STUART — Seacoast Bank plans to build a three-story, 58,647-square-foot headquarters on property adjacent to its current headquarters, 815 S. Colorado Ave.
Two other structures, including a parking garage, also could be built on the 8.13-acre site.
Bank representatives are expected to present plans Sept. 15 to the city Community Redevelopment Board, which makes recommendations to the Community Redevelopment Agency, which is responsible for community redevelopment.
Seacoast Bank has deep roots on the Treasure Coast. It weathered the Great Depression, beginning operations in 1926 in Sebastian, and opened in Stuart in 1933. Seacoast is one the largest community banks with headquarters in Florida, according to a news release outlining its second-quarter financial performance.
“It’s kind of a big deal for Stuart,” said Community Redevelopment Board Chair Mark Brechbill.
The bank could move out of Martin County if it is unable to build its new headquarters here, Brechbill said.
More of Seacoast’s plan
Seacoast Bank also is considering building a stand-alone drive-through and a three-story, 90,762-square-foot private parking garage, according to public documents. If a new headquarters is built, the existing headquarters and bank branch — totaling 70,000 square feet — would be demolished to make way for the parking garage.
The bank’s property is adjacent to the city’s artsy Creek District.
A representative for Seacoast Bank could not be reached for comment. Mayor Campbell Rich and City Commissioner Sean Reed, who has met with Seacoast Bank leaders, both declined to comment.
Seacoast Bank is seeking relief from four requirements of the city’s land-development rules: including permission to build a private parking garage, to avoid building a 10-foot sidewalk along U.S. 1 and Colorado Avenue and for the parking garage to be longer than permitted.
Most of Seacoast’s requests appear to be straightforward, Brechbill.
A potential objection and support
But Vice Mayor Christopher Collins, who has yet to see the plans, is concerned Seacoast is stuffing a bank and parking garage on half the site.
Commissioner Eula Clarke said she, too, has met with Seacoast representatives and has no objection to what was presented.
A new headquarters, Clarke said, will keep a business here “with strong roots in the community, enhance the Creek District and entrance to downtown, create job opportunities and enhance our sense of place with the updated architectural style.”
“Headquarters companies mean a lot to their host communities, and Seacoast Bank truly attests to this fact,” said William Corbin, executive director of the Business Development Board of Martin County.
“They employ hundreds of people, support local nonprofits, provide services that benefit tens of thousands of local residents and businesses and their history here goes back nearly 100 years,” Corbin added. “Working with them on their proposal for their property to ensure they remain in Stuart is in everyone’s best interest.”
Keith Burbank is TCPalm’s watchdog reporter covering Martin County. He can be reached at keith.burbank@tcpalm.com and at 720-288-6882.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Seacoast Bank eyes building new headquarters, parking garage along U.S. 1 in Stuart
Reporting by Keith Burbank, Treasure Coast Newspapers / Treasure Coast Newspapers
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