BOCC unanimously approves transfer of former GTE Building to City to support downtown redevelopment plan

BRADENTON — With unanimous support during Tuesday's meeting, commissioners approved the transfer of the former GTE building at 1009 4th Avenue West to the City of Bradenton, clearing the way for the city to pursue redevelopment of the long-vacant historic property as part of its broader downtown revitalization efforts.

Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown addressed commissioners before the vote, outlining the city’s developing partnership with Point Park University and the potential role of the GTE building as a performing arts conservatory for a proposed downtown satellite campus. Brown said the initial plan could bring approximately 250 students to downtown Bradenton. He estimated that, as the campus matures, student and university-related activity could generate between $5 million and $10 million (or more) annually through housing, restaurants, retail, groceries, entertainment, transportation, and other local spending.

"The impact will go well beyond student spending,” Mayor Brown told commissioners. “A Point Park presence would bring faculty, staff, prospective students, their families, alumni, performers, audiences, and other university-related visitors into downtown Bradenton.”

Commissioners provided favorable feedback and support for the partnership plans and opportunity, and for the proposed restoration and reuse of the GTE building, particularly given the length of time the property has remained vacant.

Commissioner Bob McCann supported the building’s transfer to help support the partnership plan, but raised concerns about the timing and transparency of the discussions, which have reportedly been underway since at least February. McCann said the public and commissioners should have received information about the opportunity earlier in the planning process. At the same time, he described the proposal as “fantastic” and said downtown Bradenton needs to become both a cultural center and a flourishing downtown.

The property was most recently appraised at approximately $1.215 million. The transfer includes restrictions requiring the property to be used for workforce development, education, community and training opportunities, or other redevelopment activities consistent with the Downtown District Area Community Redevelopment Plan. The deed also includes a five-year reverter clause and preserves a county-owned easement providing access through the property to a nearby county-owned area.

The county previously reacquired the building from Florida Cultural Group Inc. in December 2023 after the property had been considered for inclusion in plans to replace the deteriorating downtown parking garage. County officials subsequently determined the building was no longer needed for that purpose and identified conveyance to the city as a means of putting the underutilized public asset to productive use.

The unanimous vote allows the City of Bradenton to move forward with its plans for the property. Any future Point Park University campus, the scope and financing of renovations, and the building’s ultimate use remain subject to additional planning, approvals, and agreements through the Bradenton City Council.

Click the video below to watch the BOCC’s presentation, discussion, and unanimous vote on the conveyance of the former GTE Building.