Bradenton Exploring Temporary City Hall Space in County Administration Building
The City of Bradenton is exploring a plan to temporarily relocate City Hall operations into the Manatee County Administration Building as the sale of the current waterfront City Hall property moves closer to completion.
City officials are considering leasing approximately one and a half floors inside the county administration building in downtown Bradenton. The temporary arrangement would allow the city to remain within the downtown urban core while leaders determine a permanent future location for City Hall operations.
The current City Hall property, located along the Manatee River, has been under contract for about two years and is expected to close by the end of 2026. The site is being sold for $14.1 million and is slated for redevelopment into a mixed-use project known as “The Vias.”
According to city officials, the proposed lease opportunity became available after Manatee County shifted some departments and employees into newer facilities, including offices in the Lakewood Ranch area. The available space inside the county building is already furnished and operational, which could simplify the city’s transition process.
Mayor Gene Brown said maintaining a downtown presence has remained a priority throughout discussions surrounding the City Hall sale. The temporary lease would provide city leaders with additional time to evaluate long-term options for a permanent municipal headquarters.
Plans for “The Vias” development include apartments, condominiums, a hotel, restaurants and retail space. City leaders say the project is intended to help revitalize downtown Bradenton and create additional opportunities for residents and younger families looking to remain in the city.
The proposed lease agreement is still under review and must be approved by the Manatee County Commission before any move becomes official. City and county staff members are continuing to work together on the terms of the short-term arrangement.
Meanwhile, the Bradenton Police Department is expected to move into its new headquarters on 6th Avenue West by December, around the same time the City Hall property sale is anticipated to close.