A former restaurant property on Fruitville Road is about to take on a very different purpose. The site that once served as a Perkins restaurant is being transformed into a new educational center designed to prepare the next generation of skilled construction professionals in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
The Suncoast Apprenticeship Academy has officially purchased the 1.36 acre property at 5921 Fruitville Road for $1.65 million. The purchase closed August 3, marking an important milestone for the nonprofit and the Suncoast Builders Association, which created the academy to help address the region’s growing shortage of skilled and licensed trade professionals.
The property was sold by Medallion Home, a Manatee County based homebuilder that previously purchased the site for the same $1.65 million price in 2024. Medallion Home was founded and is led by Carlos Beruff, a prominent developer and philanthropist who has been involved with numerous organizations and community initiatives throughout the Sarasota Manatee region.
Funding for the purchase came together through support from members of the Suncoast Builders Association and a private donor. The association represents more than 400 builders and developers throughout the region and has identified the shortage of skilled workers as an increasingly important issue for the local construction industry.
The new academy is intended to create a long term pipeline of trained workers who can enter careers in the skilled trades while also helping local businesses find qualified employees.
The transformation of the former restaurant will be substantial. The existing 5,305 square foot, single level building is planned to become part of a new two story educational facility that will serve as both the headquarters for the Suncoast Builders Association and the home of the Suncoast Apprenticeship Academy.
Once completed, the project is expected to include approximately 5,000 square feet of classroom space along with a 6,000 square foot workshop where students can receive hands on training. An additional 13,000 square feet will be constructed as part of the expansion, creating space for educational programs, training labs and other facilities.
The entire project is currently estimated to cost approximately $10 million, including the acquisition of the property.
The academy is expected to open in 2028, with its first educational programs aimed at adults who are interested in pursuing careers in the construction and building trades. Students must be at least 18 years old.
The academy plans to begin its pre apprenticeship program in fall 2028. The program is expected to run between 12 and 16 weeks and will focus on fundamental trade skills, workplace preparation and industry readiness. The goal is to give participants a strong foundation before they move into more advanced apprenticeship opportunities.
A larger two to four year apprenticeship program is planned for 2030. Students will eventually be able to pursue career pathways in several different skilled trades, including plumbing, carpentry, HVAC and electrical work.
The hands on component of the academy could be particularly important for students who want to enter the construction industry without following a traditional four year college path. Apprenticeships allow participants to develop practical skills while preparing for careers that can lead to licensing, specialized certifications and long term employment opportunities.
The need for skilled workers is especially significant in the Sarasota Manatee region, where continued population growth has fueled demand for new homes, commercial buildings, renovations and infrastructure. As communities throughout the area continue to expand, builders and contractors need electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, carpenters and other specialized professionals to keep projects moving.
The labor shortage also affects homeowners and residents. A limited supply of qualified tradespeople can make it more difficult for homeowners to find contractors for repairs, maintenance, remodeling and other services. Training more workers locally could therefore benefit not only construction companies but the broader community.
The Suncoast Builders Association is now turning its attention toward the next phase of the project, which involves renovating the existing building and constructing the new educational wing.
The renovation of the former restaurant is expected to cost as much as $2 million. Construction of the new educational addition, including advanced training laboratories and classrooms, is estimated at approximately $6 million.
Because of the scale of the project, the association is seeking assistance from the local construction community and other community partners. Builders, contractors, suppliers and manufacturers are being encouraged to contribute financially or donate construction materials, equipment, professional services and volunteer time.
The academy represents more than simply the redevelopment of an old commercial property. It is an investment in workforce development and an effort to create a stronger connection between the region’s growing population and the businesses that need skilled workers.
For Sarasota, the project also gives a former restaurant site a new purpose while bringing a significant educational investment to Fruitville Road. Instead of remaining an unused commercial property, the location will eventually become a place where adults can learn practical skills and prepare for careers that are essential to the region’s continued growth.
As Sarasota and Manatee counties continue to experience residential and commercial development, the demand for skilled construction professionals is expected to remain strong. The Suncoast Apprenticeship Academy is designed to address that need by creating a local training pipeline and giving future tradespeople an opportunity to build careers close to home.
With the property purchase now complete, the focus shifts toward turning the plans into reality. If construction and renovations remain on schedule, the academy is expected to welcome its first students in 2028, followed by the launch of its full apprenticeship programs in 2030.
The project could ultimately become an important resource for both the construction industry and the community, helping local businesses find qualified workers while giving adults a practical pathway into stable, in demand careers.
