Manatee County Approves $23.5 Million Purchase of Administrative Building in the East

Key Information

• Purchase Price: $23.5 million
• Property Size: 101,312 square feet
• Location: Lakewood Ranch, replacing the current downtown Bradenton building
• Closing Date: Scheduled for Sept. 1
• Projected Budget for Move: Under $35 million
• Services to be Relocated: Public works, natural resources, human resources, and more
• County Administration Building Original Year: Opened in 1998, renovated in 2011
• Parking Spaces: 615 surface and covered parking spaces

Manatee County is set to embrace a new chapter in government operations with an “out east” approach, thanks to a recent unanimous decision by the county commissioners.

The commission approved the acquisition of a 101,312-square-foot property in Lakewood Ranch for $23.5 million. This new building is intended to function as the county administration center, replacing the existing facility located approximately 15 miles northwest in downtown Bradenton at 9000 Town Center Parkway.

This significant decision was made at the commission’s May 6 meeting, where Commission Chair George Kruse characterized the purchase as a “tremendous deal” and a “unique opportunity.” He estimates the cost to construct a comparable office space would range from $40 million to $50 million, excluding utilities. The total budget for relocating to Town Center Parkway is anticipated to be less than $35 million, covering both the purchase and renovation costs.

Kruse emphasized the financial advantages for taxpayers, noting that the current office market is depressed due to the rise of remote work, which reduces demand and financing options for office space.

The contract for the sale was signed on April 28, with closing anticipated on September 1.

The strategic shift toward moving some services east was inspired by the rapid population growth in the area. Discussions about relocating services began after the county purchased 161 acres off Lena Road in 2020 for a county complex; however, those plans were stalled due to COVID-19 and changes in elected officials.

The Lena Road property, which cost $32.5 million, is significantly larger than the Town Center Parkway site but currently remains undeveloped. Although no immediate plans exist for this property, the county intends to preserve it for future use.

The Right Seats

Commissioners Carol Felts and McCann confirmed that the downtown administration building will remain operational, as it lies within the “county seat,” a designation set by the Florida Constitution that identifies where the county’s main offices and records are located.

While commission meetings will continue at the Honorable Patricia M. Glass Chambers, departments such as Development Services are set to relocate to the new east county facility.

“It’ll save East County residents a lot of trips,” McCann stated, noting that services like permitting could be accessed conveniently, along with his own office being nearby in Lakewood Ranch.

The seller of the Town Center Parkway site is a limited liability company from Delaware, CMHC 9000 JV LLC, with management by MH Commercial Real Estate Fund LLC from West Palm Beach.

County officials conducted a site visit on January 30, and it appears this was the sole property considered for purchase due to its readiness for occupancy.

Departments slated to move into the new building include public works, natural resources, and human resources, among others.

Parking Issues

Felts previously noted the county’s need for more workspace, particularly mentioning the State Attorney’s Office, which already occupies space in the current administration building and expressed interest in expanding into additional areas.

Concerns over adequate parking facilities to serve public needs were also raised.

The property boasts 615 surface parking spaces and covered parking; it originally opened in 1998 and underwent renovations in 2011.

Kruse previously highlighted that the limited downtown parking availability would necessitate a shift in service locations, especially as the county population expands.

Current Tenants

Currently, the east county facility houses two tenants: TriNet, a Human Resources provider, and FEMA, each occupying one floor of the building.

TriNet will vacate before closing on or before September 1, while FEMA’s lease expires on November 1, with a potential three-month extension available if notified.

McCann noted that having FEMA on-site would enhance communication and responsiveness for residents needing services, alongside public works and commissioner accessibility.

This article originally appeared on sister site YourObserver.com.