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Contents march 2021
annual home of the year competition
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Home remains the most significant architectural place we experience throughout our lives. It represents safety, ownership, privacy, stability and personality. As we continue to investigate the role that homes play in our daily lives, the annual SRQ Magazine Home of the Year Competition invites local architects, builders, interior designers and landscape artists to present us with new notions of home environments by submitting their recent residential projects. Year after year, the competition redefines the spaces where we live and thrive—broadening the discussion of what a home represents and what it can ultimately be with today’s building strategies, renovation techniques and regional trends. From seaside to streetside, inside and out, these award-winning domains celebrate and contribute to a growing legacy of innovative home design. Produced by SRQ Magazine and the Home of the Year 2021 Judges.
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contents
march 2021
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MARKETING FEATURES 11
A class act in an orange box, Jackie subscriber’s look forward to curated outfits delivered right to their door. Seasoned sailor and instructor Jim Zellmer revels in showing Sarasota youth sailors the helm. Project Pride saturates the city with color as an LGBT destination for Pride Month.
BRANDSTORY Achieva Credit Union
69 DOMICILE SPRING HOME PORTFOLIO 83
NOSH DINING GUIDE Marina Jack
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For four arts and cultural organizations, it was all for one and one for all to come out of the pandemic stronger than ever. Gazing upon the work of Bill Farnsworth is like looking through a family photo album, with all the warmth and idyll of family vacations and camping trips.
REAL ESTATE
S R Q M A G A Z I N E | S P E C I A L C O N T E N T M A R K E T I N G F E AT U R E | M A R C H 2 0 2 1
87 ELITE REAL ESTATE AGENTS Recognizing the region’s notable real estate agents who cultivate exceptional client service, close sales and give back to the community. From top producers to top rookies, meet some of the elite real estate agents representing our region. Featuring Anja Deichmann, Michelle Hupp, Angela Lista, Mia McKeehan and Darren Dowling, Lisa Napolitano and Valerie Dall’Acqua, Tracy Pierce and the Sarasota Gulf Coast Realtors®.
2021 SRQ MAGAZINE
ELITE REAL E S TAT E A G E N T S A N J A D E I C H M A N N | M I C H E L L E H U P P | A N G E L A L I S TA M I A M C K E E H A N A N D D A R R E N D O W L I N G | L I S A N A P O L I TA N O A N D VA L E R I A D A L L’A C Q U A | T R A C Y P I E R C E S A R A S O TA G U L F C O A S T R E A LT O R S
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culture city
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Three companies cement their place for all things concrete.
forage
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Dark, mysterious and chic, SEABAR sets the scene for a night of modern-pacific dining and amateur espionage. Stacking up on ice cream sandwich treats at Rise Coffee Co. & Nye’s Cream Sandwiches. Cover: Home of the Year Overall Home: Between $1 and $2 Million Platinum Winner Hive Architect’s LS1 home, photo by Ryan Gamma Photography. Previous page: Home of the Year Overall Home: Over $2 Million Platinum Winner Hive Architect’s Shibusa home, photo by Ryan Gamma Photography. Clockwise this page: Cobia Crudo from Seabar; Jackie’s subscription styling; and Bill Farnsworth’s paintings, photography by Wyatt Kostygan
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8 | srq magazine_ MAR21 live local
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MARCH 2021
SRQ MEDIA
CEO / PRESIDENT / EDITOR IN CHIEF
LISL LIANG
ADVERTISING GROWMYBUSINESS@SRQME.COM 941-365-7702 x1
ART DIRECTOR / PHOTOGRAPHER
Wyatt Kostygan
SUBSCRIPTIONS SUBSCRIBE@SRQME.COM 941-365-7702 x2
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Brittany Mattie DIGITAL CONTENT AND EDITORIAL PROGRAMS ASSOCIATE
Ariel Chates
GET SRQ DAILY
CONTRIBUTING SENIOR EDITORS
Phil Lederer, Jacob Ogles CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Andrew Fabian, Olivia Liang, Abby Weingarten COPYEDITOR
Maude Campbell
CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS Chris Leverett,
Evan Sigmund, Woody Woodman DESIGN CONTRIBUTOR Winona Nasser EDITORIAL INTERN Grace Castilow
ONLINE AT SRQMAG.COM/SRQDAILY
EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER
ORIGINS OF “SRQ”
WES ROBERTS
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND ENGAGEMENT
Ashley Grant ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Ashley Ryan Cannon
SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVES
Suzanne Munroe Julie Mayer Magnifico Rob Wardlaw
CLIENT SERVICES AND MARKETING MANAGER
The magazine in your hands offers enormous insight into our community, but the most informed in our community follow our constant coverage of Sarasota and the Bradenton Area in SRQ Daily. The electronic newsletter is a must-read in thousands of inboxes. Check our special editions: the Monday Business Edition, the Wednesday Philanthropy Edition, the Friday Weekend Edition and the much-discussed Saturday Perspectives Edition, featuring a diverse range of opinions from the region’s top pundits and newsmakers. SIGN UP
The “SRQ” in SRQ magazine originates from the designated call letters for the local Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. “SR” was the original abbreviation for the airport before the growth in total number of airports required the use of a three-letter code. Letters like “X” and “Q” were used as filler, thus the original “SR” was revised to “SRQ,” much as the Los Angeles airport became “LAX.” As a regional publication committed to the residents of and visitors to both Sarasota and Manatee counties, SRQ captures the place that we call home.
Ashley Jimenez LOCAL PUBLISHERS OF SRQ MAGAZINE, LIVING LAKEWOOD MAGAZINE, ROCKETKIDS MAGAZINE, SRQ TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESORUCE GUIDE , ABODE HOME MAGAZINE, SHE ROARS MAGAZINE, LOVE LOCAL GUIDEBOOK AND SRQ DAILY. 331 South Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236 | Phone 941-365-7702 Fax 941-365-0853 S RQ MAG.CO M
SUBSCRIBE TO THE PRINT AND DIGITAL EDITION Join our readers in the pleasurable experience of receiving SRQ magazine in your mailbox every month during season and bimonthly during the summer. To reserve your subscription, provide your information and payment online. You can set up multiple addresses, renewals and special instructions directly through your online account. When you subscribe online, your first print issue will arrive in your mailbox in 4–6 weeks. Subscribe online at SRQMAG.COM/SUBSCRIBE. Contact us via email at subscribe@srqme.com Vol. 24, Issue 233 Copyright © 2021 SRQ MEDIA. SRQ: Live Local | Love Locall. Sarasota and Bradenton Area is published 10 times a year. IMPORTANT NOTICE: The entire contents of SRQ are copyrighted by Trafalger Communications, Inc. Column and department names are property of Trafalger Communications, Inc. and may not be used or reproduced without express written permission of the publisher. SUBSCRIPTION: Subscriptions to SRQ are $36 for 20 issues. Single copies are $4 at area newsstands.
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BRANDSTORY FEATURE | SRQ MAGAZINE | MARCH 2021
ACHIEVA CREDIT UNION WH O SAYS YO U N E E D A B A N K TO B A N K?
This past year has thrown unimaginable challenges at all of us, but the way our community has responded to these challenges has been nothing short of incredible. We are so proud to be part of this community, and we are committed to the success of Sarasota’s residents and businesses. Achieva has always focused on what matters most — you, your family, and your financial well-being — but this past year, that focus has been even more important. We have had to constantly adapt to new circumstances, work harder to help our clients as they navigate difficult challenges, and find new ways to serve our community when getting together wasn’t possible.
Above left to right: Inside of Achieva Credit Union with state of the art teller pods. The seven Pinellas County teachers who formed Achieva Credit Union in 1937. Giving back to All Faiths Food Bank.
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A TRU E “CENT S” O F CO M M UNI T Y SUPPORTING BUSINESSES
Jen and Chris Mannering have owned and run an inflatable party/play center for kids for seven years, so they’re used to ups and downs in their business. But nothing could have fully prepared them for the challenges of the pandemic.
