The city of Holmes Beach has been informed about property owner Jake Spooner’s plans to demolish the old Wells Fargo bank building at 5325 and 5327 Gulf Drive.
But, according to development services director Chad Minor, nothing is set in stone.
Minor wrote in a Feb. 4 email to The Islander that the city had yet to receive an application for a permit to demolish the structure.
Spooner’s original plan for the property, which he purchased in 2023 for $4,750,000, was to redevelop the bank using parts of the old structure.
On the ground level, the development will feature an arcade, outdoor miniature golf course, Island Bazaar retail store and a candy and ice cream shop. The upstairs will be a restaurant.
A site plan for the project was approved by city commissioners in December 2024.
Minor wrote that a building permit application had yet to be submitted as of Feb. 4.
Now, Spooner, a former Bradenton Beach commissioner, plans to demolish the remainder of the structure and replace it with new development.
A demolition permit will go through an administrative review process and does not need city commission approval. Minor wrote that additional approval from the city commission will only be required if changes are made that are not consistent with the approved site plan.
Spooner did not respond to a Feb. 5 call from The Islander.