Bayfront redevelopment reaches major milestone

As part of the Bayfront redevelopment project, the Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization issued a request July 18 to solicit a design team that will lead the creation of a comprehensive master plan for the property. The request is a milestone step in the plan to redevelop the 42-acre, city-owned parcel of land at the center of Sarasota’s Bayfront.

“It’s tangible progress of hard work and good preparation,” said SBPO treasurer Cathy Layton.

The SBPO, a nine-person board of community and business leaders overseeing the project, intends for a global search through some of the top design firms. The organization plans to select between three to five applicants by mid-September before a set of open charrette-style work sessions and interviews narrows down the selections to one finalist. The SBPO expects to formally approve a firm on Dec. 5.

In the request for qualifications, the SBPO prioritized two things for design firms: Prior experience navigating similarly complex endeavors and environments, and a commitment to working with the large group of stakeholders involved in the project. The redevelopment efforts include the SBPO, the city of Sarasota and the greater Sarasota community.

That also includes Sarasota Bayfront 20:20, a grassroots coalition of community and civic leaders that in 2013 began creating a common vision and roadmap for the future of the parcel. The group came up with a mission statement to “establish a cultural and economic legacy for the region while ensuring open, public access to the Bayfront.” This vision was adopted as the root view of the project and was endorsed by more than 45 arts, neighborhood, foundation and business groups as well as the City Commission.

Two other major groups involved in the project are the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the Sarasota Orchestra, currently the two major tenants on the property. Both groups are evaluating their future at that location and will be key contributors to revitalization efforts.

After months of preparing the overall vision for the project, the affiliated groups are asking the design team to render an open space plan with dedicated park land and free space as well. They also require a design that brings a broader connectivity between the Bayfront, adjunct neighborhoods and the nearby central downtown core. Once selected, the team will also be responsible for creating the transportation plan, which stakeholders want to see incorporate automotive, pedestrian and water-based travelers.

“It’s really important we have this right,” Layton said.

In collaboration with community groups and stakeholders, the selected firm will then begin an approximately nine-month planning process to create its vision for the project. During that time groups will collaborate on further site planning, facility planning, outreach and fundraising.

Following that process, Bayfront groups hope to have a plan to present to the City Commission and community for approval. Layton said the SBPO and stakeholders haven’t ruled out any options for the property as they begin selecting the design team.

“We’re so excited because the possibilities are endless,” Layton said.