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, they were forced to close Bounce Down Under, located off North Beneva Road in Sarasota, for six weeks. Their future was uncertain, so they turned to their financial partner - Achieva Credit Union. Achieva has been there during two key times in Bounce Down Under’s history – first, when they got their business started with an SBA loan, and then, when the pandemic shut them down during their busiest season. As the Mannerings sought out resources to help navigate the unknown, they were also keeping on top of the news. “I applied for everything in terms of possible financial help,” said Jen Mannering. “Thankfully, I was in touch with Achieva Credit Union early on and their customer service was incredible.” An Achieva employee walked her through the Paycheck Protection Program application, and Mannering still remembers her appreciation in that moment. “He just brought me to tears,” she recalled. “He was just so supportive and reassuring.” It took some time, but the Mannerings got funding in the first round of the PPP, which Mannering attributed, at least in part, to the responsiveness and help of the Achieva team. The funding helped them keep all of their employees at full pay through their closure. Now, Jen Mannering is optimistic. Bounce Down Under reopened in early June, and the Mannerings are working on special promotions to attract customers while educating them on the safety procedures the facility has put in place. “The kids had been bouncing off the walls at home before we reopened,” she said, “so the people coming in have been very cooperative and grateful.”
Above: Bounce Down Under
BRANDSTORY FEATURE | SRQ MAGAZINE | MARCH 2021
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GET ACCESS TO CASH FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT, BILLS OR EXPENSES With record low interest rates, now may be a good time to look into a home equity line of credit (HELOC) - a loan that gives you access to cash based on the value of your home. The most common use is for home improvement projects, but a HELOC is flexible — it can also be used to pay for education expenses, bill consolidation, medical expenses, or even a swimming pool! Unlike a Home Equity Loan, where you get one lump sum that you pay off like a mortgage (over 5, 10 or 15 years), with a HELOC, you make payments only on the amount you actually use, similar to a credit card. Reach out to Achieva Credit Union at 800-593-2274 to get connected with a mortgage banker who can help you with a HELOC and get you started on that home improvement project (or ready for that vacation).
For more information about Achieva Credit Union, visit www.achievacu.com
GET YOUR FINANCES IN SHAPE It’s hard to know what challenges might be on the horizon in 2021 that could affect your finances, but taking a few key steps now can help you be ready for whatever comes. Whether you’re holding steady financially or trying to bounce back from a tough year, here are two tips for getting on the right foot this year: Pay yourself first. Choose a percentage of your monthly income (1-5% or so) to go automatically into your savings before you make any payments. After a few pay periods, you won’t even notice it, and you’ll have built up an emergency fund. Clean up your credit. Pop quiz: What is your credit card’s Annual Percentage Rate (APR)? If you don’t know, you’re not alone. More than half of all Americans are in the dark on their APR. Review your statement, and consider switching cards or transferring your balance if you’re not happy with your current rate and save money in the long run.
BRANDSTORY FEATURE | SRQ MAGAZINE | MARCH 2021
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B E IN G PA RT O F O U R CO M M U N I T Y Being a part of our community is in our DNA, and while the pandemic may have prevented us from getting together, it couldn’t stop us from giving back. This year, more families than ever needed assistance with putting food on the table. To help, we donated $275,000 to area food banks by engaging with our members and community, including nearly $90,000 to All Faiths Food Bank in Sarasota and The Salvation Army in Bradenton. Traditionally, the Achieva Foundation’s fundraisers support classroom grants administered by the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. We couldn’t hold fundraisers this year, but our Foundation board of directors elected to continue our support of the classroom grant program with a $25,000 donation in a time when teachers need assistance more than ever. We also helped make sure families in our community had a bright holiday season, no matter what challenges they faced. We hosted a number of Salvation Army Angel Trees in our branches – a program that provided more than 1,400 gifts, including bicycles, to nearly 500 children across our community. Above: Salvation Army Angel Trees generated more than 1,400 gifts, including bicycles, to nearly 500 children across our community.
OUT WITH THE OLD WAYS OF BANKING When you stop by an Achieva branch, you won’t see any old-school teller lines or receive stuffy service. You’ll get personalized service from real, live humans who know you’re a member of the family – not just an account number. When you walk in to a branch, you aren’t left wondering where to go. You’re always greeted by one of their friendly Branch Ambassadors. Achieva is all about service and making sure all members are well taken care of.
Additionally, Achieva has a full suite of products and services for every stage of your life, including: • • • • • • •
Checking and savings accounts Credit cards Auto, bike, boat and RV loans Mortgage and home equity loans Personal loans Wealth management Business banking and lending
Visit online or stop by a local branch to join Achieva. 3000 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota | 5881 Fruitville Road, Sarasota | 4254 53rd Avenue East, Bradenton | 1485 East Venice Avenue, Venice CHARLOTTE, COLLIER, DESOTO, GLADES, HARDEE, HENDRY, HERNANDO, HIGHLANDS, HILLSBOROUGH, LEE, MANATEE, MONROE, PASCO, PINELLAS AND SARASOTA.
941.907.4000 | www.achievacu.com BRANDSTORY FEATURE | SRQ MAGAZINE | MARCH 2021
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STORIES ABOUT THE LOCAL PEOPLE, PLACES AND EXPERIENCES THAT DEFINE OUR HOMETOWN
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Left to right: Personal stylist and founder of Jackie, Amber Duncan, channels the forthright fashion of a First Lady. Amber Duncan replaces excess with substance through Jackie’s subscription styling srevices.
CALL ME JACKIE
a class act in an orange box, Jackie curates outfits delivered right to your door. Brittany Mattie WHEN THE SECRET SERVICE STERNLY TOLD FORMER FIRST LADY JACQUELINE KENNEDY ONASSIS,
“Mrs. Kennedy, we have to go now,” just days after her husband, President John F. Kennedy, was shot and killed, she stood stoically in a white dress, smoking a cigarette, turned and replied, “Don’t call me Mrs. Kennedy. Just call me Jackie.” It was that scene of demanding strength and resolution from the Jackie documentary that gave Amber Duncan goose bumps. “It was so powerful it gave me chills,” she says. Those chills became a catalyst that would come to define the entire name and brand of her personal styling service and subscription box, Jackie. “It was like this sliding door moment for me that I realized this is how we want women to feel,” says Duncan. “Jackie Kennedy’s style and confidence, the way she carried herself, her class and charisma without having to say a word, she captured a room. She was an international fashion icon.” To reach this point, however, Duncan had to hit a frustrating threshold with the already existing subscription boxes out there, ones that relied on a basic algorithm to decipher which styles and brands to mail to you. But none of them delivered, figuratively speaking. “I test-trialed every subscription box out there and never connected with any,” she says. “I couldn’t get into the clothes that were picked out for me. So, I decided to start my own for women like me that wanted a true personal concierge service—not one based on results from an algorithm.”
