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Commissioners delay action on surplus/ITN for downtown Scott Building to consult current lessee and review historic considerations
Summary
The board delayed a decision on whether to start an Invitation to Negotiate for the county‑owned Scott Building (261 S. Orange Ave.), asking staff to meet with current tenant Architecture Sarasota and to include historic‑preservation considerations in any ITN.
County planning staff presented options for disposition of the Scott Building (261 South Orange Avenue, downtown Sarasota), including an Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) to test the private market. Matt Osterhaus said the county purchased the property in 1998 and the current lease with Architecture Sarasota was executed in December 2023 with a five‑year term and mutual 120‑day termination clause.
Commissioners urged historic preservation language and outreach to the current tenant before moving forward. Commissioner Smith said he wanted time to consult Architecture Sarasota and the building’s historic‑registry status. Commissioner Mast and others supported returning with tenant input and recommended ITN parameters. The board voted unanimously to delay and direct staff to meet with the lessee and return with refined guidance.
