Architects to reveal first look at Sarasota's new performing arts center Sept. 18

Architects from Renzo Piano Building Workshop will return to Sarasota from their home base in Genoa, Italy on Sept. 18 to share their preliminary vision for the Sarasota Performing Arts Center.

Members of the RPBW team will pay their first visit here since holding two “Meet the Architects” sessions on July 16. They return with their initial design concept, which will be unveiled at two community workshop sessions. 

During the workshops, attendees will get a first look at the latest ideas for the activities and spaces planned for the center, which will be built at the northeast corner of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall parking lot and serve as the centerpiece of The Bay park.

After a presentation, the design team, along with the project’s architect of record, Sarasota-based Sweet Sparkman, and designers from Arup Group, will break into smaller groups where attendees may engage directly with the design team, ask questions and provide input. 

Arup Group is a leading multinational theater and venue design and advisory practice based in London.

“These gatherings will not only inform the community, but also spark meaningful conversations and inspire everyone to dream with us about the future of the arts in Sarasota,” said Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation CEO Tania Castroverde in a statement. “Through collaboration and creativity, we aim to build a vibrant performing arts center that reflects the diverse spirit of our community.”

The firm is on the fast track to provide a final design concept and estimated project cost by Nov. 30, when the city and the foundation are set to enter into an implementation agreement for the public-private venture. The project is to be funded in equal parts between public dollars, almost all from the tax increment financing district surrounding the park, and philanthropy. 

In May the city and Renzo Piano entered into a contract worth up to $36.9 million for the design work, which includes all engineering, schematic design, construction documents, procurement of construction services and construction administration. 

The final cost of the project has been estimated between $275 million and $300 million.