Ownership and control of the 17.2-acre Longboat Key development site is officially in the hands of Unicorp National Development’s President Chuck Whittall. On Thursday, April 30th, Unicorp closed on the final units that were in litigation of the former 237-unit The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort. The property is located directly on the Gulf of Mexico, encompassing 800 feet of direct Gulf frontage.

Whittall’s vision for the future includes 69 ultra-luxe private condominiums in three, five-story buildings and a 166-room St. Regis Resort and Spa. The half-billion-dollar project has already been approved for development by the Town of Longboat Key.

Unicorp plans to officially launch sales later this year, with an anticipated 30-month construction timeline to complete the project. “Even during these challenging times, people from around the world recognize Florida as a great place to be,” says Chuck Whittall, who is personally leading the Unicorp team. “Longboat Key and Sarasota residents have been waiting with great anticipation for this closing. Now, we are ready for this project to become a reality.” Whittall has selected Michael Saunders & Company as the exclusive sales representative for the community.

“Unicorp’s timing is right on schedule for our seasonal residents,” says Michael Saunders, managing real estate broker for the project. “There is an incredible pent-up demand for new beachfront luxury residences in the Sarasota region, and the St. Regis experience will take Gulf-front living to an entirely new level of luxury and service.”

The acquisition is a key milestone for The Residences at St. Regis Resort Longboat Key. Unicorp has spent the last year working with a global team of design professionals to create a timeless, authentic and memorable destination resort. SB Architects-Miami, Enea Landscape Design, Hirsch-Bedner Associates, Marc-Michaels Interior Design, and RSM Design have all contributed to the impressive master plan.

The planned St. Regis Resort amenities will include the St. Regis Spa, CW Prime, a chef-driven steak and seafood restaurant, beachside Monkey Bar, Beach Café, Piano Bar, and a tropical beachside paradise with multiple pools including a saltwater lagoon with tropical fish and a meandering stream pool.

The Residences at The St. Regis Resort Longboat Key will be priced from $2 – $10 million. Each private residence will feature an abundance of outdoor living areas with panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico or the signature resort gardens. Thirteen floorplans ranging from just under 1,600 sf to more than 5,800 sf of living area. For more information and updates, interested parties are encouraged to join the Interest List at SRresidenceslongboatkey.com.

When it comes to Unicorp’s development process, bringing together architecture, design and natural landscape is the most important fundamental. Situated along the beautiful beaches of The Gulf of Mexico, nestled in the tropical setting of Longboat Key, The Residences at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort is making remarkable strides to ensure this area remains pristine.

As an industry leader of commercial and residential development, Unicorp National Developments recognizes the importance of maintaining the indigenous landscape of Longboat Key by creating a sustainable community with carefully thought out grounds. After a thorough selection process, the industry’s best, Enzo Enea, was named Landscape Architect of the project. Perfectly chosen for his appreciation of the natural environment and his commitment to the integration of landscape architecture.

“The landscape architect must be aware of the surroundings, the plant-hardiness zones, the style of architecture. It’s not about decorating, but integrating,” says Enzo Enea.

Jacarandas, fragrant purple trumpet-shaped blooms, will be planted within the community delivering a delightful greeting with their tropical beauty. Under Florida’s warm climate, they make an excellent shade or street tree, this flora will be the perfect element to celebrate the tropical and serene environment of The St. Regis Longboat Key. Additionally, landscaping at The St. Regis will feature over 40 different plants and flora, avoiding the use of non-native and invasive ones, no alterations or removal of the native plants within Longboat Key’s dune system will be made. Instead plants will be added that promote coastal dune restoration, including Sea Grape, Cocoplum, Sea Oats, Dune Sunflower and Sea Lavender.

Renowned for powder-soft sand and warm, turquoise waters, the beaches of Longboat Key showcase an exceptional ecosystem within The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort. Each design element has been inspired by the stunning nature of The Gulf Coast and each setting is structured to protect the Longboat Key’s beloved landscape and environment. Modern yet refined, meticulous yet relaxed, The St. Regis brings its revered, best-in-class service to the oceanfront sanctuary that is Longboat Key.

When complete The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort will be home to 166 luxury guest rooms and suites complete with Signature amenities, including Spa, Piano Bar, concierge services, as well as a state-of-the-art Fitness Center with mediation and yoga studios, beachside event lawns and ballrooms, luxury boutiques, beauty salon, and three extraordinary pools including a Saltwater lagoon with tropical fish, a meandering drift stream and a tropical resort-style pool. Casual and fine dining experiences will include W Prime Steak and Seafood, a full-service casual restaurant, beachside Tiki Bar, and the rooftop Monkey Bar, fully accessible to homeowners at The Residences.

The Residences at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort will consist of 3 Gulf-front building, being home to only 69 private residences, with 13 spacious floorplans ranging from 1,553 sf to 5,895 sf of living area and priced from $2 million to over $10 million. Each residence will include dramatic open floorplans, breathtaking Gulf views, expansive terraces and a secured private access elevator opening directly into their home. Select residences will feature spectacular infinity-edge plunge pools located directly on their expansive 16ft wide terraces. A Resident Clubhouse offers a private fitness center, business center and resident lounge complete with bar and library. Residents also have exclusive access to the private Gulf-front Beach Club with a residents-only waterfront pool with privacy sundeck and chaise lounges along the Longboat Key shorelines. garages with covered parking.

The highly- anticipated Grand Reveal is scheduled in the coming months. To join the interest list to be the first to receive updates on our progress and an invitation to our advanced preview, register here.