They came from Tampa March 1 to deliver a $211,068 check, pick up two building permits and take a place in the history of Holmes Beach.
With a stroke of a pen, Holmes Beach building official Jim McGuinness approved the construction of Waterline — two three-story buildings with open-air connections, 37 two-room lodging units, a pool and deck, an 80-seat restaurant and 98 parking spaces — for Mainsail AMI Marina, the resort’s corporate entity.
The resort — on the site of a historic restaurant — was first proposed in 2000.
On several acres at the city’s center near Gulf and Marina drives, Waterline also boasts an operating 50-slip marina in the adjacent boat basin.
According to the permits, the city valued the construction of the central lodge and two wings at $9,946,027 and “building B” at $1,646,354.
Resort units will occupy the upper two floors of the buildings. A restaurant, meeting rooms, workout and office facilities, as well as gift shops will build out the ground level.
“It may be the largest in Holmes Beach’s history,” McGuinness said of the project.
Public works clerk Susan Corsi said other commercial projects rivaling Waterline’s size include the Benderson Development commercial center and Publix Super Market on East Bay Drive.
In terms of valuation, it might be the city’s largest project, Commission Chair Judy Titsworth said.
As final stamped drawings, placards and permits were readied March 1 at city hall, Mainsail Lodging & Development vice president Brian Check waited with Mike McCandless of Mainstay Construction Services, the project’s general contractor.
“We’re happy to get it to this point,” Check said.
McCandless said the structures will build out to 95,000 square feet and 65,000 square feet under air.
Overnight to 120-day stays will be allowed, according to Check.
By the middle of the summer, he said neighbors should see rooftops.
“Our goal is still to have buildings by the end of the year,” he added.
Mainsail’s project grew out of plans for Tidemark Lodge, which, in June 2001, obtained city approvals for 31 apartment-style units, nine motel units, a marina and a 120-seat restaurant.
The project was stalled by bankruptcies and foreclosure. Tidemark filed bankruptcy in 2004 and the property changed hands. Mainsail AMI Marina LLLP eventually became the record landowners.
In 2009, Mainsail and city officials talked about reducing the project to 37 residential units, concealing the stairs and elevators and elevating the main building, which houses the restaurant.
City commissioners voted in March 2013 to revoke Mainsail’s original 2001 entitlements and the developer petitioned the court.
Litigation ended in January 2015 with a mediated settlement reducing the project’s size and building height and increasing setbacks from waterways and nearby homes.
“It was a long process, but it had to be done right. I’m excited — it’s all positive at this point,” said Titsworth, who was a member of the city’s mediation team.
Check said Mainsail realized the original entitlements were “too dense” for Holmes Beach.
Waterline’s foundation work will begin in the “next few weeks” and by mid- to late-April, the project will “go vertical,” he added.
While a pool permit may still be required, McCandless said all other permits have been obtained.
With a demolition permit last year, Mainsail removed the rebar for the buildings that were scratched from the plans.
A site improvement permit enabled Mainsail to shore up the existing underground infrastructure.
One utility connection is still needed for off-site sewer work at the end of Sunrise Lane, McCandless said, adding he expects the work to take place in the next couple of weeks.
First developed in 1953 by John Holmes Sr. as a yacht club, the property later became the home of Pete Reynard’s Yacht Club Restaurant, Shuckers, Crabby Bill’s, Backbay Steakhouse and Marina Bay. The restaurant was demolished Aug. 1, 2002.
Rebar in the ground as part of the foundation work for Tidemark Lodge failed to come to fruition and remained an eyesore for years.
“We’re really looking forward to the end of the rebar ghost town,” McGuinness said.
Mainsail’s investors include islanders Ed Chiles, Michael Coleman, Ted LaRoche and Louis and Mary Alice Collins.
The project is expected to create 400 new jobs in Manatee County, including construction work and the equivalent of 70 full-time employees.
They aim to reduce impacts on traffic by promoting use of the trolley and bike rentals, Check said.
The company, which also operates Mainsail Beach Inn, 101 66th St., Holmes Beach, is planning to offer an electric jitney to ferry guests between Waterline, the Beach Inn and other destinations.
A facelift is in store for the adjacent strip mall, also owned by Mainsail, Check said. It is home to Eat Here, the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and other businesses.
“We are going to be developing a grand entry into Holmes Beach and Anna Maria Island in keeping with old Florida and the community,” he said.