Updated Economic Impact Study Projects $194 Million Annual Economic Impact for Sarasota
Prepared for the Foundation by HR&A Advisors, one of the leading real estate and economic development firms in the country, the study forecasts a significant boost to the Sarasota region’s economic landscape, projecting over $194 million in annual economic activity.
May 14, 2024
Updated Study: A New Sarasota Performing Arts Center Will Generate $194 Million in Annual Economic Impact
Prepared for the Foundation by HR&A Advisors, one of the leading real estate and economic development firms in the country, the study forecasts a significant boost to the Sarasota region’s economic landscape, projecting over $194 million in annual economic activity.
February 11, 2025
Second Community Workshop and Town Hall Showcase Updated Performing Arts Center Concepts
On February 11, the City Commission and the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation convened a second community workshop—joined by other key stakeholders—to address questions and concerns raised during the first workshop in September regarding the implementation agreement. That same day, a public town hall revealed updated design concepts for the new performing arts center, inviting community feedback to further refine the project.
Renzo Piano Building Workshop: Updated Design Concepts
November 18, 2024
City Commission Extends Deadline for Performing Arts Center Agreement
On November 18, the City Commission voted to extend the finalization deadline for the new performing arts center agreement, citing hurricane-related delays, the need to address outstanding questions from commissioners, and the addition of a newly seated commissioner—steps deemed crucial to refining the implementation agreement and updating the design concept based on community feedback.
September 30, 2024
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation Holds First Community Workshop
On September 30, the Sarasota City Commission held a workshop to review the design and implementation agreement for the new performing arts center with the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation. Representatives from the foundation attended to gather feedback from commissioners on the draft.
September 18, 2024
Town Hall Showcases Initial Design Concepts for new Performing Arts Center
We are thrilled to announce the reveal of the initial design concepts and 3D models for the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center, presented during our recent town hall event on September 18th. These designs showcase our commitment to accessibility, sustainable practices, and convenient parking solutions, ensuring that the center will be a welcoming space for all. This exciting milestone highlights our dedication to creating a vibrant cultural hub that enhances our community's artistic landscape.
Renzo Piano Building Workshop: Initial Design Concepts
May 21, 2024
City Commission Approves Design Architect Agreement for a new Performing Arts Center
The City Commission approved an agreement Monday with world renowned architecture firm Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Inc. to design an extraordinary new performing arts center at The Bay where the cultural arts will come to life and inspire generations to come.
May 14, 2024
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation and the City of Sarasota Release Economic Impact Study
Prepared for the Foundation by HR&A Advisors, one of the leading real estate and economic development firms in the country, the study forecasts a significant boost to the Sarasota region’s economic landscape, projecting over $150 million in annual economic activity.
May 8, 2024
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation to Provide Initial Funding for Design Phase of New Sarasota Performing Arts Center!
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation is excited to announce that funding for the design concept phase of the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center will be entirely provided by the Foundation. This private funding represents the Foundation's contribution to the 50/50 public-private partnership with the City, ensuring a collaborative and successful development process.
April 29, 2024
Architect of Record Selected!
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation is happy to share that the Design Architect for the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center, Renzo Piano Building Workshop, has selected local firm Sweet Sparkman Architects as the Architect of Record.
June 1, 2023
Final Firm Selected:
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation is pleased to announce the selection of the firm that will be creating the design of a new Performing Arts Center at The Bay: Renzo Piano Building Workshop.
RPBW has successfully completed over 140 projects worldwide and is known for prominent buildings such as the Whitney Museum in New York, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, the Centre Pompidou in Paris and The Shard in London.
Renzo Piano Building Workshop: Example Works
May 31, 2023
Finalist Architect Interviews with Public Q&a
In-person presentations of the final three firms at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
June 1, 2023
Architect Task Force Deliberations & Decision
Final deliberations by the Architect Selection Committee with a recommendation for Architect Design Firm made to the City Commission for approval and contracting.
Task Force Members
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Jenne K. Britell
Vice Chair of Board, Chair of Task Force
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Mark Famiglio
Board Member
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Michele Hooper
Board Member
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Mary Bensel
Executive Director, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
The Architect
Selection Process
An open and transparent process with six (6) public meetings. The process was guided by City ordinance, Florida statute, and CCNA practices.
TIMELINE:
FALL 2022 – SUMMER 2023
Taskforce Meeting #1: Architect Selection Kick-Off & Taskforce Orientation — October 31, 2022
Taskforce Meeting #2: Review RFQ Responses, Winnow to 15–20 Shortlist Candidates — December 16, 2022
Taskforce Meeting #3: Review RFP Responses, Winnow to 4-6 Semi-finalist Candidates — February 27, 2023
Taskforce Meeting #4: Review Findings from Building Tours & Reference Calls; Winnow to 3-4 Finalist Candidates to Interview; Identify Topics for Discussion & Develop a Consistent List of Questions to Ask During the Finalist Interviews — May 12, 2023
Taskforce Meeting #5: Finalist Interviews with Public Q&A — May 31, 2023
Taskforce Meeting #6: Final Deliberation & Recommendation for Selected Architect — June 1, 2023