that will ultimately transform a 53-acre city-owned parcel into an iconic public green space and park for the City of Sarasota.
The Quay’s redevelopment reached a major milestone in late 2020 with the completion of an 18-story, 73-unit Ritz Carlton residential tower. The tower was built adjacent to the existing 5-star Ritz-Carlton Hotel with flow-through floorplans and panoramic views. The units sold out quickly with prices ranging from $2.5 million to $5 million. Bayso Sarasota, an 18-story tower with 149 residences is currently under construction. Bayso Sarasota is expected to offer resort-style amenities, amazing views, and a private dog park. Lastly, with a nod to Sarasota’s original Quay development of years past, the historic Belle Haven building will be incorporated into the Quay’s master plan.
Other proposed projects include a 12-story apartment tower with 240 units and ground-floor retail space. Some unique amenities include a cybercafe include a golf simulator, a bicycle repair shop, swimming pool cabanas and a rooftop wine lounge. Some unique amenities include a cybercafe include a golf simulator, a bicycle repair shop, swimming pool cabanas and a rooftop wine lounge.
In addition to the future development at the Quay, there are many existing high-end condominiums surrounding its construction footprint. The Vue, a $200 million luxury condominium completed in 2018, boasts contemporary architecture, floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious floorplans, expansive ceilings, terraces and bay views. It stands adjacent to the 255-room Westin Hotel which has a trendy rooftop pool and bar area and was part of the same development plan. BLVD Sarasota is located across the street from the Quay at the gateway to Downtown Sarasota. It recently completed construction in 2021 and offers residents extraordinary design including an 18-story tower with panoramic views of Sarasota Bay and downtown Sarasota.
The Bay’s waterfront revitalization effort is being led by the Bay Park Conservancy, a 501c3 non-profit. The group is in its initial stages of executing on a long-term master plan to create an iconic, public bayfront destination. Their aspirational vision is to establish a world class, sustainable green space experience that celebrates the bay front and enhances Sarasota’ status as the Cultural Capital of Florida.
Phase One of the project is currently underway and will continue for the next two to three years. Phase One highlights include the Sunset Boardwalk, which loops out into Sarasota Bay, a living shoreline, a mangrove bayou and walkway, a kayak launch, and a 1.5-acre open lawn area for recreation and relaxation. Future phases will include dining, entertainment pavilions and other recreational and scenic elements.
Insider Tips
Family Friendly:
Take the kids on a scenic walk through The Bay’s Mangrove Walkway.
Recreation / Culture:
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, often referred to as the “Crown Jewel of Sarasota Bay,” presents over 100 events per season, and features some of the world’s finest performers, ranging from top Broadway shows, wonderful national and international performers, symphony orchestras, comedians, and dance.
Visit the Sarasota Garden Club to enjoy landscaped grounds, tropical plants and a butterfly garden home to hummingbirds.
Favorite Restaurants:
Jack Dusty’s at the Ritz Carlton offers coastal cuisine and specialty craft cocktails situated adjacent of the marina at the Ritz Carlton. The open-concept indoor portion of the restaurant provides for a lively dinner, while the outdoor patio offers excellent views and firepits to complement the lovely Florida weather.
Sage Restaurant is located directly across Tamiami Trail on First Street. The building is a local landmark and is one of the more historically stunning buildings in Sarasota. The scene here is lively, yet upscale. The main dining room is complemented by a rooftop bar. The food is known for its evolving menu and use of seasonal ingredients.
