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Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte Counties were developed by numerous visionaries whose legacy lives on in our architecture, thoughtfully planned parks and city centers, and sense of community.
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The legendary John Ringling, of Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey fame, also made his mark as a dreamer and developer, not only bequeathing Sarasota with a celebrated art museum and magnificent Venentian-syle mansion, but influencing area architecture to follow.
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Other developers of note, like Owen Burns, Bertha Palmer, Fred H. Albee, and John Hamilton Gillespie, have influenced how we live, work, and play.
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The Sarasota School of Architecture is a mid-century modern movement indigenous to our region that resulted in highly innovative homes, currently studied and revered by architectural students the world over.
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From Casey Key to Sarasota to Siesta Key, examples of this iconic style dot the landscape.
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Today, the tradition continues in a new breed of architects and practitioners who remain faithful to the genre by embracing clarity of form and simplicity of structure as their guiding design principles.
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Much of our area harkens to the period nostalgically referred to as “Old Florida” – a quieter, simpler time distinguished by a sense of place and authentic character. Imagine quaint streets of mom-and-pop shops mingled with pink beach bungalows, swaying palm trees, and vibrant-hued bicycles.
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Island cottages filled with warmth and character celebrate the sea and salty air, each with their own story to tell.
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While retaining their timeless charm, many of these homes have been carefully restored with modern conveniences.
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