An Established Downtown Sarasota Landmark
One Watergate occupies a prominent position at 1111 North Gulfstream Avenue, where downtown Sarasota meets the waterfront and the approach to the John Ringling Causeway. Completed in 1974, it stands among the residential high-rises that helped define Sarasota's early downtown condominium era.
Unlike many newer luxury towers with a small number of very large residences, One Watergate was designed around a collection of generously proportioned two-bedroom homes, most ranging from roughly 1,575 to 1,736 square feet of interior living area across 107 units.
One Watergate occupies an interesting position in downtown Sarasota's condominium market: an established 1970s high-rise with unusually spacious residences and extensive recent improvements.
One Watergate offers something increasingly difficult to duplicate in downtown Sarasota: substantial two-bedroom residences, broad balconies, established amenities, and a central location at a comparatively modest residential scale.
Even the smaller principal layouts provide approximately 1,575 square feet, while the C and D plans approach 1,750 interior square feet. That scale gives owners room for separate living and dining areas, sizable bedrooms, generous storage, and flexible spaces that can be adapted to contemporary lifestyles.
The building's six-stack configuration also creates meaningful differences from residence to residence, while a recent modernization has refreshed the community's common areas, corridors, and building components without abandoning the generous original floor plans that define it.
One Watergate dates to an important period in Sarasota's transformation from a smaller Gulf Coast city into a recognizable high-rise waterfront community. The condominium was formally established in 1974, with the original Declaration recorded in Sarasota County that June.
The building was designed by Marshall Novak, Architect and Planner, with engineering by John E. Olsen and Associates. Its design reflected the priorities of its era: large two-bedroom residences, substantial balconies, centralized amenities, covered parking, and a dramatic high-rise position close to Sarasota Bay.
Nearly five decades later, the Association undertook a major modernization effort designed to update the communal experience without abandoning One Watergate's established architectural identity, reimagining the residential corridors, lobby, office, community spaces, and conference/library.
Today, One Watergate combines the larger floor plans and established location of a 1970s downtown condominium with substantially updated common spaces and building systems.
One Watergate contains 107 condominium units organized around six principal residential floor-plan positions, A through F, together with corresponding penthouse residences. The original two-bedroom layouts generally range from approximately 1,575 to 1,736 square feet of interior living area, plus balconies of roughly 206 to 260 square feet.
Residence Type | Approx. Interior Area | Approx. Balcony | Approx. Total Area |
|---|---|---|---|
A / F | 1,577 sq. ft. | 260 sq. ft. | 1,837 sq. ft. |
B / E | 1,575 sq. ft. | 206 sq. ft. | 1,781 sq. ft. |
C / D | 1,736 sq. ft. | 260 sq. ft. | 1,996 sq. ft. |
PH-C (example) | 1,736 sq. ft. | 260 sq. ft. | 1,996 sq. ft. |
Figures reflect original condominium documents. Many residences have since been renovated or reconfigured, so present-day interiors, laundry arrangements, and parking assignments should be verified for any specific unit.
Amenities reflect current Association House Rules and MLS information for One Watergate.
Pets | Animals are generally prohibited other than birds and fish; service and support animals are handled separately under applicable rules. |
|---|---|
Birds | Up to 2 caged birds per unit; residents must notify management. |
Fish | 1 fish tank per unit, maximum 30 gallons; residents must notify management. |
Leasing | Owners must generally hold title for at least 2 continuous years before leasing. |
Lease Term | Leases must be for 1 continuous year; no subleasing. |
Purchase Approval | Board approval is required for purchases, transfers, and leases. |
Right of First Refusal | Association rights apply under the governing documents. |
Parking | Each unit has one or more covered parking spaces; exact assignments vary. |
Guest Parking | Limited guest parking is available with applicable permit procedures. |
Fitness Center | Available 24 hours a day to residents and registered guests. |
Pool | Available from approximately one-half hour after sunrise until one-half hour before sunset. |
Tennis / Pickleball | Courts available from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. |
Grilling | Common gas grills available from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; grilling on private balconies is prohibited. |
In-Unit Laundry | May be installed with prior written Board approval. |
Governing documents, Association rules, fees, assessments, leasing restrictions, pet policies, parking assignments, renovation plans, amenities, and services may change over time. Buyers and sellers should verify the most current information directly with the Association and other applicable authorities.
One Watergate is located at 1111 North Gulfstream Avenue, Sarasota, Florida 34236, near Sarasota Bay at the western edge of downtown, close to Marina Jack and the Ringling Causeway.
One Watergate was completed in 1974.
The condominium documents identify 107 units, including Association-owned Unit 1-B.
One Watergate is an 18-story high-rise.
The original building is organized around six principal residence types: A, B, C, D, E, and F. The penthouse level follows the same general stack organization with PH-A through PH-F.
