SWFL Real Estate Firm Expands Into St. Petersburg With New Downtown Office

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Sarasota-based real estate firm Michael Saunders & Company is expanding into downtown St. Petersburg with a new permanent office at the Residences at 400 Central, a luxury condo tower.

The company has served as the exclusive sales and marketing partner for the 46-story tower — the tallest residential building on the Gulf Coast at 515 feet — developed by Red Apple Group, over the last four years. The building will start welcoming its first residents later this month.

“Our expansion into St. Petersburg reflects our confidence in this dynamic market and deepens our roots here,” Saunders, founder and CEO, said. “We are especially proud to continue our collaboration with Red Apple Group and be a part of their iconic building that will soon house our permanent office.”

The real estate firm’s new St. Petersburg office is expected to open in the spring.

In the meantime, the company will operate from temporary digs in a transitional office across the street from the development at 449 Central Ave., the news release said.

With this expansion, the company has added a number of well-known local agents to its roster, including the Jennifer Thayer Group, Julie Larsen, Rodger Kooser, Ashley Nuccio, Dale Guivas, Rick Scherer and The Dynasty Group.

“Our success has always been built around exceptional people,” Drayton Saunders, the company’s president, said. “Welcoming accomplished agents with deep local connections and trusted relationships aligns with our company’s values and vision for continued growth and leadership in all markets we serve.”

Celebrating its 50th anniversary next year, Michael Saunders & Company also opened a new office in Sanibel-Captive four months ago and will open an office in Wellen Park in March.

The company currently operates 19 full-service sales offices with more than 650 agents and 150 support team members throughout Southwest Florida.