Proposed 324-unit apartment project at Sarasota cottages falls through

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A proposed apartment development that would have replaced a cluster of colorful cottages in downtown Sarasota has been voided, according to an email sent to business owners at the property.The project, known as 1899 Fruitville, called for a 324-unit apartment complex at the site near Fruitville Road and Washington Avenue. The development would have required the demolition of the cottages, which are home to 17 local businesses.For months, business owners had been preparing for the proposed redevelopment. Beth Nilsen, owner of Soho Downtown Hair Salon, said she and her employees had already made plans to relocate. “Now everything has stopped, halted. What do we do now? We can’t stay, I can’t stay, we’ve already made arrangements,” Nilsen said.The project was being developed by Tennessee-based Bristol Development Group. Business owners shared an email from their landlords with ABC 7 confirming the project had been voided. The project had received partial city appro