Salvage showroom adds to Design District

Sarasota Architectural Salvage's new location in the Rosemary District is only a one-block jaunt southwest from its current site — but it could make a big difference for the sustainable retailer.

SAS Mercantile, the name of the new location, will christen the former site of the Ice House exhibition space at the intersection of 10th Street and Central Avenue with new signage this week. With a grand opening planned for Dec. 11, the new warehouse plants Sarasota Architectural Salvage within the burgeoning Sarasota Design District.

"It's an awesome location, and we're really hoping to bring our heart and soul, and our longevity to it," said Sarasota Architectural Salvage owner Jesse White. "It's more visible, and being part of the Rosemary District and the Design District was really appealing to me."

White said he's essentially splitting the business, and using SAS Mercantile as a showroom for more finished, upscale products, as opposed to the architectural elements and raw materials at the other building. And with more furniture, the warehouse will fit in with the Design District — White is even hosting a mixer for businesses within the district Thursday.

The Sarasota Design District is an association comprising more than 20 businesses. The idea, members say, is to establish the area as a one-stop destination for people interested in home design — from architecture to furnishing, and everything in between. Home Resource co-owner and Rosemary Distrct Neighborhood Association President Michael Bush spearheaded the creation of the organization in August.

"I think it's really good," Bush said of the SAS Mercantile taking over the Ice House building. "Once you create a concentration, other people want to be part of it."

Though the district hasn't started collecting dues, Bush said the group is nearly at 25 members, and there are rumors of at least one more design firm moving into Rosemary.

"It's just another thing Sarasota can compliment themselves about: We have a design district," Bush said.

White also hopes SAS Mercantile can complement the area, and plans to maintain aspects of the Ice House building to preserve its historical legacy.

"We came to our current location before anyone wanted to cross Fruitville Road, let alone 10th Street," White said. "I hope by reaching out to our distant client base we can bring in a whole new clientele to the neighborhood and the district."