The principal original floor plans generally range from approximately 1,575 to 1,736 square feet of interior living area. Typical total areas, including balconies, range from approximately 1,781 to 1,996 square feet.
The C and D plans are the largest of the principal original layouts at approximately 1,736 interior square feet, plus about 260 square feet of balcony space.
Yes. The original plans include private balconies of approximately 206 to 260 square feet, depending on residence type. Many corner residences enjoy wraparound or broad balcony configurations.
Views vary significantly by stack and elevation. Depending on residence position, outlooks may include Sarasota Bay, Marina Jack, downtown Sarasota, the Ringling Causeway, Lido Key, Longboat Key, and distant Gulf views.
Amenities include a heated swimming pool, tennis courts, pickleball courts, fitness center, community room, conference room/library, outdoor gas grills, covered parking, guest parking, EV charging stations, bicycle storage, kayak storage, laundry rooms on each residential floor, and on-site management.
Yes. The fitness center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to residents and registered guests.
Generally, no. The Association permits only birds and fish, subject to registration and limits. Up to two caged birds are permitted, and one fish tank of up to 30 gallons is allowed per residence. Service and support animals are handled separately.
Yes, but the restrictions are strict. Owners generally must have held title continuously for at least two years before leasing, and leases must then be for one continuous year. Subleasing is not permitted.
Yes. Applications for the purchase, transfer, or lease of a residence must be approved by the Board of Directors.
Yes. The governing documents provide the Association with a right of first refusal in connection with certain transfers, so buyers and sellers should follow the required approval and notice procedures.
Each residence is associated with one or more covered parking spaces, but the exact number varies. Some residences convey with one space, others with two, and certain units have additional parking arrangements.
No. Common laundry rooms are located on each residential floor. Individual washers and dryers may be installed within a residence with prior written Board approval.
Yes. The community has undergone a major modernization of its residential corridors, lobby, elevator and mailbox areas, Association office, common room, and conference room/library. Other recent improvements have included updated windows and exterior doors, roof work, recreational facilities, landscaping, and fitness-center improvements.
No. The building is very close to Sarasota Bay and enjoys substantial water views from many residences, but the condominium parcel itself is not directly bayfront.
Residents are close to Marina Jack, Bayfront Park, the Sarasota Farmers Market, downtown restaurants and theaters, the Sarasota Opera House, Florida Studio Theatre, and the Ringling Causeway. St. Armands Circle and Lido Beach are only minutes away across the bridge.
Yes. Visit the One Watergate Association website for current information.
With six principal floor-plan positions and meaningful differences in elevation, orientation, parking, storage, and renovation history, comparing residences at One Watergate requires more than simply looking at square footage. Buyers should consider stack, floor level, Sarasota Bay and skyline exposure, balcony configuration, renovation quality, in-unit laundry, parking assignment, storage, and the specific view corridor associated with the residence. Because many interiors have been remodeled over the decades, buyers should also pay close attention to window and door upgrades, kitchen and bath renovations, plumbing and electrical improvements, flooring, HVAC systems, and Association approval history for alterations. With more than four decades of experience representing Sarasota and Longboat Key's finest properties, Pettingell Professionals helps buyers understand these distinctions and make informed, property-specific decisions.
Today's luxury buyers begin their search long before they schedule a showing. They compare communities, study floor plans, evaluate views and locations, and look for reliable information about the details that affect ownership. That's why we've created one of Sarasota's most comprehensive luxury condominium and residential community guides. Our goal is simple. When someone searches for One Watergate or 1111 North Gulfstream Avenue, we want them to find accurate, informative, and complete information about the community. More importantly, we want your residence to be part of that discovery. A One Watergate residence should not be presented as simply another downtown Sarasota condominium. Its stack, floor level, Sarasota Bay and city views, balcony configuration, renovation history, parking, storage, and interior upgrades are all important parts of its story. Combined with exceptional photography, aerial imagery when appropriate, cinematic video, strategic digital marketing, and more than four decades of experience representing Sarasota and Longboat Key's finest properties, we position your residence where today's luxury buyers begin their search.
The Pettingell Community Guides were created to provide buyers and sellers with accurate, objective, and thoughtfully researched information about Sarasota and Longboat Key's most exceptional condominium communities, residential neighborhoods, and waterfront enclaves. Every guide is independently researched, regularly updated, and written to help you understand not only the facts about a community, but also the history, lifestyle, architecture, and details that make it unique.
Rather than relying on marketing language or generic descriptions, our goal is to create the most complete and trustworthy resource available for each community we cover. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply exploring Sarasota's luxury real estate market, we hope these guides help you make more informed decisions and discover the communities that best fit your lifestyle.