Government Market News StaffFlorida – The Bay Park Conservancy (BPC) is underway with an initiative to redesign and expand the Sarasota Bayfront as a bustling “Canal District,” a 14-acre area complete with restaurants and social areas designed to attract walkers and boaters alike.
While the first phase of the project concluded in August of last year, the second phase is in the design phase and is expected to begin construction in the spring or summer of 2024.
The second phase is estimated to cost $65 million in total and comprises several elements. It will add a sunset pier, a south canal district, a shoreline area development for $15 million each and a $20 million cultural district. The sunset pier will be 400 feet in length and the shoreline will be built with resilient material to stay stable against storm surges. There will also be an area in the south canal district for food trucks, concessions, and portable vendors. New boat ramps on the north side and day docks on the south will also welcome visitors via boat access.
Project planners estimate that construction will take eight to ten years to complete. While the initial cost estimate is $65 million, planners say that could increase to $200 million.
