Milton causes only brief delay in Sarasota luxury condo project

The developer of a condominium project on Sarasota Bay says back-to-back hurricanes will result in minimal delays. Peninsula Sarasota, two interconnected luxury condos being built on the 22-acre peninsula of Golden Gate Point, was largely spared by hurricanes Helene and Milton, according to developer Sam Gault.

“Our infrastructure remained unaffected, and while cleanup will take a few weeks, we anticipate only a couple-month delay in our project timeline,” says Gault, president of Connecticut-based developer Gault Family Companies.

As a result of Hurricane Milton’s powerful winds, there was tree damage, and landscaping was impacted at Peninsula Sarasota, officials say. According to the National Hurricane Center, Milton made landfall Oct. 9 near Siesta Key with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph.

Gault attributes the lack of structural damage to the fact that new condominium buildings are designed to withstand severe weather. 

“Our collaboration with our architects and construction team focused on using the best materials and modern building practices to prepare for Florida’s hurricanes,” Gault says in the statement. “Our goal is to provide residents with a living environment that offers peace of mind, even in the face of potential storms.”

Peninsula Sarasota will consist of 23 residences in two buildings that are interconnected, and it is expected to be ready for people to move in by early 2025. Originally, the plan was to open before the end of the year. 

The setback at Peninsula Sarasota is brief in comparison with other developments, some of which officials say are facing 18 to 20-month delays due to the hurricane.

“Feedback from our residents has been overwhelmingly positive. They are enthusiastic about the prospect of moving into their new homes next year,“ Gault says in a statement. “We also realize there will be many displaced barrier residents who will be rebuilding or relocating to the mainland. Our construction timeline provides another option.”

At Peninsula Sarasota, residences are three bedrooms, including some with dens. Units start at $4.5 million, and six are still available.