Moderns That Matter

11 Sarasota Jungle Gardens – 1940

“An old Florida attraction since 1939, it preserves 10 acres of green habitat in the middle of increasing development pressures. It features free roaming flamingos, alligators, parrots, lemurs and many other native and exotic animals. A recently added new visitors center has eccentric “tall hat” roofs...but they suit the venue.” Nomination by Katherine DeSousa

Early Promoters: David Lindsay and Pearson Conrad

3701 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota

The Sarasota Jungle Gardens was first owned by David B. Lindsay who purchased the land to build his own home and garden. Over time, Lindsay collaborated with his friend and neighbor Pearson Conrad – who owned a nursery on an adjoining property – to open their conjoined properties to the public. A landscape designer, Conrad charted the streams, planned the lakes, and provided many of the Gardens’ plantings. Lorrie Muldowney and David Baber, City of Sarasota Historic Designation 23-HDD-01, 2023

Photo: Joseph Steinmetz, Florida Memory

21 Sanderling Beach Cabanas – 1952

“The timeless design speaks for itself.” Nomination by Max Strang

Architect: Paul Rudolph

Contractor: John Innes (1958)

7450 Sanderling Road, Siesta Key

After World War II, Sarasota began to expand outward. In 1946, Elbridge Boyd, one of the first developers of Siesta Key, created Siesta Properties, Inc., which would later become the Sanderling Club. Architect Paul Rudolph designed a plan for Sanderling Club’s recreation area, including a clubhouse, cabanas, and observation tower in 1952. This complex was Rudolph’s first non-residential project after establishing his own practice separate from Ralph Twitchell. Sanderling Club members helped build a concrete patio with a wooden observatory and a building with five, single-story cabanas. In 1958, following Rudolph’s design, John Innes added three more structures that contained five cabanas each. In 1960, John Crowell prepared the plans for a new clubhouse. The tower was taken down in the 1960s due in part to structural instability. Architecture Sarasota Archives

Photo: Jenny Atcheson

57 Clubhouse at the Summer Cove Condominium - 1976

“When the property was sold to a condo developer, it was promised that the restaurant building would be open once a year to Sarasota residents. That never happened. But ask anyone that has lived here for many years if that building wasn’t dear to their hearts and how much it is missed!” Adapted from nomination by Donna Lee Nolt

Architect: Zoller-Abbott Architects

1660 Summerhouse Lane, Siesta Ke

The restaurant, commissioned by Hugh Gregg and designed by Carl Abbott, was a glass pavilion set into a tropical jungle. In 2004, after public outcry, new owners proposed to preserve the building in exchange for permission to exceed height limits elsewhere on the property. The building was saved and retains its original design character including expansive views of the surrounding landscape.

Image Courtesy: Architecture Sarasota Archives

39A Siesta Key Beach Pavilion - 1962

“Designed to give shade as well as to provide necessary facilities for a public beach, this pavilion is not only useful during daytime hours but during the evening – especially on moonlight nights – for square dances and picnics.” Architectural Record, July 1963

948 Beach Road, Siesta Key

Architect: Edward “Tim” Seibert

Restoration and Addition Architects: Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors

In 2010, Sweet Sparkman Architects restored the original concrete pavilion and elegantly connected it to a new, companion building.

Image Courtesy: Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors

80B Manasota Beach Pavilion - 2013

“These buildings are about community identity, too. They are variations on a theme, and are all about county branding.” Joe King interview with Harold Bubil,  www.heraldtribune.com,  July 21, 2013

Architects: Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors

8570 Manasota Key Road, Manasota Key

80C North Jetty Beach Pavilion - 2014

North Jetty park’s location is a well-known fishing spot, popular with both locals and tourists. The pavilion serves its utilitarian functions and also provides a gathering space for park patrons, allowing views of the beach and jetty to the north and west.

Architects: Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors

1000 S Casey Key Road, Casey Key

53b Chidsey Building - 1941

Chidsey is a rare surviving example of the Art Moderne style, characterized by a flat roof, corner windows, and subtly applied ornamentation.” Lorrie Muldowney, Tour Sarasota Architecture, 2009

Architects: Thomas Reed Martin and Frank Martin

701 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

53c Sarasota Visual Art Association - 1961 (1948)

“The Sarasota Art Association was established in 1926 as a meeting place for local artists and art lovers. Since 1948, when the Association commissioned the building, there have been additions and modifications, however, it keeps its Sarasota School of Architecture style.” Adapted from nomination by Mayrelis Perez

Architects: Thomas Reed Martin and Frank Martin

707 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

53d Blue Pagoda Building - 1956

The building’s brilliant blue roof of glazed ceramic tiles appears to float over transparent glass walls. Originally headquarters of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, the building now serves as the Visitors Center for the Bay Park Conservancy.

Architect: Victor Lundy

655 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

former Sarasota County Chamber of Commerce

53e Sarasota Garden Club - 1960

“The Sarasota Garden Club continues to serve as a desired location for weddings, receptions, and other community events”. Adapted from nomination by Diana Shaheen

Architect: John Crowell

1131 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota