Manatee County Approves Sale of Old Bradenton City Hall Site Amidst Public Scrutiny
BRADENTON — In a recent land use meeting, the Manatee County Commission voted 4-2 to approve the sale of the former Bradenton City Hall property at 500 15th Street West to Amres Investments, LLC, for a contract price of $8 million. The 3.7-acre parcel, vacant for years, will be developed into luxury market-rate multi-family housing if the sale finalizes. This approval comes after years of discussion regarding the property’s future use and potential development plans in downtown Bradenton.
The old city hall site, originally acquired by Manatee County in 2009 for use in the Ware’s Creek flood mitigation project, has been the center of debate over its designation as surplus property and its long-term potential for public or private use. Thursday’s vote marked the first time the sale agreement, backed by a minimal deposit and extended closing deadline, was openly deliberated. Commissioner Jason Bearden, who raised concerns about potential traffic impacts, joined Commissioner George Kruse in voting against the proposal, citing apprehension over the terms of the contract, particularly the low deposit and distant closing date.
Despite county ownership, the property has seen limited use since the Ware’s Creek project, which included contributions from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). Per the agreement with SFWMD, Manatee County must pay 50% of the sale proceeds, or a minimum of $3.5 million, to SFWMD.
The deal has stirred local interest not only because of the contract terms but also due to the property’s history. Ron Allen, a partner in Amres Investments, was previously part of the original ownership group from whom the county acquired the property through eminent domain. Although Allen addressed the board, some observers noted a lack of discussion surrounding this historical connection. Allen defended the low deposit, citing the impracticality of a large deposit for a sale that won’t close until 2029, as the county plans to use the site for employee parking until a new garage is completed.
Despite Commissioner Kruse’s criticisms of the contract structure, citing its lack of financial security for the county, the board’s majority approved the sale. As it stands, this development will play a role in shaping the cityscape of downtown Bradenton, potentially transforming this prime real estate into a luxury residential area by the close of the decade.