Picture it. A small finger of land pointing out into Sarasota Bay, perfectly placed for taking in the beautiful Gulf Coast sunset and just a short stroll from downtown. It sounds like million dollar Sarasota real estate, and it is, now, but it’s surprising how to long it took Golden Gate Point to come into its own.
John Ringling Gets Involved
The site was originally platted for development back in 1925 and was then owned by the famed John Ringling. It was from Golden Gate Point that his original causeway to Bird Key and St. Armands Key was built. He had big plans for the site, it seems, and in order to make it more attractive to buyers, he planted $15,000 worth of Canary Island Date Palms on the peninsula. But then came the Florida Land Boom failure and after that the Great Depression and despite being fantastic Sarasota waterfront real estate, this idyllic spot remained untouched. In fact, it wasn’t until 1937 that the first house was built.
Birth Of A Sarasota Institution
One structure did, however, arrive prior to that and that was Hart’s Landing, a bait shop. Opened by Deamus Hart in 1934, the shop was a fixture on Golden Gate Point for 30 years. But when the new Ringling Causway opened in 1964, passing just north of the peninsula, the bait shop moved on. To the location where it still stands, in fact. Yes, ninety years after it opened that same bait shop is still in business, and until 2010, it was run by Deamus’s son Dennis. So there you have it, Golden Gate Point was the birthplace of at least one Sarasota institution.
Golden Gate Point Develops
After the Second World War, the site began to slowly develop, with several low and mid-rise condo and apartment complexes built on the point in the 40s, 50s and 60s. And now once again change is coming to the peninsula. Sleek new Sarasota luxury condo developments like Aqua are starting to replace earlier properties, though on the east side of the peninsula, you’ll still find some of the original buildings.
Bay Point Condos
Of all the buildings on the Point, it would be hard to choose one with a better location than Bay Point, so we are very please to highlight our newest Golden Gate Point listing. The Bay Point condos are situated right at the end of the point and enjoy sweeping views of the bay and Bird Key. This two-bedroom end unit take full advantage of those vistas, with wrap around windows that fill the residence with natural light. Intrigued? Read more about this Golden Gate Point real estate lising or email us to arrange a showing.
If you’re interested in a home at Aqua or any other luxury property in Sarasota, give team Coffey & Co. a call today. They are Sarasota luxury market specialists. Call 877.608.3087 or Email Us, Today.