A retail center in Sarasota, Florida called Crossings at Siesta Key first opened its doors in 1956. It was originally known as South Gate Retail Plaza, Southgate Plaza, Westfield Southgate, and Westfield Siesta Key. Macy's, LA Fitness, and Cinebistro anchor the mall.
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| Crossings at Siesta Key Sarasota Florida |
On January 15, 1957, South Gate Shopping Plaza, an outdoor strip mall, was the forerunner to Crossings at Siesta Key. Publix and Winn Dixie stores, as well as W. T. Grant and Woolworth, were all included in the first strip. A department store was built on the plaza as part of a 1961 development, and JCPenney was added.
In 1977, W.T. Grant closed. Burdines purchased the structure and began operations in November 1977. In order to have the structure ready for use, Burdines extensively refurbished it. W.T. Grant only utilized the first level for sales, therefore during renovations they created an atrium to the shop with a glass elevator, allowing them to use a portion of the second floor for retail.
Also in 1977, JCPenney moved to the brand-new Sarasota Square Mall after closing its shop. In October 1978, Robinson's of Florida, the Florida branch of California-based J.W. Robinsons, opened in the old JCPenney location. Given that it was smaller than their other Florida stores and was the first Robinson's location to operate in an existing structure, Robinson's store was remarkable. In 1987, Robinson's sold Maison Blanche, a Louisiana-based department store, its Florida locations. On March 28, 1988, the shop's name was changed to Maison Blanche in a formal fashion.
The mall's initial enclosed wing was constructed in 1981.