SARASOTA, FL— Construction commenced on The Tower Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, announced Donald Gunn, senior project manager for WCI Communities Inc., who is developing The Tower Residences. WCIs development and sales teams held an intimate groundbreaking ceremony on the site. According to Gunn, the entire construction process will take approximately 21 months, with a targeted completion date of May 2003. The luxury Tower Residences, designed by the award-winning firm of Smith Barnes Architecture, represents the final phase of Sarasota residences to be managed and operated by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. The initial phase, consisting of 50 condominium residences atop The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Hotel, is sold out. The Tower Residences offers 80 condominium residences, including eight penthouses, priced from $850,000 to over $4 million. Each residence will offer a private elevator lobby and interior residential features including master suites with large his/hers wardrobe areas; gourmet kitchens with state-of-the-art appliances and custom cabinetry; spacious terraces; and one-touch dialing for The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Hotel concierge services. Residents of the tower will enjoy their own private pool, fitness and social areas separate from the hotel. Residence owners will also receive membership in The Members Club at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, including access to a world-class beach club on Lido Key. In addition to a luxurious residence, owners will receive the extraordinary level of personal service for which The Ritz-Carlton Hotels are known, including 24-hour concierge services, room service, housekeeping and valet parking. An enclosed connection between The Tower Residences and the hotel will also offer residents full access to the hotels dining services and amenities. The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, scheduled to open in November, recently announced the hiring of its new general manager, Carter Donovan. Donovan will oversee the opening and management of the 269-room hotel as well as the condominium residences on top.
