State grant will support FST's affordable housing plans

Florida Studio Theatre has been approved to receive a $1 million appropriation from the state of Florida to support its endeavor to provide workforce housing in its new Arts Plaza project.

The $57 million Arts Plaza has been designed to meet a wide range of FST’s artistic needs including new performance space and structured parking in addition to visiting artist and arts employee housing. This building will be nestled among FST’s existing five-theater campus in downtown Sarasota.

“The arts are essential to our community, and I was happy to support Florida Studio Theatre. Their expansion offers housing and employment, as well as reaching new theatre audiences,” said state Sen. Jim Boyd. 

Development of the eight-story building is planned for three phases. 

The first phase will include construction of the entire building, opening three stories of artist housing and three levels of parking garage. Phase 2 will open two cabaret theaters with kitchen and food service stations, dressing rooms, bar and lounge area and restrooms. Phase 3 will finish the project by building out a second main stage theater, lobby and concessions area.

“This theatre has always offered top-tier performances at affordable ticket prices, and they continue in that vein to build affordable housing for artists,” said state Rep. Fiona McFarland. “They are a great cause to support.”