Bradenton considers sale of City Hall for $14.1 million
On Wednesday, July 24, the Bradenton City Council will vote on a transformative development project for the city’s downtown waterfront. The proposed project features a massive mixed-use development including an eight-story apartment building with 350 units, a 14-story hotel with 130 rooms, and a 20-story condo building with 95 units. Additional elements of the project encompass 20,000 square feet of retail space, 8,600 square feet of restaurant space, and an eight-story parking garage.
City leaders are evaluating a $14.1 million offer from L&L Development Group for the 4-acre site currently occupied by City Hall and the Bradenton Police Department headquarters. If the project is approved, the city must relocate City Hall by the end of 2025. As of now, a new location for City Hall has not been identified, and officials are considering renting temporary space in downtown Bradenton to facilitate the property’s development. Critics, including former City Council member Bill Sanders, have argued that the city is rushing the sale. Prior to the board’s vote in April 2023 to begin negotiations, Sanders expressed concerns about securing funds for a new police department and City Hall.
“I think we have the cart in front of the horse. We don’t know how we’re going to pay for this,” Sanders said at the time. In 2023, Bradenton officials held neighborhood meetings to address residents' questions about the sale and relocation of City Hall.
The idea of selling the City Hall property emerged over two years ago. In March 2022, two potential buyers offered $10 million for the waterfront property. Subsequently, Bradenton officials advertised the property nationwide, receiving five proposals for developing various combinations of restaurants, apartments, condos, and more.
After reviewing presentations from interested buyers, the council voted to begin contract negotiations with L&L Development Group, a partnership that includes Ron Allen of Bradenton-based NDC Construction Company. The group proposed The Vias, a development combining retail, tourist attractions, and housing.
Mayor Gene Brown envisions creating a vibrant downtown where residents can work, shop, and dine locally. He predicts the project will provide an economic boost to the area.
“I’m a fifth-generation Manatee County person,” Brown said. “My grandkids are seventh generation. We want to keep our kids here by offering positive activities in town. Currently, people go to Sarasota or St. Pete for entertainment. We want the Manatee River waterfront to have a hometown feel.” Brown emphasized plans to preserve the oak tree, which he described as part of the “million-dollar view.”
One of Brown’s goals is to make downtown more walkable. While some residents have raised concerns about traffic, he noted that the city is collaborating with the Florida Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Planning Organization to alleviate congestion in the area.