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Duncan wanted to ensure the Jackie box would never miss the mark for anyone and would be the wardrobe vehicle for auspicious women everywhere—whether a stay-at-home mom, an executive of a Fortune 500 company, an Instagram blogger or socialite, an elusive artist, a teacher in a classroom or a lawyer in a courtroom. Jackie’s signature orange box reaches postal codes nationwide from just about every locale— different seasonal climates, different desires and everyday essentials. One subscriber may request a puffy warm coat and a chic pair of boots for the cold, while another is looking for a flowy date-night dress and a pair of heels. Regardless of temperature, career or occasion, each box comes tailored uniquely to the client’s lifestyle and style preferences—selected by one of Jackie’s seven in-house stylists chosen specifically for them. Once a client fills out an application and the team reviews it, a Jackie stylist best suited to the client’s closet is assigned to them based on their application answers/preferences and social media photo. (Are they wearing boho rompers and beach coverups in their pics or professional blazers and power pantsuits?) That stylist then connects with them on a one-on-one level to really get to know them and their day-to-day routine to curate a personalized, handpicked selection of apparel. “People crave to be heard,” says Duncan. “to be understood and to be provided a true, personal service.” After pinning down the style of a subscriber, the stylist pulls from Jackie’s rolodex of 40 to 50 18 | srq magazine_ MAR21 live local
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revered brands, boutiques and designers across the US to accommodate every style, from chic basics to playful trends. Duncan and her team do extensive research, study editorials, order samples to the Bradenton headquarters for trial and wear, and travel around the country to visit boutiques and meet the owners to personally vet and select their preferred vendors. Two to three times a year they also attend trade shows and expos to select pieces for the upcoming season—not likely found on the racks of department stores for the general public. “The lines we carry have more to do with quality over quantity, the texture, the clothes in and of themselves, and also the brand story,” says Duncan. “We look at how it got started, where and how it’s made. I’m a big believer in where brands are birthed and come to life. We really research and connect with the owners of the brand, make sure items are packable without getting wrinkled or ruined, that they are timeless and in style. We have a very high bar set for the brands that we allow in here.” That’s why clients look forward to coming home to open their orange Jackie package—either monthly or quarterly— and to try on the new custom outfits they’d be unable to find in Nordstrom or on any of their co-workers or friends. “There’s a certain special exclusivity of not looking like everyone else in your neighborhood,” Duncan says. “While we crave community, we also crave individuality.” SRQ
This page: Locals and clients are welcomed to stop by Jackie’s headquarters and showroom in Bradenton for an in-person, private in-house fitting/styling appointment. Jackie HQ also hosts monthly in-house networking and social events for their subscribers and community–including a Floral Arranging Class, Charcuterie Workshop, a Maker’s Market, Babes Brunch and Girl Power Health + Fitness Party. To find out about upcoming events or sign up for subscription styling, check out shopjackie.com or @ shop.jackie. Jackie HQ, 816 Manatee Ave. E, Suite 200, Bradenton.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.
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RIGGED FOR SUCCESS
Right: Award-winning sailor Jim Zellmer tames the mainsail of his Formula 18 Catamaran.
Seasoned sailing instructor Jim Zellmer keeps the wind in his sails by showing the next generation of sailors the way. Brittany Mattie
BEING A SAILOR WAS IN HIS BLOOD. With a father who had been a champion competitive sailor in Long Beach, California, Jim Zellmer was thrown onto the deck of a boat before his memory can recall. “I have been sailing my whole life,” he says. Blowing into first place in 1986 at the 25th Annual Marina del Rey to San Diego race, finishing 10th out of 20 boats selected across the country in the Division 12 US sailing championship for the Alter Cup in 1996, and a handful of podium placements and titles in the years between and thereafter, Zellmer made a name for himself across oceans. He’s competed in numerous Nacra North American Championships, the New England 100 and the Canadian National Championship. After a long-winded reign of racing up and down seaboards, southerly winds drew Zellmer to warmer waters for retirement. “After having sailed in many locations in the US, on both coasts and many lakes across the country, and abroad in St. Martin, I still prefer Sarasota.” Drawn to the variety of year-round conditions for sailing and the fervent multihull community here, Zellmer retired to the Gulf Coast of Sarasota with his F18 catamaran in tow. “You could say I moved to Sarasota largely because of the reputation of the Sarasota Sailing Squadron,” he says. “One of the first things we [his wife, Norma, and he] did was join the Sarasota Sailing Squadron. The kids showed such an interest in multihull sailing, I wanted to share my passion and boating skills with them.” Wanting to pass the torch on to these bright-eyed wind navigators, Zellmer retired from retirement and was officially brought on board as a sailing instructor by the Sarasota Youth 20 | srq magazine_ MAR21 live local
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Sailing program for the next decade. Whether his students’ experiences lead to a lifelong recreational hobby or a professional career—some having gone on to compete in the Olympics—Zellmer has guided and mentored countless youth sailors not only in high-performance sailing but also in sportsmanship, leadership, teamwork paired with diligence, and always choosing the right path for success. “I have many memorable experiences sailing, but coaching the Sarasota Youth Sailing multihull team has meant the most,” he says, proudly noting the seven national championships in the 10 years he coached and representing the USA in the Junior Olympic World Championships in which his teams finished in the top fourth and fifth several times. “Kids know a lot more than we give them credit for,” he says. “I’ve always spoken to them like adults and challenge their brains to think like playing chess on a moving board—the players never stay the same, they shift back and forth, like the waves. How do you get from here and there to the next square most proficiently? They seem to take to that kind of talk.” Zellmer has since retired from coaching full time (for real this time), but he still takes his catamaran out frequently and regularly sails with the young sailors at the club. “Whenever an opportunity arises, I share my knowledge and passion with the students involved with the youth sailing program,” he says. “In the spirit of passing on a rich tradition of a sport that requires selfdiscipline and commitment, I’m always going to devote myself to teaching youth sailors the tools they need for success and self-evaluation of what sailing means to them in their current and future lives.” SRQ PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.
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Below: For a full spectrum of events, or to get involved, visit projectpride.org, @projectpridesrq.
NO LABELS, JUST COLORS
Project pride saturates the city of Sarasota with color for gay pride month. Brittany Mattie
“SARASOTA HAS NEVER REALLY TAPPED INTO Gay
Pride Month yet,” says Jordan Letschert, president of the board for Project PRIDE. “That’s all about to change.” Admittedly not as receptive, or extravagant, as fellow Florida cities such as Miami, Orlando, St. Pete or Tampa, Sarasota is making big, colorful strides in welcoming the LGBTQ+ community to raising their rainbow flags loud and proud. That’s largely due to the newly-founded nonprofit that celebrates individuality and diversity, not just for one singular month, but year-round. Letschert, along with co-founder Katie McCurry, their esteemed board of directors and 100plus volunteers, have been blazing the trail for a new status quo—breaking the stigma that Sarasota is progressing at a much slower pace in embracing the LGBT culture. “We’re not trying to become a South Beach or Key West, but for a family like myself—me, my partner and our younger son—we’d like to share our beautiful beaches with others like ourselves, and celebrate our diversity all year round,” Letschert says. “Our ability to fundraise and break the bubble of 22 | srq magazine_ MAR21 live local
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where LGBT people are socializing and fundraising, while being supported and celebrated, is what sets us apart from other nonprofits.” Since September 2020, Project PRIDE has made major moves as the area continues to be a sought-after, safe travel destination and new hometown for many seeking a dose of sunshine and social equality. But with annual LGBT Pride Month coming up in June—a dedicated month of festivities celebrating the self-affirmation, spirit and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community— many 941 locals plan to head up to St. Pete and Tampa for the celebrations, simply because Sarasota has yet to embrace the celebration for LGBT residents and visitors. Project PRIDE is actively working with city officials and Visit Sarasota to cultivate SRQ into as friendly and fervent a locale for social connection as our neighboring municipalities are. “We hope it will help tamp down the heightened hostile climate that we’ve all experienced at-large in the last year,” says Letschert. “We’re here to unite and support people— not just in LGBT community, but everyone.” SRQ
PRIDE MONTH HIGHLIGHTS Project PRIDE received funds from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and other donors to design and create 75 flagpole banners donning the symbolic rainbowstriped flag inclusive of every group, with an added black stripe to represent the defining Black Lives Matter movement. City approved, the Project PRIDE team will be staking these weather-resistant and reusable banners Downtown and in the Rosemary District for 45 days—starting May 15, going through until June 31—as a festive way to break the bubble and promote LGBT Pride Month in a “big way.”
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.
