South Gate Community Center

2021 Six to Save

The South Gate development broke ground in 1955 in orange groves, planted by Bertha Palmer and managed by Minute Maid. In January of 1956, the developers Rollad King and Frank Smith, called a meeting to establish a community association. Notable Sarasota School Architect, Victor Lundy was hired to design the hall which is sited beautifully in relation to the pool and the Phillippi Creek on the 5 acre parcel. The Hall and the pool (the oldest continually run public pool in Sarasota) are locally designated historic structures on the County Register.

Beloved by South Gate residents for mid-summer splashing, dog walking, picnics and a frequent venue for picturesque weddings and ceremonies, the Community Center lends definition and a much needed social hub to this desirable central Sarasota neighborhood.  Due to a lack of continuous funding for maintenance and repairs, the Community Association has placed the Hall for sale and is exploring the option of acquisition by the County. The future of this beautiful example of Lundy’s work remains uncertain due to rising land values and the strong arm of developers demolishing notable architecture on a regular basis.