SARASOTA - Construction is underway on the Rosemary Square mixed-use project, the latest new development in the long-blighted Rosemary District north of downtown. The $20 million project, 1440 Boulevard of the Arts, will include 50 condominium units and 30,000 square feet of retail and office space in four buildings, city documents show. Thirty of the residential units will be used by the Sarasota Opera to house its artists, a boutique theater and fine arts, according to contractor Gilbane Building Co. 
The project is being developed by Mark Kauffman and Partners. Jonathan Parks is the architect. It is expected to be finished next summer. A number of developers have targeted the Rosemary District. The city has added density to allow more units at some projects.
"Rosemary Square's convenient location to downtown Sarasota supports the economic growth of the area and local neighborhoods," Gilbane vice president Tim Hensey said in a statement. "The timing is right for a project like this."
| Opera singers coming to Sarasota to perform at the Sarasota Opera House will soon be staying at designated space within the Rosemary District. The new Rosemary Square mixed-use development will include 30 condominium units for artist housing, all owned by the Sarasota Opera. “We will house probably 150 in a season here,” said Richard Russell, Sarasota Opera executive director. “This will make a huge difference for us both financially and logistically, and take a great burden off our staff.” The new housing will be a seven-minute walk to the Opera House. |