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LOCAL PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS+CULTURE
culture city
ARTS OF THE ROUNDTABLE AS GUESTS AMBLED TOWARD THEIR CARS from
“I had that opening night exhaustion and reverberating energy that takes a few hours to wind down from,” says Ragan, “and we’ve missed that.” But the path to that opening night was not traversed by Urbanite Theatre alone. In the year that shall be stricken from the history books, Ragan, Wallace and other arts executives donned their iron thinking caps and formed a covenant of collaboration, an all-for-one and one-for-all approach for live arts programming that yielded a sum far greater than its parts. In biweekly virtual meetings, artistic directors, organization executives and community stakeholders got together to share ideas, offer comfort, pool resources and, in the best of cases, brainstorm collaborations that helped to foster innovative programming during the “Performance Arts Plague.”
to weather the storm, arts organizations forge a strong covenant of collaboration. Andrew Fabian
ILLUSTRATION BY CHRIS LEVERETT
Selby Gardens on the night of January 14, Brendan Ragan heard a recurring theme. It was opening night for the first installment of Urbanite Theatre’s Outdoor Reading Series, and where Ragan usually hears people compliment the show itself on their way out—the actors, the story, maybe the costumes or some other production element—a different through line manifested in the mask-muffled praise of the departing audience. “The most common response was, ‘Thank you for doing this,’” says Ragan, “which shows that people really needed something like this.” The reading series represents the first slate of live shows Ragan and Urbanite’s co-artistic director Summer Wallace have produced in almost a year. And they needed it just as much as the guests at their show.
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culture city “When COVID-19 hit, I realized how difficult it was going to be for my colleagues in the performing arts world to operate,” says Selby Gardens president and Arts and Cultural Alliance board member Jennifer Rominiecki. One of the first things she offered to local theatres was the use of the gardens as a venue. “When we changed Selby’s operating model, it was to create experiences,” she says, “and part of that is creating interdisciplinary programming.” The gardens, which waived the standard usage fees as an added nudge to attract programming in the new year, had a beautiful open green space waiting to be used. “It helps us build an audience for the gardens at the same time it helps out the theatre,” says Rominiecki, “so it’s a win-win for everyone, including the community.” Urbanite managed to sell all 120 socially distanced seats for that first Thursday night performance at Selby’s downtown campus, then 150 for the Saturday show. The production’s success was undoubtedly bolstered by the venue—where else can theatre connoisseurs catch a show beneath a canopy of centuries-old live oaks strung with lights? But the screenplay itself helped too. Titled Thirst and written by Ronán Noone, the story was a timeless and clever reimagining of Eugene O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey into Night that explored the lives of the Irish immigrant servants living and working in the Tyrone household. More pertinent to the roundtable, Noone is an alum of The Hermitage Artist Retreat. “We’d been wanting to do more programming outside of The Hermitage,” says Andy Sandberg, CEO of the artist retreat. Sandberg and Urbanite had already been in communication before the pandemic, but in the unique conditions in which the roundtable formed, their relationship became more than just an open door. “We had already tossed around the idea of Urbanite producing work from Hermitage playwrights,” says Sandberg. “Noone was on their calendar for a different play, but we also proposed Emily Kaczmarek.” Kaczmarek’s Sam & Lizzie ran in February’s installment of Urbanite’s reading series, with opening night taking place on The Hermitage’s private beach in Englewood. Like Selby Gardens, Sandberg and The Hermitage saw an opportunity to mold the organization into a more visible community asset. “The Hermitage is kind of a hidden gem,” he says, “so one of the things we’ve focused on this year is trying to build more meaningful partnerships so we’re maybe not so hidden anymore.” To that end, Sandberg had another collaboration stewing with Cheryl Mendelson of the Van Wezel Foundation. “We were looking to provide our audience an experience that was a little different,” says Mendelson, something other than the Netflix
binges most Van Wezel patrons were relegated to while live performances were off-limits. The result of those conversations was Unscripted, a series of virtual experiences in which a small group of invitees got a peak behind the curtains at creative works in progress. Attendees were not told who the artist was until the day of the event and, because the numbers were kept small, the artist could meaningfully and directly respond to questions and comments. It possessed a level of spontaneity that lent the program a more visceral immediacy largely absent from more polished streamed performances. “It was really rewarding to be able to offer our donors and stakeholders a peak at the process rather than formal presenting,” says Mendelson. “The biggest test for any organization is not when things are going well,” she says, “it’s when the rubber meets the road in times of distress and trauma.” Crises precipitate change or, in the case of the arts roundtable, collaboration. The Outdoor Reading Series and Unscripted both represent the kind of innovative programming made possible when organizations turn their gaze outward, rather than remain insulated. As the COVID-19 vaccine rolls out and the herd immunity prophesied for more than a year begins to take shape, the next question is: What happens to these collaborations? After the success of the Outdoor Reading Series, Ragan certainly sees a place for similar programming in the future. “I don’t think this will ever replace our primary programming, but the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” he says, “so it’ll be interesting to see if we all cloister back into our organizations or if we can make this a more regular, albeit one-off type of event, we can do when the weather is nice.” The future of the Unscripted series appears destined for an annual reboot. “I envision Unscripted will ultimately have a home in the new performing arts center,” says Mendelson, who conceived a similar program as director of the Harris Theater in Chicago. Like King Arthur’s knights, the Sarasota region is chock-full of organizations with champions who possess different strengths and virtues. From art incubators and production theaters to venues and community outreach, the pandemic set in motion a feedback loop whose sum turned out to be greater than its parts. Programs blossomed that, under different circumstances, may not have made it past the nascent conceptual stages. “For all of us, it was about taking a leap of faith to do more stuff outside of our organizations,” says Sandberg. “The Sarasota community is so tightly woven and so rich with arts organizations,” says Rominiecki, “and the more we work together, the better off we all are.” SRQ
“The biggest test is not when things are going well. It’s when the rubber hits the road in times of distress and trauma.” — Cheryl Mendelson of the Van Wezel Foundation.
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culture city
Opposite page: Capturing idealistic
moments in nature and in studio with Bill Farnsworth.
IDYLL AS THE IDEAL
The paintings of Bill Farnsworth glow with true-to-life idyll. WHEN BILL FARNSWORTH TRIES TO RECALL HIS EARLIEST MEMORIES, one in particular sticks out. Like many childhood
memories, the truth of it resides in the malleable ether of his mind, surfacing more as an impression laden with preverbal connotations that only later take on any sort of concrete meaning. “I remember drawing on the walls of my crib,” he says, “and I was doodling birds for some reason.” By the time he was in third grade, he could draw a pretty good Donald Duck. “I used to sell those drawings for a nickel to my classmates.” He was also a class clown who would get in trouble for laughing whenever his buddy Randy would let one rip. This was in New Milford, Connecticut, in the ’60s. Many Donald Duck drawings later—and after a degree from Ringling College of Art and Design and a successful career illustrating children’s books—he put enough nickels together to take a two-week vacation down to Disneyworld with his wife and two daughters, aged eight and nine at the time. “We drove down in my mom’s Cadillac,” he says, “and spent a week there and a week on Siesta Key.” Rinsing sand off his feet beat shoveling snow, apparently, and the rest is history. “The second house we looked at in Venice is the house we’re in now.” He talks a lot about his childhood and his family, his career and the outdoors. Before anyone ever even gets eyes on his paintings, Farnsworth reads like some sort of rose-colored archetype of a man, the kind of guy that pops up on every page of a family photo album, always smiling or holding a baby, always appearing to possess a level of grace with his conditions. And it’s this same grace and warmth that informs his work as a painter. The particulars of Farnsworth’s approach rest comfortably within the traditional tenets of the original champions of en plein air. A typical day might see him at a beach near his Venice home with a canvas nestled into a tripod easel, his oil paints and brushes inside a wooden box with an assortment of other implements. Dressed in the cargo shorts and polo shirt that is the uniform of any sensible middle-aged dad, he begins by letting the scene make an impression on him. And it is in these moments of observation where Farnsworth truly takes the original intent of the early plein air impressionists to its masterful conclusion. “When you paint plein air, you start to understand what light does on location and you’re affected by it,” he says. His work captures the changing light and the passage of time at the scene. There is a dual sense of movement and stillness in the way he renders the dappling of light through the boughs of a tree or the dynamic motion of a wave mid-break. If a viewer is able to take the whole piece in at once, it appears like a realistic snapshot of a subject, only to deconstruct into piecemeal brushstrokes upon closer inspection, shattering the illusion of a static reality. It can only be accomplished when the artist is truly present, observing deeply the scene before them, letting it permeate their senses.
