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Two-block Madeira vision put on paper
By AMY WIMMER, Times Staff Writer
MADEIRA BEACH -- A developer plans to transform two blocks along the east side of Gulf Boulevard, building a hotel, townhomes, condominiums, restaurant and retail space. The site plan delivered to City Hall gives city officials a first realistic glimpse at what developers plan for the project called Madeira Bay, to be built in the area between 131st and 133rd avenues. Those two blocks, which now include such Madeira Beach mainstays as the Kingfish Cottages and Dockside Dave's, are now owned by Hondur Inc., headed by Treasure Island businessman Sid Rice. Other developers are eyeing several sections of Madeira Beach, including the Sands of Madeira across the street from Kingfish Cottages and another property that has been home for decades to Double D Seafood. "I think what happened is, it's just been bubbling up and waiting to happen," Madeira Beach City Manager Jim Madden said. "A lot of redevelopment has been on hold in light of the master plan being developed." The Hondur Inc. property will not involve any density increases that must be approved by the state Department of Community Affairs, which has declined to allow density increases on the beaches, said Madeira Beach community development director Paulette Cohen. But at least one other project, 26 townhomes tentatively planned for the area that includes Double D Seafood, would require an increase of six units. "That is, I understand, the break-even point that can actually make it a financial go," Madden said. "We're seeing how we can address some of these minor density increases that accommodate the redevelopment." Neither Rice nor Sam Lewis, the developer with plans for the Hondur property, could be reached for comment Tuesday. Rice's lawyer, Tim Ferguson, referred questions to Rice. The multiphase project is a long way from approval. As proposed, the project would require five variances from the city's Board of Adjustment, including one for height. Although the plan does not mesh with the city's current land development code, it fits better into Madeira Beach's new master plan, which outlines how city commissioners would like their city to develop in the future. That plan has been approved in concept by the City Commission, but the proposed changes are not yet reflected in the land development code. Lewis, the developer, wants to build the condos and hotel as six stories over two parking levels, though he suggested to Madeira Beach officials that he might lower that plan to five stories over two parking levels. Current guidelines allow for two or three living stories to be constructed over base flood elevation in that area. Usually the lowest level is used as a garage, which means the buildings are essentially three or four stories high. City officials expect to receive a formal application from the developer soon. Rice's company had originally hoped to create a project that linked the beach and bay sides of Madeira Beach by combining his Hondur Inc. property with the beachfront Sands of Madeira hotel. Now city officials are working with a separate developer who hopes to vacate Gulf Lane, west of Gulf Boulevard, to redevelop the Sands of Madeira property. -- Times researcher Cathy Wos contributed to this report. Madeira Bay would include:90-unit condominium hotel 79,960 square feet 36-unit condominium 60,360 square feet 12-unit townhomes 36,360 square feet Restaurant 6,000 square feet Comercial/retail space 4,000 square feet
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
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