Exciting growth continues around Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport as plans move forward for a brand new hotel development that will further transform the gateway into Sarasota and Manatee counties. The Sarasota Planning Board officially approved the site plan on May 14 for a new extended stay hotel that will replace the current Kompose Hotel near the airport entrance.
The new project will become the third hotel within the growing hospitality campus located at the corner of University Parkway, Rental Car Road, and Rick Piccolo Circle. Once completed, the development will finalize the full 300 hotel rooms previously approved under the developer’s long term ground lease agreement with the airport authority. The campus already includes the existing Kompose Hotel and a Hampton Inn facing University Parkway, helping create a modern hospitality hub for travelers visiting Florida’s Gulf Coast.
The project is being developed by Kompose Sarasota LLC, operating under Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority SRQ 3 LLC, and managed by Hugo Gagliardi according to state records. While the future branding of the hotel has not yet been finalized, the development is expected to bring a fresh new look and expanded accommodations to the airport corridor.
Architect Eric Chancellor of Chancellor Design Group shared that the newest addition will feature 60 extended stay style hotel rooms designed for guests seeking longer visits and additional comfort. Beyond the hotel itself, the building will also serve as the corporate headquarters for the hotel group, which is currently based in downtown Sarasota. The overall approved development allows for up to 171,250 square feet of office space and includes plans for a future 150 seat restaurant, further enhancing the area’s appeal for both visitors and local professionals.
One of the most exciting elements of the project is the large resort style amenity area planned for the property. Preliminary concepts include a lazy river, resort pool, sports courts, and outdoor recreational spaces that could create a destination atmosphere unlike anything currently surrounding the airport district. Designers are actively working alongside landscape architects and pool consultants to finalize the vision for the expansive outdoor space. Separate permits for the pool and amenities are expected in the future.
The hotel and parking facilities will occupy only a portion of the site, leaving significant room for the planned outdoor attractions and green space. This approach reflects the growing trend toward experience driven hospitality, especially in high traffic travel destinations like Sarasota.
Planning Board members did raise concerns regarding vehicle access to the development. Currently, direct access from Rick Piccolo Circle and Rental Car Road will not be available. Officials explained that the surrounding airport roads are privately owned, and neither Sarasota County nor the airport authority are currently pursuing roadway improvements within the airport campus or along University Parkway. City officials also clarified that these transportation decisions fall outside city jurisdiction.
As Sarasota continues to experience rapid growth and increasing tourism, projects like this highlight the ongoing investment pouring into the airport corridor and surrounding communities. With expanded accommodations, corporate office space, and resort style amenities on the horizon, the area surrounding SRQ is quickly evolving into far more than just a travel destination.