Andrew Fabian
While it undoubtedly imbues his landscape portrayals with a sense of presence and empathy, his work expresses the most care when it includes his own family. “I like to joke that it was worth keeping our kids alive just to have grandkids,” he says. One series of paintings features his oldest granddaughter, frolicking in the surf with her little hands often clutching at a little sundress to keep it out of the water. There is a sort of timeless Rockwellian idyll in these works, a celebration of simple scenes ingrained with sentimental, compassionate truth of the moment. “I always say that having empathy for what you are painting gives you a better understanding of your subject.” During the pandemic, Farnsworth had to cancel most of the trips he booked to plein air festivals around the U.S,—many of them inviteonly—though he did get a chance to do En Plein Air Texas this past October, an event where he’s previously won awards. “Last year was really cool, they had us in a huge stable that had been converted and we all wore masks and were spread apart,” he says. But he has mostly kept busy staying close to home. “I’m close to the beach, and my daughters and grandkids all live close by,” he says, “so I never have to go far to find something worth painting. To be perfectly honest, in spite of all the turmoil of the last year, I can’t think of a better life.” SRQ
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN. srq magazine_ MAR21 live local | 29
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BOUTIQUE SHOPPING, HOME DESIGN, ARCHITECTURE AND TRENDS Below: Jake Brady Concrete By Design.
CONCRETE KINGS
Three companies have cemented their place in the local design scene as the go-to makers for all things concrete. Abby Weingarten
THE ARTISTS AT BEN NETTLES CONCRETE DESIGN, Jake Brady Concrete By Design and Stoned Design Studio are creating one-of-akind accents, sculptures and pieces of functional art for homes and businesses throughout the Sarasota-Manatee region. Some of these crafters have transitioned from other media to the concrete realm, while others moved from using concrete in standard commercial projects to taking on edgier creative commissions. Working with concrete is a patience-intensive, arduous process but, for these builders, it is a labor of love—and the products they produce are durable enough to last lifetimes. PHOTOGRAPHY BV WYATT KOSTYGAN.
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BEN NETTLES—a painter and illustrator who graduated from Ringling College of Art and Design in 2006— always had a natural aesthetic eye. But it was during his work with renowned concrete design innovator Fu-Tung Cheng that Nettles found his creative niche. Nettles “became enamored with an emerging body of research in concrete innovation,” completed advanced countertop certification training with Cheng, and ultimately founded his company 15 years ago. Now Nettles—who also underwent advanced Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) training and advanced fiber optic certification at the Concrete Countertop Institute—creates custom modern concrete pieces for homeowners, architects, remodelers and builders. Some of his most prized projects include a private residence at The Concession Private Golf Club in Bradenton (namely the outdoor space with a kitchen, 32 | srq magazine_ MAR21 live local
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bar, tables, benches, fire pits and planters that stretch across several thousand square feet); a private residence on Harbor Drive in Sarasota County, which began with floating concrete stairs at the entrance and ended with floating stairs leading down to the pool (as well as a nearly 30-foot-high indoor fireplace mantel surround that required major ingenuity and manpower); and a private residence on Anna Maria Island, for which the client collected shells for Nettles to imbed into several concrete pieces for a custom sentimental feel. “Our team enjoys that every piece of every project is unique and one-of-a-kind. There is a lot of pride involved knowing that you are a part of something made by hand that can never be exactly recreated. It never gets boring,” Nettles says. “Our creativity makes us stand out. And our attention to detail, along with meeting deadlines, is a key to us being in business for over 15 years.”
Above: Ben Nettles of Ben Nettles Concrete Design: 411 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, 941-404-9873, bennettlesconcrete.com
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.
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JAKE BRADY had a similar fascination with Cheng that led to his current career path. A native of Nova Scotia, Canada, Brady moved to Sarasota in 1997 and remodeled homes for a decade before founding his concrete business 16 years ago. His life changed after reading Cheng’s 2004 book, Concrete Countertops, so he studied at the Concrete Countertop Institute in both wet-cast concrete and GFRC techniques. Brady has continued to train under fellow master artisans throughout the country for years. Brady uses as few seams as possible on his rock-solid, enduring creations. He specializes in sustainable art for interiors and exteriors of homes and businesses, from kitchen countertops and vanities to fire pits and bars. “Concrete is an amazing green material with limitless possibilities,” Brady says. “Our surfaces are beautiful 34 | srq magazine_ MAR21 live local
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and long-lasting, and play a vital role in reducing the burden on our nation’s landfills.” His most exciting undertakings have included a rigorously engineered project for Rick Owens in the Miami Design District (62 handmade GFRC panels for an interior and exterior storefront, with each panel consisting of 26 individual steps); and a water wall at H2O Suites in Key West (a collaborative Art in Public Places installation featuring custom handmade concrete glass panels). “Concrete is paradoxical by nature. It is strong and hard in form and function, soft and warm in aesthetic, giving a sense of mass while achieving architectural delicateness,” Brady says. “It surrounds our senses as the foundation of our manmade physical world. The artisanal potential invites an experience so personal and as unique as the individual.”
Above: Jake Brady of Jake Brady Concrete By Design: 941-312-5993, jakebradyconcrete.com
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.
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STONED DESIGN STUDIO’S Schascle Yochim thrives on the challenges that come with a temperamental artistic medium like concrete. “There are challenges like temperature, humidity and the workability of the concrete (you don’t have a lot of time to pour it or make it flow the right way before it starts to harden up),” Yochim says. “But the creative part gets my juices flowing. The product, when it’s finished, is a showpiece.” Yochim has been working with concrete for the past five years as a side project to his general contracting business (Re-Construct, LLC). He creates functional, modern, artistic products out of concrete, wood and steel—all meticulously by hand and using only natural, biodegradable materials. He prefers to stay somewhat private and does not widely advertise his concrete skills, only accepting commissions via word of mouth. But concrete permeates all aspects of his day-to-day work, too. He recently built a house in which he customdesigned and constructed every concrete bathroom sink for the residence, and he completed a project with 16-foot 36 | srq magazine_ MAR21 live local
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concrete dining tables featuring wood inlay. He takes on a few custom homes each year—a profession that led him to stumble upon concrete art as an additional passion. “The concrete work just kind of came about because, in one of the houses we were doing, we were looking for a concrete sink and I couldn’t find anyone to do it, so I started doing some research on how to do it myself,” Yochim says, adding that he thereafter decided to train for two weeks in Arizona in the GFRC technique. While some concrete craftsmen might concentrate on specific niches like countertops, for example, Yochim prefers more “off-the-wall” designs for his concrete endeavors. “I enjoy the freedom of being able to make different creations you wouldn’t normally see done with concrete—like fabric forming, where I can make shapes that flow like fabric,” Yochim says. “I’m also more of an old-school craftsman, where I like to make the concrete look like concrete (as opposed to making it look like acrylic or something else).” SRQ
Above: Schascle Yochim of Stoned Design Studio: 941-3201032, stoned-designs.com
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.
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P R E S E N T S
T H E
1 2 0 2
HOME
OF THEYEAR
Home remains the most significant architectural place we experience throughout our lives. It represents safety, ownership, privacy, stability and personality. As we continue to investigate the role that homes play in our daily lives, the annual SRQ Magazine Home of the Year Competition invites local architects, builders, interior designers and landscape artists to present us with new notions of home environments by submitting their recent residential projects. Year after year, the competition redefines the spaces where we live and thrive—broadening the discussion of what a home represents and what it can ultimately be with today’s building strategies, renovation techniques and regional trends. From seaside to streetside, inside and out, these award-winning domains celebrate and contribute to a growing legacy of innovative home design. PROGRAM PARTNER COMPETITION PRODUCED BY SRQ MAGAZINE. THANK YOU TO PROGRAM PARTNER AND JUDGES, LISTED ON PAGE 66.
