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Advocacy updates for critical historic resources

1710 Vamo Drive "Norma's House"

The sale of the Mediterranean Revival home just east of the Vamo Lodge in Vamo Park has been approved by the Board of County Commissioners and is scheduled to close in the next few weeks. The Starnes family will then begin restoration of the structure in preparation for making it their family home. SAHP is working closely with Sarasota County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources staff to leverage the funds from the sale to apply for matching grants in order to complete the comprehensive restoration of the Vamo Lodge.

Mira Mar Plaza

On Monday, May 19th, the Sarasota City Commission voted unanimously to approve the project that will fund the restoration of the massive 1922 historic two-story structure that defines the character of Palm Ave. After thorough exploration of the pieces put in place to ensure that Seaward Development is dedicated to the restoration of the historic structure and the creation of not just the residential towers (the 'economic engine' that will help fund the costly historic restoration project) but doing so in a way that gives back to the community. By protecting the historic structure with an easement, inviting current tenants back, wrapping the retail around the sides of the structure at grade, and creating a public courtyard that harkens back to the landscape of the hotel that put Sarasota on the map as a tourist destination, Seaward has baked more public benefit into this project than we have seen in most of the projects to date. Let's hope that this does set a precedent for other developers: by caring about and investing in the community in a meaningful way, honoring our history rather than replacing it, your legacy will be far richer (and your project will probably be more profitable too.)

The Colson Hotel

Volunteers gathered on May 3rd to clean out the debris and garbage from the Colson Hotel to prepare for the digital scans that will create detailed as-built drawings to guide the restoration of the building. SAHP staff is conducting Listening Sessions throughout the community to gather the stories, photographs, and values which embody the legacy of the Colson Hotel to ensure they are preserved and shared by the building for future generations.