May 15th, 2018 9:00 PM by Linda Holley
The Bay. Future growth in Sarasota is calling for a new performing arts center, a new home for the Sarasota Orchestra, and expansion of the Arts Center of Sarasota. A total of 53 acres on Sarasota's downtown Bayfront is being master planned to be a major Florida cultural center and world class destination. On September 6, 2018, three concept plans will be submitted to the City of Sarasota for approval of The Bay. After an exhaustive worldwide search, Sasaki was chosen from 22 design firms to proceed.
Currently there are five buildings in our cultural district built from the 1930's to the 1960's. The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall will be repurposed to preserve the architectural integrity.
Our new cultural center will be sustainable for 75 years and will be designed to protect the Bayfront view. The Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization is working hard to reach out to the African American and Hispanic communities for their ideas and input. The Bay will be a place for everyone in Sarasota to enjoy.
Options in the three different concept plans for consideration by the City on September 6, 2018: food and beverage outlets, outdoor performance venue; a boater's destination for the day; canoes, paddleboards, kayaks, boat launch, and yoga lawns--just to name a few. The Bay will compete with Tampa's Straz Center for Performing Arts in downtown Tampa.
There was much concern about how this new development would affect downtown condos in the cultural district with beautiful views of the Sarasota Bay. The Bay buildings may not be built 45 feet above sea level (FEMA) or two buildings may be up to 90' if they are cultural buildings. For more information, see: The Bay
Information provided in the May 15, 2018 meeting for Michael Saunders & Co. agents by Bill Waddill, Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization. Drayton Saunders, President of Michael Saunders & Co., is also a member of this non-profit planning organization.
Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, 5100 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34242 Phone 941-914-4914
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