An ambitious transformation of the mid-century modern Scott Building, in downtown Sarasota, into the Center for Architecture Sarasota and a hub for architectural studies opens with a focus to advance education, engage and celebrate architecture. With the restoration of the original exterior lighting "the building will glow at night like a jewel box."
The nonprofit Center for Architecture Sarasota has spent about $500,000, plus $300,000 of in-kind services, to restore the former furniture showroom at 265 S. Orange Ave. as home base for the University of Florida School of Architecture’s new CityLab-Sarasota. According to UF, the program will bring graduate students to Sarasota to study “issues of emerging technology, culture and climate responsive architecture” as they relate to the Sarasota School of Architecture, which became known internationally for “adapting the International Style to the tropical climate.” In addition, the Center for Architecture and AIA Florida Gulf Coast Chapter offices will be housed there, and there will be museum-quality gallery space for rotating exhibits, and a lecture hall that seats 80 to 100 for films, talks and special events. The building had housed Sarasota County government’s print shop for the past several years.
Architects William Rupp and Joseph Farrell, who both began their careers as assistants to Paul Rudolph, designed the Scott Building in 1960 as the showroom for the Barkus Furniture Company. Clarence Scott, who commissioned it, wanted them to employ then new technologies such as precast concrete roof panels and exposed masonry, supports and columns. True to the Sarasota School style, they also built in large, open expanses of space, curtain walls of glass and generous overhangs to mitigate sun and light exposure. It was one of the last commercial or public projects in Sarasota designed by either of these masters of the Sarasota School of Architecture. The restoration included removing the drop ceilings to expose the original I-beams, which were manufactured in Sarasota in 1959, and “are a crucial element in the building,” says Center for Architecture chair Cynthia Peterson. “Electrical conduit and pipes are all able to be run through the gaps between the I-beams so nothing is exposed on the ceiling,” she says. “This is an ingenious idea developed by the architects.” The original exterior lighting—“cleverly placed in the articulated I-beams on the extensive overhangs—also was restored,” says Peterson. “The building will glow at night like a jewel box.” Among the design professionals who have donated their time and expertise to the restoration are architect Guy Peterson, contractor Michael Walker, landscape architect David Young, lighting designer Thomas Paterson of Lux Populi, and Jake Brady, who is contributing concrete counter tops and furniture. Visit Center for Architecture Sarasota for events, lectures and general information. Sarasota Magazine 3/2015
