Florida Construction News staff writer
Sarasota’s architect selection task force is expected to select a firm today to design the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center. Deliberations will be open to the public at city hall from 1 to 3 p.m. and a decision will be announced following the meeting.
Finalist firms in the running for the contract made presentations to the task force yesterday. Live in-person interviews and presentations were made by:
Foster + Partners Limited
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Snøhetta
Gehry Partners, one of the finalists selected has withdrawn from the competition.
The task force is comprised of three foundation board members and a City of Sarasota-appointed designate.
The architect selection process started about six months ago and has reached the following milestones:
November 2022 – RFQ produced 43 submissions from interested firms.
January 6, 2023 – RFPs were received from 18 qualifying firms.
February 27, 2023 – 6 semi-finalists were selected to continue.
April 2023 – Site visits and reference checks were completed.
May 12, 2023 – A final slate was selected to present in Sarasota.
The Task Force is comprised of three Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation Board Members and a City of Sarasota-appointed designee:
The Foundation is leading our community into a new era, creating and developing the vision for a contemporary performing arts model of national significance for Sarasota. The venue will be a magnet destination for generations, with the potential to advance education and enrich communities across the state and country.