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BEST OVERALL HOME — OVER $2 MILLION
PL ATINUM
SHIBUSA HIVE ARCHITECTS
The design of this home was to reflect a simple and uncomplicated yet refined lifestyle. With simplicity of form and materials, the conceptual idea for this project derives from the Japanese word “shibusa.” This concept encompasses an enriched and subdued appearance of fine quality, producing a timeless tranquility. With the lift of the structure above base flood elevation as a zoning requirement, the aspiration was to inhabit modest but carefully interconnected pavilions that levitate above the tropical landscape. The simplicity of form is achieved through the configuration of the L-shaped structure that is composed of two rectilinear pavilions. The delicate expression and detailing of architectural elements further reinforce the simplicity of the structure while addressing the local climate. Strategically placed vertical shading screens, deep overhangs and nested windows emphasize the integrity of the structure by their adaptation and interplay with the Florida sun. The careful composition provides a gesture of unity as well as an understated elegance and timelessness.
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Architect: Hive Architects, Joe Kelly, AIA, and Gwen Leroy-Kelly, AIA Contractor and Builder: Nautilus Homes Interior Design: Hive Architects, Joe Kelly, AIA, and Gwen Leroy-Kelly, AIA Kitchen Cabinets: Westwood Manufacturing (Russ Edwards) Landscape: DWY Landscape Architects (David Young) Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography Metalwork and Fabrication: Modulo
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BEST OVERALL HOME — OVER $2 MILLION
HI TEC RANCH DSDG ARCHITECTS GOLD
Architect: Mark Sultana, AIA NCARB-DSDG Contractor and Builder: Voigt Brothers Construction Interior Design: April Balliette, Allied ASID-DSDG Kitchen Cabinets: Campbell Cabinetry Designs Bathroom: Campbell Cabinetry Designs Stonework: Sticks & Stones Landscape: Tim BordenBorden Landscape Designs Pool: Water Designs of Sarasota Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography
Located in the country, this residence pays homage to its equestrian setting while modernizing the ranch typology. At a sprawling 14,000 square feet with equal indoor–outdoor space, this modern ranch defies everything associated with ranch living. The wraparound porch was moved to the interior courtyard to focus on water and interaction. Five bedrooms and three additional living spaces all open onto the pool area, which is manicured with concrete pads, raised wood decks and artificial turf all interspersed with stone-bordered vegetation. The interior spaces are flooded by natural light from the high clearstory windows and high vaulted ceilings. A terraced home theater with a stage, a home recording studio and a spa-like master bathroom suite with a sauna and a soaker tub upgrade this home into a personal ranch resort. Technology has been infused into each space, featuring app control of the entire home—from motorized doors, the lighting system, shades and appliances. The home is self-sufficient, with a 56-kilowatt ground-mounted solar array with battery backup, well and septic make it possible to live off-grid if needed. The home is designed and built to withstand a category 5 hurricane.The estate-size property the home sits on is just as grand as the home. The entry is sequenced with a light chasing driveway meandering around organic-shaped ponds and Florida native landscaping mounds. Corten steel accent louvers add a touch of age and shading to this warm modern beauty.
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BEST OVERALL HOME — OVER $2 MILLION
S I LV E R
BLUE MARLIN DSDG ARCHITECTS
Water, water everywhere, this family of eight loves the water. Activities like fishing, boating, sailing and swimming are a daily part of their lives. With a focus on the outdoors, the sweeping views are complemented with a pool shaped parallel to the canal-side seawall. The cube houses the upstairs media room and provides shade and cover for the outdoor pool deck and living area. A floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall motorized corner glass sliding door opens the living area to the deck, view and breeze, bringing the outside in. The house not only displays artwork but is a piece of art in and of itself. The coral stone monolith feature was inspired by the owner’s travels to the Caribbean and wood accents bring shape and warmth to the residence. The high-gloss lacquer cabinets reflect the outside conditions and contrast the warm wood flooring, while sand-finish stucco accompanies smooth aluminum and light plays and reflects differently off each surface. The five bedrooms in the home all open onto outdoor elevated decks with access to a roof deck to watch sunsets and never-ending water views. The private areas on the second floor allowed the first to be open and transparent for entertainment.
The end result is a beautiful, stylish, California-contemporary residence designed completely from the outdoors in. It features a living room on each floor,
Architect Mark Sultana, AIA NCARB-DSDG Contractor and Builder: Ampersand Construction Interior Design: April Balliette, Allied ASID-DSDG Kitchen Cabinets: Campbell Cabinetry Designs Bathroom: Campbell Cabinetry Designs Stonework: SRQ Modern Landscape: Tim Borden-Borden Landscape Designs Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography Other: Wicked Smart
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BEST OVERALL HOME — BETWEEN $1 TO $2 MILLION
LS1 PL ATINUM
HIVE ARCHITECTS
The LS1 house is located in the historic Lido Shores neighborhood known for its modernist architecture—and mostly for its high concentration of mid-century Sarasota School of Architecture buildings. LS1 embodies this timeless and sustainable design philosophy by using a similar language of architectural features carefully adapted to today. The house diagram consists of three pavilions organized around a central axis. The central axis creates a sense of mystery as it physically changes form, percolates light and filters views as one ascends toward the house. Beyond the white translucent glass, the brise-soleil continues, extending over a portion of the lap pool. The filtered light and shadows project on the translucent glass and are visible to passersby and guests as they continue along the entry sequence. The play of light on the glass surface is ever-changing with the time of day and seasonal sun patterns, further enhancing the arrival experience.
Architect: Hive Architects, Joe Kelly, AIA, and Gwen Leroy-Kelly, AIA Contractor and Builder: Empire Construction Interior Design: Hive Architects, Joe Kelly, AIA, and Gwen Leroy-Kelly, AIA Cabinets: Westwood Manufacturing (Russ Edwards) Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography Metalwork and Fabrication: Modulo
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BEST OVERALL HOME — BETWEEN $1 TO $2 MILLION
Architect: Jerry Sparkman, AIA, NCARDB Contractor: Ross Built Construction Company Builder: Greg and Lee Ross Interior Design: Ross Built Construction Company and Owner Kitchen Cabinets: G2 Cabinetry Bathroom: Ross Built Construction Company Carpets and Flooring: Rosser Tile and Flooring Landscape: RightWay Designs Pool: Tom Sanger Pool and Spa Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography
PALMA SOLA SWE E T SPAR K MA N A RC HI T ECTS
This home enhances a connection to the surrounding landscape of Palma Sola Bay while also being a simple but beautiful backdrop to daily life. This connection to the landscape was achieved through glazing placement and the home’s elevation, coming together to create sightlines that eliminate views of the neighboring houses and lawns, presenting only views of the area’s natural elements and the family pool. The home was centered around creating large communal areas in which the family can gather, paired with efficiently sized bedrooms and auxiliary spaces that encourage you to spend more time together. At the elevated living level, the great room has an entire wall of floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that lead to the expansive covered balcony, blurring the connection between indoor and outdoor. This balcony is covered by a sweeping roofline, which serves multiple purposes: creating shade for the balcony and keeping direct sunlight from windows, thus effectively reducing energy consumption. Simple in geometry but complex in detailing and design intent, the architecture gives way to the landscape and family life.
