Sarasota synagogue explores development options for surplus property
By Breanne Williams
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Jan 8, 2024

Temple Beth Shalom in Sarasota is exploring development opportunities for up to 7 acres of its property.

The temple has hired Ian Black Real Estate to explore options for six to seven acres south of the sanctuary at 1050 S. Tuttle Ave. It is approximately 1 mile south of Fruitville Road.

The group intends to maintain the ownership of the sanctuary and event space building, but the remaining acreage can be considered for an alternative use. The property is zoned for institutional uses of a “medical, charitable, philanthropic, altruistic, religious or social character.” The zoning also permits assisted living facilities, nursing homes or residential treatment facilities.

Al Treidel, president of Temple Beth Sholom, said in a statement that the congregation was as “committed as ever” to serving the community and providing “religious, educational and cultural experiences” from the Sarasota location.

“With a large part of this property underutilized, it’s time to consider opportunities for a use that’s compatible with our temple that would also help support the future of our congregation,” Treidel said.

The temple owns 10 acres at the site, including its sanctuary, event spaces and offices at the property’s northern end. Two other buildings on the property total roughly 50,000 square feet. Both buildings are currently leased and operated as schools.

Treidel said it is important the group makes use of the “surplus land in a matter that is compatible” with its mission and aligns with the values of the community. He said the goal is to “generate the highest value without impacting the operations of the temple.”

“Temple Beth Sholom has been a landlord for many years,” Ian Black, partner at Ian Black Real Estate, said in a statement. “The temple’s leadership has decided to evaluate options for its excess property that will provide it with the resources to focus on serving Sarasota’s Jewish community and its stakeholders rather than continuing to lease and maintain the two buildings and allowing the excess land to sit unused.”

In South Tampa, Congregation Rodeph Sholom has been trying to sell a portion of its Bayshore Boulevard property to Miami-based Related Group. Tampa City Council denied Related Group’s rezoning request in May 2023; the developer is now working to get an alternative plan for the property approved.