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Waldorf Astoria Residences Sarasota: A Landmark 18-Story Luxury Tower Poised to Elevate Downtown Sarasota

Waldorf Astoria Residences Sarasota: 18-Story Luxury Tower Set to Transform Downtown at Five Points

1390 main street Sarasota, Florida
1390 Main Street – Future site of the Waldorf Astoria – Google Maps

SARASOTA, Fla. — Downtown Sarasota is set to welcome one of the most significant luxury developments in its history: the Waldorf Astoria Residences Sarasota, an 18-story residential tower planned for the iconic Five Points Roundabout at 1390 Main Street. Featuring 86 private residences, over 50,000 sq ft of indoor and outdoor amenities, and 42,000 sq ft of Class-A commercial space, the project reinforces Sarasota’s position as a rising Gulf Coast luxury hub. (TBBW | Florida YIMBY | Herald-Tribune)

Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2026, with sales expected to launch soon through Michael Saunders & Company.


Project Overview

Developer Partnership

The project is being delivered by Jebcore Companies and WMG Development, in partnership with Hilton, representing the prestigious Waldorf Astoria brand.

Location

The tower will rise at 1390 Main Street, directly at the Five Points Roundabout, placing it within steps of Sarasota’s waterfront, marina, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and vibrant downtown lifestyle.

Architecture & Interior Design

  • Architect: ODP Architecture & Design
  • Interiors: Workshop APD

Residential Program

  • 18 stories
  • 86 luxury private residences

Amenities – 50,000+ sq ft (Indoor & Outdoor)

Plans call for an expansive wellness- and lifestyle-oriented amenity program, including:

  • Resort-style pool
  • Spa amenities and lounges
  • Hot/cold plunge
  • Lush gardens
  • Private guest suites
  • Golf simulator
  • Cinema lounge

Additional curated luxury services mentioned in early reporting include private transportation options such as a house car and golf cart service, though final offerings are subject to confirmation as development advances.

Commercial Component – 42,000 sq ft

The tower incorporates 42,000 sq ft of Class-A commercial space, opening the door for:

  • High-end restaurants
  • Boutique retail
  • Wellness and service operators

This commercial addition is expected to enhance downtown Sarasota’s already dynamic retail and dining ecosystem.


How This Project Shapes Future Gulf Coast Development

The Waldorf Astoria Residences represent more than a high-end condo project—they are a market signal. The entrance of a globally recognized luxury brand in downtown Sarasota solidifies the city’s status as one of Florida’s most desirable coastal metro areas.

This project is expected to:

  • Raise the bar for future luxury and mixed-use developments
  • Strengthen investor confidence in branded residential projects
  • Increase demand for walkable, downtown-oriented land parcels
  • Influence pricing benchmarks for high-rise residential and mixed-use developments across Southwest Florida

For Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and neighboring Gulf Coast markets, the project demonstrates that ultra-luxury branded developments can thrive outside major metros like Miami or Tampa.


Commercial Activation & CRE Opportunities

With thousands of new square feet dedicated to commercial tenants at ground level and podium levels, the project is expected to generate powerful spillover effects:

  • Boosted demand for nearby retail and hospitality pads
  • Stronger rent ceilings for surrounding commercial corridors
  • Increased traffic for adjacent shops and restaurants
  • Fresh opportunities for boutique hotels, medical offices, wellness concepts, and service providers

This tower acts as a new anchor of economic activity in Sarasota’s downtown core.


Implications for Landowners, Developers & Investors

The Waldorf Astoria Residences serve as an important benchmark for:

  • Luxury-oriented land valuations
  • Mixed-use development feasibility
  • Investor appetite for branded-living experiences
  • Opportunities for premium parcels across the region

For developers working across the Gulf Coast, it affirms that Sarasota is entering a new phase of high-end, upscale urban development.


What to Watch Moving Forward

Sales Launch

The release of pricing, buyer profiles, and reservation timelines by Michael Saunders & Company will help shape expectations for the luxury condo market.

Commercial Leasing

The identity of early retail and restaurant tenants will set the tone for downtown Sarasota’s next wave of commercial growth.

Construction Milestones

Any adjustments to the proposed timeline—starting in late 2026—will influence momentum for nearby developments and land sales.

Market Comparables

This tower will likely shape per-square-foot benchmarks for future condo and mixed-use launches throughout Sarasota, Naples, Clearwater, and the wider Gulf Coast.


Summary

The Waldorf Astoria Residences Sarasota mark a defining moment in downtown Sarasota’s evolution into a premier Gulf Coast luxury destination. With an iconic address, internationally recognized branding, significant commercial space, and a robust amenity program, the project is poised to elevate the city’s skyline and reshape development expectations across Southwest Florida.

For brokers, developers, and landowners, this announcement provides a powerful tool for positioning premium parcels, attracting new investors, and leveraging the rising momentum of Sarasota’s urban core.

Source
Tampa Bay Business & WealthFlorida YIMBYSarasota Herald Tribune
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Zach Ellis

Zachary Ellis is a commercial real estate associate at LQ Commercial Real Estate (LQCRE) in Tampa, Florida. Specializing in retail and investment properties, he brings a dynamic and analytical approach to the industry, offering tailored solutions for landlords, developers, and investors across Florida’s West Coast.​ Zach holds a real estate license and is actively engaged in the regional commercial real estate community. He frequently participates in industry events, including the ICSC & IDEAS West Florida conference, where he connects with peers and clients to discuss emerging opportunities.

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