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2021
2021
2021
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BEST OVERALL HOME — BETWEEN $1 TO $2 MILLION
S I LV E R
ELEMENT HOUSE S O L ST I C E P L A N N I N G A N D A RC H I T ECT U R E
Situated on a narrow lot within a flood zone on Sarasota Bay the property had challenges to overcome including constructing this project within 10”-0” from an adjacent residence. In order to define sight lines away from the neighboring property and to take advantage of distant open water views from the project site, the architect proposed an upsidedown house design, lifting social areas to the upper levels and locating guest rooms and children’s rooms on the ground floor, alongside an informal family area. The owner and the architect discussed “building the house of the future today” and a large part of this goal was to create a home that reduced dependency on the power grid with a focus on nature. A list of sustainable development goals was developed directly with the client and then these goals became the tools for implementing strategies for self-sufficiency with the general contractor. The initial project focus on sustainability was based on identifying as many passive systems as possible (natural daylighting, ventilation, shading) and then the integration of active systems (solar energy capture, recycling/renewable materials, water collection, indoor air purification, and data system integration/automation). The result of the client/architect/contractor collaboration is one of the highest rated sustainable houses constructed in the United States with a HERS Index of -26, which is the third lowest HERS score ever recorded in Florida and the lowest in Sarasota County. Third party performance testing includes LEED Platinum Certification, Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) Platinum Certification, EPA Energy Star Highest Standards Certified, Indoor air PLUS Certified, and DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Certified. The result is a home that marries beauty with superior building techniques and sustainability.
Architect: Jonathan Parks, AIA, SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture Contractor: Nathan Cross, NWC Construction Interior Design: David K. Lowe Interior Design Landscape: Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. Photographer: Dylan Jon Wade Cox & Ryan Gamma Photography LEED Certification: Two Trails, Inc.
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BEST SUSTAINABILITY | GREEN
Architect: Mark Sultana, AIA NCARB-DSDG Contractor and Builder: Voigt Brothers Construction Interior Design: April Balliette, Allied ASID-DSDG Kitchen Cabinets: Campbell Cabinetry Designs Bathroom: Campbell Cabinetry Designs Stonework: Sticks & Stones Landscape: Tim Borden-Borden Landscape Designs Pool: Water Designs of Sarasota Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography
HI TEC RANCH PL ATINUM
DSDG ARCHITECTS
Located in the country, this sprawling 14,000-square-feet home with equal indoor–outdoor space defines sustainability. This home is built for the future today. The focus on sustainability was based on natural daylighting, ventilation, shading and the use of solar energy, water collection, recycling, air purification and mechanical automation. The home is self-sufficient, with the largest solar array possible on a single-family home. The home has a zero-energy bill other than the basic charge applied by the power company. The interior spaces are flooded by natural light from the high clearstory windows and high vaulted ceilings to incorporate daylighting methods. The entry is sequenced with meandering organic-shaped ponds that serve as large cisterns that provide water for plant irrigation. All the plantings are native to Florida and drought-tolerant to reduce the need for irrigation. The Corten-steel accent louvers made of recycled car parts add shading to this warm modern beauty.
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OVERALL INTERIOR DESIGN
JAMAICA WAY PL ATINUM
HIVE ARCHITECTS
The goal with Jamaica Way was to create a minimalist interior that was clean and simple with warm tones. Consisting of stained wood floors, walnut cabinets, light quartz countertops and monochromatic wall tiles, the material palette is simple, calm and sophisticated. Juxtaposing but complementing the rich palette of natural textures, hot rolled steel accents in the wall base and custom shelving units bring a slight industrial touch to this refined earthy palette. The modern aesthetic transcends in the selection of the brushed stainless steel plumbing fixtures, minimal light fixtures and furniture. Earthy neutral-tone textiles were selected for the furniture to blend into its soothing context. To visually connect the interiors to the nearby Peace River, blue-tone textiles and elements for furniture, accessories and artwork were strategically selected and located throughout the house. Architect: Hive Architects, Joe Kelly, AIA, and Gwen Leroy-Kelly, AIA Contractor and Builder: Florida Style Venture, Inc. Interior Design: Hive Architects, Joe Kelly, AIA, and Gwen Leroy-Kelly, AIA Kitchen Cabinets: Ambassador Cabinets Landscape: Isaacson Landscape Architecture Pool By: Fountain Pools Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography Metalwork and Fabricatino: Modulo.
BAYFRONT BEAUTY DSDG ARCHITECTS
Transforming this once dark and warm 30-year-old Mediterranean family home into a light and bright coastal contemporary retreat required a clean slate. All finishes from the old home’s identity were torn away and replaced. The old red clay floor tile was exchanged for dark malbec-stained white oak. The faux-painted dark tan and moss green walls transformed into smooth light gray canvases. Black and dark brown raised-panel cabinets were swapped for bright white flat-panel cabinets. The rich warm tones of the wood floor are mimicked throughout the house by the added pieces of furniture, floating stair treads and a custom fireplace wall panel that has matching polished silver inlay as the interior doors. Keeping with the fresh airy feeling of the space, the upholstery throughout the house are shades of gray from light to dark. As you stroll from one space to the next, the warm wood and the light and polished gray accompany you, giving the house uniformity but allowing each space to make its own statement. The well-thought-out interior allows the eyes to drift past the interior and out to the beautiful blue waters of the Sarasota Bay beyond. Architect: Mark Sultana, AIA NCAB-DSDG Contractor and Builder: Trinity Construction & Design Interior Design: April Balliette, Allied ASID-DSDG Kitchen Cabinets: FineCraft Custom Cabinetry Bathroom: FineCraft Custom Cabinetry Flooring: International Wood Floor Landscape: Siesta Key Landscape Pool By: Gettle Pools Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography
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OVERALL INTERIOR DESIGN
ELYSIAN WOODS RESIDENCE ARCHITURA
This coastal modern, light-filled residence is a perfect canvas for exuberant, creative expression. Thanks to its connection to nature, it’s also ideal for quiet contemplation. This modernist space is still wild at heart. This living space doesn’t compete with nature—it invites her in. Nature clearly accepts that invitation. Her beauty shines through walls of 14-foot-high windows. The house’s vast, common living spaces flow seamlessly together with light wood flooring. The interior palette and furnishings are light, muted and minimalistic—accented by the bold, black slate fireplace in the great room and the exuberantly colorful artworks throughout. Thanks to cantilever construction, the house’s common living spaces are unbroken by columns. That openness is electric with creative possibility—and makes a perfect backdrop for lively social gatherings. The human connection is key here. With its grand piano, the palatial great room becomes a concert hall. Overall, the design of this masterpiece residence is civilized, arty and welcoming.
Architect: Architura Space Planning & Design Contractor and Builder: Re-Construct, LLC (Owner/Builder) Interior Design: Ron Butine, Kurt Lucus and Amanda Vincent (owner) Kitchen Cabinets: Cabinet Design Studio, Robert and Ana Nowlan Bathroom: Amanda Vincent and Schascle Yochim (Owner/Builder) Stonework: Kahrs Landscape: Amanda Vincent and Schascle Yochim (Owner/Builder) Pool By: Family Pools Photographer: Nicholas Ferris Photography and Coastal Home Photography
THE MARK, SARASOTA H O L LY D E N N I S I N T E R I O R S S I LV E R
This home showcases fresh, “Sarasota” urban design that is livable and relaxed, as well as distinctly downtown. Just like a great pair of blue jeans that can be easygoing with a T-shirt and flip-flops can also be dressed up with pearls and pumps. Beach during the day, opera in the evening. The palette is soft, with hues of blue and neutral tones without being overtly “coastal.”
