The Sarasota City Commission voted 4-1 on Monday on an initial approval for Selby Gardens' renovations plans, paving the way for the organization to begin construction on its downtown Sarasota campus. Selby's Compromise Master Plan includes a 450-space parking garage with a 110-seat restaurant at the corner of Orange Avenue and Mound Street in downtown Sarasota, as well as a new welcome center. The commission also voted to create a specialized botanical gardens zoning district, which will allow Selby Gardens to operate its event center, greenhouses, dock facilities, parking garages and restaurant. Currently, the gardens is located within three different zoning districts.

The commission will vote on a second, final approval for Selby's Compromise Master Plan in the coming weeks.