Sarasota growth continues as Kolter breaks ground on new apartments

Kolter Multifamily’s 256-unit Alton Sarasota project marks continued residential growth in one of Florida’s most active development corridors.

Kolter Multifamily has started construction on Alton Sarasota, a 256-unit apartment community along 63rd Avenue just north of University Parkway. 

The project will add new rental housing options to one of Sarasota’s busiest development areas and strengthen Kolter’s presence on Florida’s west coast.

The development follows steady population growth and continued demand for modern rental housing across Southwest Florida. 

Sarasota’s location, workforce base and access to major employers have made it a focal point for new residential projects.

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New ground

Kolter Multifamily, an affiliate of The Kolter Group in Delray Beach, broke ground on Alton Sarasota in October. The 256-unit, garden-style community will include one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 765 to 1,248 square feet.

Each apartment will feature nine-foot ceilings, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and in-unit washers and dryers. 

Most homes will have private balconies or patios and a clubhouse will serve as the centerpiece, offering a fitness center, co-working space and coffee lounge.

Rendering of Alton Sarasota’s clubhouse and entrance designed by Kolter Multifamily.
A rendering of Alton Sarasota, Kolter Multifamily’s new 256-unit apartment community north of University Parkway.

“Alton Sarasota reflects our commitment to creating communities that combine curated design with strategic locations,” said Jeff Quinlivan, president of Kolter Multifamily. “This project offers residents the best of both worlds, proximity to Sarasota’s growing employment centers and easy access to its cultural and recreational amenities.”

The site is near major employers including Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, PGT Innovations, FCCI Insurance Group and the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee. With direct access to I-75 and University Parkway, residents will have short commutes to downtown Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch.

Construction is expected to be completed in winter 2026.

Market shifts ahead

Alton Sarasota is Kolter Multifamily’s fourth project in the Sarasota-Bradenton-Venice area, following the summer groundbreaking of Alton Palmetto. The continued expansion highlights the company’s long-term focus on Florida’s west coast market.

While developers remain active, industry reports show that the multifamily sector in Sarasota has cooled after years of rapid growth. According to CoStar and Matthews Real Estate Investment Services, vacancies rose to roughly 10 to 16% in 2025 as new supply entered the market, and rent growth has flattened or turned slightly negative.

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Despite the adjustment, Sarasota continues to attract development interest due to its population gains and quality-of-life appeal. Projects like Alton Sarasota are being positioned to capture future demand as the market stabilizes.

Tampa Bay connection

Kolter’s investment in Sarasota reflects the region’s deepening connection to Tampa Bay’s broader economy. As more companies and professionals move along the I-75 corridor, new multifamily communities are helping meet workforce housing needs and support continued economic growth.

Construction projects like Alton Sarasota generate local jobs, expand housing supply and support service-sector activity. For investors and developers, the project demonstrates confidence in the west coast’s long-term fundamentals, even amid short-term market corrections.

READ: Baker and Emily Mayfield just gave a Florida Gator the opportunity of a lifetime

Building the future

With Alton Sarasota underway, Kolter Multifamily is strengthening its role in shaping the future of Florida’s west coast housing market. The project adds to a growing pipeline of developments that continue to redefine how and where professionals choose to live in the Sarasota-Bradenton region.

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