Sophisticated Urban Living

By Sue Cullen

Ambitious plans are in motion for The Collection, a boutique luxury condominium high-rise that will be coming out of the ground later this year. Developer Matt Kihnke, President of MK Equity Corporation, aims to establish The Collection as an architecturally significant structure in one of downtown Sarasota’s most desirable locations, with a style and ambiance that is sure to make it the talk of the town.

Kihnke already demonstrated his ability to make that happen when he made Sarasota take notice of his Zen-inspired Sansara luxury condominiums on Pineapple Avenue. “When people see The Collection, the building and its design will speak for itself. It is a very sophisticated, architecturally forward and refined design,” he said. “It is thought-provoking architecture.”

The 10-story condominium is on a quiet tree-lined street just around the corner from the Sarasota Opera House at 1335 Second Street, making it a short walk to the downtown farmers market, shopping, dining and entertainment. “We’re getting a tremendous response from people who want to live downtown,” Kihnke said. “This building is unique because of its design, quiet urban location, its corridor views to the bay, and its incredible amenity package.”

The Collection will have 12 residences ranging from about 2,550 to 3,500 square feet, and five of those units will be full-floor. One attractive feature is soaring ceilings with heights ranging from 12- to 14-feet providing a feeling of expansiveness. “With every project, I try to design to best accommodate the site. The Collection’s design is forward thinking, clean-lined and elegant in the way it’s presented,” he said. “These units are larger and the design and finishes are truly that of luxury. We want to awaken each individual’s experience with The Collection.” Select residences offer expansive outdoor space with one full-floor unit featuring almost 3,000 square feet of private terrace. 

Lifestyle elements were a key factor driving the design and amenities, and Kihnke turned to Jonathan Abrams of Michael Saunders as the exclusive sales agent for The Collection. Abrams also was the agent for the Sansara and understands the experience Kihnke is providing residents. “The Collection offers the best walkability of any new development while tucked away in a quiet artistic neighborhood within the city. Each floor plan has been exhaustively designed to provide a private estate like feel,” Abrams said. “It is a unique opportunity to translate a passion for Florida sunsets, the best in modern urban design and a zest for an artful existence into a way of living.”

In addition to high ceilings–ideal for showcasing art–and expanses of windows framing sunset and city views, Kihnke plans high-end finishes. These include contemporary wide plank flooring, Euro-style kitchens, quartz countertops and stand-alone, solid-surface tubs, but he anticipates that most buyers will want to personalize their space. “We work diligently with our buyers personalizing their residence to meet their lifestyle and their expectations. We have a variety of selections to choose from. However, when a buyer wants something specific, we do our best to accommodate their requests,” he said.

The Collection also features an exclusive amenity deck with a pool, spa, fire pit, fitness and yoga room, seating areas and a private air-conditioned space for storage of anything from pool furniture to a stash of wine or cigars. An indoor bar adjoins the amenity deck with sliding doors that open to incorporate the two spaces. The Collection also has a corporate center that residents may use for meetings or social functions. 

In addition to Kihnke as developer, The Collection project team includes marketing by Jonathan Abrams, Michael Saunders and Company. The building was designed by Eric Allyn, ARS Architecture, the architect of record is Mark Sultana of DSDG Architecture and the owners representative is Brian Jones of Jones Development.

Kihnke also has some other new projects in the works. “I’m very excited about each of my projects, I feel like Sarasota’s future architectural direction is going to continue to advance. I strive to build the very best projects that will continue to showcase my commitment to great architecture and sophisticated design in this city,” he said. “The next project after The Collection is currently in the works and will be another spectacular boutique residential project.” Kihnke, who has almost 25 years of experience developing projects in Chicago, Michigan, Florida and the Caribbean, is in the final stages of building out his companies’ Florida headquarters in the commercial space in Sansara’s ground floor. Part of that office will be a presentation center for specific projects, including The Collection, his other new Sarasota projects, and an island development, Sailrock Resort, on South Caicos in the Turks and Caicos that includes resorts, a marina, a golf course and private estates and villas. 

Interested individuals will be able to come to the presentation center to have a private review of the projects. “I’m extremely excited about The Collection and the initial interest that we have received. I think it’s a good addition to Sarasota’s urban core, and I hope that people will appreciate it,” Kihnke said. “We want to evoke emotion with our projects through architecture and create that lifestyle brand that our residents desire.”

To learn more about The Collection, call Jonathan Abrams of Michael Saunders at 941.232.2868 or email him at jonathanabrams@michaelsaunders.com.