Sarasota's Architectural Tour
Self-Guided Stroll Chronicles County's Architectural History
Sep 14, 2009
Armed with a good pair of walking shoes, a Tour Sarasota booklet and accompanying map, visitors and locals are taking a closer look at the county's surroundings. Perched on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota includes Sarasota Bay and several islands: Lido Key, St. Armand's Key, Otter Key, Coon Key, Bird Key and portions of Longboat Key and Siesta Key. On each of those picturesque islands stand examples of period architecture ranging from the stately to the sumptuous to the strange.
The homes and buildings featured on the tour represent three architectural periods. Those build prior to 1940 provide historical context. Between 1940 and 1970, structures that define the nationally recognized style known as the Sarasota School of Architecture emerge. Post-1970 structures show the work of numerous contemporary architects, many of whom remain active in Sarasota today.
Pre-1940s Architecture Provides Historical Context
Undoubtedly the most prized of Sarasota's architectural gems is Ca d'Zan, commissioned in 1923 by Ringling Bros. founder John Ringling. Features of the 36,000-square-foot mansion, initially built as John and wife Mable's winter residence, draw from the ornate Venetian hotels and palaces built in the Venetian Gothic style. The 41-bedroom, 15-bathroom home is considered the "last of the Gilded Age mansions" to be built in America and cost $1.5 million - a hefty sum in those days.
Mable Ringling acted as general contractor, making final decisions on every last detail of the home, even supervising the mixing of the terra cotta and the glazing of the tiles that adorn the waterfront mansion's exterior. The four-story structure is topped with a 61-foot-tall tower with an open landing that offers an expansive view if Sarasota Bay.
Ca d'Zan hosted Sarasota's most storied social gatherings of the day, beckoning visitors with music from the massive, 2,289-pipe Aeolian organ installed in a chamber in the second-floor balcony. Old timers say that the organ's sounds could be heard clear across the bay.
Other notable pre-1940 structures on the tour include the Mediterranean Revival styled bungalows in the Central Cocoanut and Laurel Park National Register Historic Districts and the Neoclassical Revival style Federal Building constructed under Franklin Roosevelt's Works Progress Administration.
Sarasota School of Architecture Emerges
Post-World War II, Sarasota architecture came into its own - literally. Modern styles reflected the public's newfound optimism and drew from European influences, as well as rising American architects like Frank Lloyd Wright. The new focus was on space, form and technology and Sarasota adapted these to complement its semi-tropical environment. Local adaptations included wide roof overhangs that provided shade from the sun and large glass windows and doorways designed to bring the outdoors in, so to speak. And home sites were placed and angled to take advantage of prevailing winds to provide natural air conditioning.
Military technologies also were utilized in new construction. For instance, the roof of the Cocoon House, also known as the Healy Guest House, near the Bayou Louise Bridge was built using a vinyl compound used by the military to protect ship components from the weather. The smooth, delicate and curved structure features steel straps and insulation board and was garnered worldwide attention for its unique look and functionality.
Post-1970 Architects Continue the SSA Influence
Some might consider the Sarasota School of Architecture a forerunner of today's "green construction" movement because it utilizes and complements natural elements including sunshine and prevailing winds. Although the preeminent practitioners of the SSA long ago left for larger markets and the style's popularity began to wane by the late 1960s, many of today's area architects are continuing or renewing the style's influence.
A modern example is the John Chapman, Jr. House, built in 2008. Sited to open to the north, the home's corrugated metal roof and sliding boasts a high solar rating to minimize energy use. Another is the Herald Tribune Media Group Headquarters built in 2006. Its green and blue glass curtain wall permits sunlight to penetrate the building while simultaneously controlling heat gain on the interiors.
Tour booklets and maps are available for $10 at the Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau Visitor's
Center at 701 North Taimiami Trail or online.
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