Sarasota Herald-Tribune (FL)

Going Up / Beau Ciel, Sarasota Another luxury condo in pipeline

February 25, 2001
Section: SUNDAY REAL ESTATE
Page: I1
Dorothy Stockbridge-Pratt STAFF WRITER

Beau Ciel, the 17-story condominium to be built on the west parking lot of Hyatt Sarasota, entered the downtown selling melee this week.

Both Realtor Michael Saunders and developer Jay Tallman insist it's not in competition with the Tower Residences at the Ritz-Carlton or other downtown condominium projects. "It's better value for the buyer who doesn't need all the Ritz-Carlton services, but who wants new, exciting, well-planned space," said Saunders, whose company will handle sales. "With 44 residences, it's a smaller, more intimate building with a sleek, contemporary feel."

Prices will range from $695,000 to $4.5 million (for the entire 7,900-square-foot top floor). Every unit will extend all the way through the building, affording northwest views of Sarasota Bay and southeast views of the city.

"I believe the location is better than the other projects. The views are very impressive," said Jay Tallman, principal of U.S. Assets Group. The co-developer is a group headed by Charles Githler. "We'll be away from the traffic and congestion of U.S. 41."

The building will go up at 990 Boulevard of the Arts on 1.25 acres between the Hyatt and the 888 Condominium on the Bay. Saunders is looking for 20 quick reservations so construction can start in mid-summer. Construction will take 18 months.

Architect Chuck Jones of Curts Gaines Hall has set the oval-shaped building on an angle to take advantage of the bay and city views.

The building will be in a modern style with strong, geometric forms and a simple color palette of white, tan and patina-green glass. The circular theme will be repeated in such touches as circular pop-up ceilings and curving terraces and interior walls.

Tallman said the number of units was reduced in order to provide larger residences with better views. He believes that the "through" floor plans will feel like luxurious stand-alone homes, rather than condominium apartments.

Ceilings are typically nine feet, eight inches; a foot higher on the penthouse levels. Private elevators will open directly into each foyer. Floor-to-ceiling glass sliders open to terraces looking out over the views.

The entry drive will curve past a fountain to a porte cochere and the grand two-story lobby with focal art. From the lobby, a curving staircase leads to the plaza level with social lounge, private dining (catered) and board room, a card and game room and a fully equipped fitness center with men's and women's locker rooms, steam and sauna and massage rooms.

The heated pool and spa are on the deck of the plaza level. An owners' cabana, gas grill and bar are more secluded. Residents will have valet parking and concierge services, as well as about a dozen boat slips available in the marina directly below.

Beau Ciel, French for "beautiful sky," will be at the north end of the harbor, opposite The Ritz-Carlton. Decor by Atlanta-based Image Design will emphasize art.

"This high-style building speaks well for the downtown renewal. Downtown is electric, the place to be," Saunders said. "We're finding that our buyers at the Ritz Towers and the Renaissance for the most part are local people who are able to sell their homes because of the strong demand for single-family."

She also sees some buyers coming from Naples "for the culture, and because Naples is getting very crowded."

Saunders unveiled the plans Wednesday to high-producing Realtors, whom she called her allies through the sale of all the downtown buildings. A sales office will open shortly next to the new Hodgell Gallery on the north Trail. Reservations require a $25,000 deposit. Saunders won't say how many reservations she has for the Ritz Towers; 58 of the 244 units at The Renaissance are spoken for.

Tallman worked both with Saunders and architect Jones at Vizcaya and En Provence on Longboat Key. With Saunders, he sold out the 21 En Provence residences (now under construction on Longboat) in a couple of weeks at an average price of $2.5 million.

He already has interest in the 7,900-square-foot top-floor penthouse, which features a fireplace in the library, a 23- by 25-foot grand salon and a 23- by 22-foot master bedroom with its own den. One of the four penthouses will be on two levels.

Tallman is enthusiastic about the Beau Ciel amenity level with its pool, spa and cabana on the marina side. A rockscape waterfall will descend to the lagoon pool Hyatt Sarasota is planning.

"We're not tying into the hotel for services but our residents will access the marina and lagoon pool," Tallman said.

Beau Ciel, Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota

* What: A 17-story tower with 44 condominiums to be built just west of the Hyatt Sarasota.

* Price/size: From $695,000 for 2,335 square feet to $2,018,000 for 4,000 square feet; four penthouses from $2.55 million for 4,641 square feet to $4.5 million for 7,900 square feet.

* Amenities: Two-story lobby, fitness center, heated pool and spa, bay and marina views, valet parking and concierge services.

* Co-developers: Jay Tallman, principal of U.S. Assets Group, and a group headed by Charles Githler, part-owner of Hyatt Sarasota.

* Information: Michael Saunders & Company, (941) 955-3034.

Caption: Architect's rendering of Beau Ciel, French for 'beautiful sky,' to be built just west of the Hyatt Sarasota. Prices for the 44 units range from $695,000 to $4.5 million.
Architect Chuck Jones of Curts Gaines Hall has set the heated pool and spa on the deck of the plaza level. An owners' cabana, gas grill and bar are more secluded.