Architect: Hoyt Architects Contractor and Builder: Kast Interior Design: Holly Dennis Interiors Kitchen Cabinets, Bathrooms, Stonework: Builder Package Photographer: Nicholas Ferris Photography
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BEST REMODEL | RENOVATION
VESSEL OF ART PL ATINUM
HIVE ARCHITECTS
This remodel aimed to create a warm and comfortable environment reflecting love of family and friends, enhanced by the collected art. With purity of form and materials as a required aesthetic, the conceptual idea for this project evolved in the direction that their art collection needed to be contained in a simple but elegant receptacle. As many ancient cultures have done in the past with their most valuable treasures such as food, perfume or jewelry, the purpose of this container is to display but also protect the art collection, thus creating a Vessel of Art. To achieve the purity of form, the existing volume was simplified with the elimination of the angled walls and the extension of the partial-height walls to the ceilings to create larger wall surfaces for art display. The existing grounded stair was replaced with a light cantilevered steel stair with a glass railing that seems to float in space. In addition, the purity of materials resulted from the use of simple but honest elements. White surfaces create a uniform backdrop for the art, light wood paneling warms the space and separates one surface from another, glass doors and railings allow light to flow from room to room and floating steel treads create the illusion that the stair defies gravity—becoming in and of itself an art piece. Architect: Hive Architects, Joe Kelly, AIA, and Gwen Leroy-Kelly, AIA Contractor and Builder: Evans Enterprise, Inc. Interior Design: Hive Architects, Joe Kelly, AIA, and Gwen Leroy-Kelly, AIA Kitchen Cabinets: Westwood Manufacturing (Russ Edwards) Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography Metalwork and Fabrication: Modulo
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BEST REMODEL | RENOVATION
BIRD KEY RENOVATION GOLD
EC HT A RC HIT ECTS
Sweeping views of Downtown Sarasota across the Bay from Bird Key create a dramatic backdrop for this neo-modern renovation. Situated at the corner of a waterfront street, the original home had strong bones and great sightlines. The spaces are opened inward toward each other—and out toward the dramatic views. Large-format concretelook porcelain tiles blend them together. A tall walnut-stained front door welcomes guests into the living room, with a broad custom concrete fireplace surrounded with tapering edges and a soaring walnut-paneled over-mantel and ceiling detail. With walnut and lacquer finishes, a large, open kitchen sits center stage, while elegant stairs with a center stringer and wood block treads bring you upstairs to the guest suites. Aside from the family room, a custom concrete bartop with a waterfall and tapering details provides ample space for relaxation and play. Architect: Echt Architects Contractor and Builder: NWC Construction Interior Design: Marie Bowman Interior Design Kitchen Cabinets: Campbell Cabinetry Flooring: EmilErgon-Tr3nd-Design Works Photographer: Ryan Gamma. Photography
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BEST REMODEL | RENOVATION
CANOPY ROAD HAVEN ANGELA RODRIGUEZ INTERIORS S I LV E R
Canopy Road Haven is a hidden gem located in a peaceful neighborhood surrounded by oak trees, a winding canopy road, and nearby horse farms. The home was already generously sized and well-situated, however the interior architecture and style was typical of the early 2000s era of home building in Florida, and ready now for a major update. Our challenge was to clear the slate, and start from scratch to create a bright, cleanlined, stylish, and functional home for our clients’ active family. The interior is now perfectly suited to the busy lifestyle of a large family with diverse needs, and who loves to host gatherings. The design concept for the new interior is inspired by the home’s nature setting, featuring a natural palette of color and texture. The beauty of wood and stone are celebrated. The formal living room welcomes family and friends and sets the tone for the rest of the home with its stone fireplace, concealed TV behind tall wood paneling, and 14-foot ceiling. Off the kitchen is a breakfast nook whose irregular shape is embraced by the custom, built-in banquette and organically shaped wood slab table, made from old-growth Laurel Oak reclaimed from a tree recently felled in Downtown Sarasota’s Rosemary District.. Interior Design: Angela Rodriguez Interiors Countertops and Stone: Distinctive Surfaces of Florida, Inc.
S I LV E R
ANNA MARIA RENOVATION ECHT ARCHITECTS
Looking across the bay at the Skyway Bridge, this small remodel has big views. The scope includes reenvisioning the ground floor living area into a contemporary open-concept great room, with kitchen, dining and bar areas encircled. The interior architecture palette combines monochromatic elements with punches of walnut and streaks of gold. New broad sliding doors open out to the rear terrace, seamlessly connecting the indoor and outdoor entertaining areas. With lots of light and an ethereal aesthetic, this neomodern beach house renovation exemplifies the ease and sophistication originally envisioned by the client. Architect: Echt Architects Contractor and Builder: Yoder Homes and Remodeling (Denny Yoder) Interior Design: Echt Architects Kitchen Cabinets: Kitchens and More Stonework: Porcelanosa USA Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography
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BEST LANDSCAPE | OUTDOORS DESIGN
ELEMENT HOUSE PL ATINUM
S O L ST I C E P L A N N I N G A N D A RC H I T ECT U R E
Nestled alongside Roberts Bay in Sarasota, the Element House creates an elegant indoor–outdoor environment to both live and entertain. The master plan for the site includes a layered layout of the home, pool and landscape design, articulating a scheme that is modern, livable and sustainable. The house blurs the boundaries between inside and out. Large sliding glass doors disappear into walls, creating an uninterrupted flow from the home to outdoor spaces. The pool area and surrounding plantings were designed to reflect the modern vocabulary of the architecture with clean lines and good form. The large rear overhang diffuses the sun, providing soft filtered light onto the ground plane and a shaded area shielded from the intense Florida sunshine. The landscape design was inspired by the existing subtropical foliage. Native sabal palms are sited naturally into the site—interwoven between the simple ground cover and hardscaped areas. Other lower-scale native species were added in harmony to provide textural balance. By carefully balancing natural and man-made elements, this design goes back to basics with true sustainability using shade, local materials and a sympathy with the subtropical landscape. The project is LEED Platinum with a HERS Index of -26 and Net Zero Energy Certification, FGBC Platinum, EPA Energy Star Highest Standards and DOE Zero Energy Certification. Architect: Jonathan Parks, AIA, SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture Contractor: Nathan Cross, NWC Construction Interior Design: David K. Lowe Interior Design Landscape: Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. Photographer: Dylan Jon Wade Cox & Ryan Gamma Photography LEED Certification: Two Trails, Inc.
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BEST LANDSCAPE | OUTDOORS DESIGN
HI TEC RANCH GOLD
DS DG ARCHIT ECTS
The 11-acre site afforded plenty of privacy but a symbolic moat adds to its majesty. Two free-formed shaped ponds were added to create a meandering promenade entry complete with a bridge. The surrounding vegetation was crafted to evoke old Florida plantings. Tall grasses were placed between cattails and curved sabal palms to make the ponds appear as always present. Vegetation is rhythmically scattered throughout to soften and cool the deck experience. Firepits normally infer a gathering space, these pits surround the pool, make the pool the gathering space. A waterfall between the two acrylic panels adds the gentle water cascade sound to a peaceful setting. Architect: Mark Sultana, AIA NCARB-DSDG Contractor and Builder: Voigt Brothers Construction Interior Design: April Balliette, Allied ASID-DSDG Kitchen Cabinets: Campbell Cabinetry Designs Bathroom: Campbell Cabinetry Designs Stonework: Sticks & Stones Landscape: Tim Borden-Borden Landscape Designs Pool: Water Designs of Sarasota Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography
GOLD
ELYSIAN WOODS RESIDENCE ARCH I T U R A
The natural splendor of Old Florida is center stage in this lush, subtropical peninsula overlooking Phillippi Creek. The house at its heart revels in that splendor. The landscape design scheme blended the line between indoor and outdoor living. The house’s warm, earthy materials echo the unspoiled ecosystem surrounding it. Guests approach on a textured, concrete drive, lined with evenly spaced Chinese fan palms leading up to a majestic Senegal date palm at the home’s entry. The drive is on a subtle slope. The house is elevated but it’s not obvious—until you take in the breathtaking view on the other side. Guests reach these exterior elements on pathways of river rock and non-Cartesian tile. These paths flow through a neatly cut lawn; its flat grass is punctuated by cabbage palms and oaks, rising like islands in a green sea. Beyond the lawn, the peninsula’s original subtropical wildness is still alive at the edges. To take it even further, the boat dock at the edge of Phillippi Creek offers a direct connection to great water escapes. Architect: Architura Space Planning & Design Contractor and Builder: ReConstruct, LLC (Owner/Builder) Interior Design: Ron Butine, Kurt Lucus and Amanda Vincent (owner) Kitchen Cabinets: Cabinet Design Studio, Robert and Ana Nowlan Bathroom: Amanda Vincent and Schascle Yochim (Owner/ Builder) Stonework: Kahrs Landscape: Amanda Vincent and Schascle Yochim (Owner/Builder) