Bird Key Real Estate   Surrounded by the emerald waters of Sarasota Bay, Bird Key is an exclusive enclave of 500 single-family homes. Once the province of Northern retirees, its quiet streets and striking vistas of Sarasota Bay and the city skyline have drawn some younger residents in recent years, including celebrities. Residents of Bird Key appreciate its privacy, security, and close proximity to world-class shopping at St. Armands Circle, lovely Lido Beach and the dazzling downtown theater district. Developed in the 1950's by Arvida, the island is a boater's paradise, with many of its homes situated directly on the bay or on deep-water canals. Today, many of the 1950s-style homes are being renovated or rebuilt, among them some of the biggest, most extravagant homes in town. Bird Key also boasts its own prestigious yacht club.  Just a short drive over the Ringling bridge to dowtown Sarasota. Interesting Facts About Bird Key: - Bird Key was originally developed by the Arvida Corporation in the late 50's. The original existing piece of land was enlarged by using the dredgings from digging the canals and the bay front. - The original Bird Key was a narrow sliver of land. It did not extend beyond Bob White Way. It was at least quadrupled from its original size. - The Bird Key Yacht Club clubhouse was built on the site of a two story white frame house known as Edzell Castle which was built in 1914 - John Ringling bought the Bird Key house and what was then the entire key in 1922 - His sister Ida Ringling North and her family lived in the Bird Key house from the late 1930's until 1950, before it was purchased by Arvida Corporation - Bird Key Yacht Club was established in 1959 and officially opened October 15, 1960. It was at built at a cost of $250,000. - Emmet Addy, a well known local name to the old timers here was the first commodore. Arvida turned over title to the club on October 31, 1967. - There was a major expansion done to Bird Key in 1968. 40 boats slips, tennis courts, pool and assorted dining areas. Initiation fee is $8,000 and the annual dues are $2,450. Several types of memberships. Numerous reciprocals with facilities around town. - Bird Key lot street frontage ranges from 100' to 120' width, depth 120' to 150', average 12,500 sq ft - Extra wide waterways or canals, all the canals and bay front areas have good deep water for boating, there are no internal bridges that boaters have to go under to get to the bay, direct access to the gulf thru Big Pass w/o going under any bridges. - Bird Key spent millions initially to have all utilities under ground which was probably one of the original areas of town to do this. - Bird Key is one of Sarasota original deed restricted communities. We have an elected board of directors who are now very proactive. - 510 lots, 60% or 303 waterfront (154 bay front, 149 canal), 207 interior - Original lot prices were approximately $18k for waterfront and less than $10k for interior lots. - Most homes only have to be built up 4' because Bird Key base elevation is fairly high and most of key is in an A zone - Bird Key setbacks are more restrictive than the rest of the cities. 35' height restriction compared to the city's 37'

Mark Brink
RE/MAX Alliance Group
5411 University Parkway     Sarasota, Fl.  34201
Web:  www.MarkBrink.com        E-mail:  mark@markbrink.com







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