New Developments Coming to Sarasota and Manatee Counties in 2026 and 2027
Written by Kim Donahue, REALTOR® with Medway Realty | 30+ Years of Real Estate Experience · Updated October 19, 2026
If you are watching Sarasota's skyline, you have probably noticed the cranes. New developments are moving through the pipeline across Sarasota and Manatee Counties in 2026 and 2027, from a $350 million mixed-use district west of downtown to new luxury condominium towers on the bayfront and hundreds of new single-family homes in Parrish and Wellen Park. This guide rounds up what is actually being built, where, and what it means if you are buying, selling, or relocating to the area. I'm Kim Donahue, a REALTOR® with Medway Realty, and I work across Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte Counties.
Why the development pipeline matters right now
Development is one of the clearest signals about where a region is headed. When builders commit to new towers, town centers, and neighborhoods, they are betting on sustained demand. For buyers, more construction means more options and, in some cases, more price competition. For sellers, new homes set the bar that resale homes are measured against. And for relocators arriving from out of state, new development often means more move-in-ready choices in growing communities.
The Bend: a new district taking shape west of downtown
West of downtown Sarasota, the Bend is the most talked-about announcement of the year. In August 2026, Urban Story Ventures unveiled plans for a $350 million retail and residential district at the Bend, and the project is still in its early planning stages. The vision is a walkable mix of shops and homes close to the bayfront. Expect years of construction ahead; announcements like this change as they move through entitlements, so the current status matters more than the headline.
The Quay: more luxury towers rising on the bayfront
The Quay, the 14-acre waterfront district at Fruitville Road, is already changing downtown's skyline. The first Ritz-Carlton Residences and the Bayso condo tower are complete. Under construction now are Ritz-Carlton Residences II, an 18-story, 78-unit tower expected to be complete late in 2026, and One Park, an 18-story, 86-unit condominium that topped off in spring 2026 and is targeting early 2027. These are full-service, high-end buildings, and they matter to luxury buyers weighing downtown condos against waterfront single-family homes.
Sarasota Square redevelopment: a new town center on a familiar site
On the site of the old Sarasota Square Mall, a nearly 100-acre mixed-use town center is planned, with a 300-plus-unit apartment community among the first pieces. The project is expected to break ground in 2026 and deliver in phases through 2028. For buyers who want shops and dining within walking distance, this redevelopment gives south Sarasota a more urban option.
Hundreds of new single-family homes in Sarasota, Wellen Park, and Parrish
On the single-family side, SimplyDwell, a Neal Communities subsidiary, is debuting three communities totaling nearly 800 homes across Sarasota, Wellen Park, and Parrish. In Parrish, the Deer Park community alone offers 261 lots across 12 floor plans. For downsizers and relocators, new-build neighborhoods in Manatee County remain some of the most active in the region. If you are comparing resale and new construction, my guide to new construction in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte Counties walks through the trade-offs.
Wellen Park keeps growing in south Sarasota County
Wellen Park, already one of America's best-selling master-planned communities, is adding a 52-acre commercial district planned by Benderson Development with roughly 500,000 square feet of retail, dining, and services. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027. For anyone considering Wellen Park, the pipeline of future amenities is part of the value story, and my local's guide to Wellen Park covers what daily life there looks like today.
What new development means for buyers and sellers
For buyers, new construction adds supply and choices, especially in growth corridors like Wellen Park, Parrish, and the Sarasota bayfront. For sellers, it means resale homes are now competing with builder incentives, which is why pricing and presentation matter more than ever. Recent market reports put Sarasota County single-family inventory at a little under four months of supply, a level that still favors sellers, while condos have more room to negotiate. New development changes the picture street by street, which is exactly why it pays to track each project as it moves. For a broader read on where the market is headed, see my winter 2026-2027 market outlook.
Let's talk about what fits your plan
Whether you are relocating, downsizing, or selling a home in a neighborhood where new construction is coming, it helps to see the full picture before you make a move. I can walk you through how new development affects your specific area across Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte Counties, and answer the questions on my Buying FAQ and beyond.
Call me at (941) 724-2587, or schedule a consultation directly. I'm Kim Donahue, your realtor with a heart to serve, and I've got your back through the whole process.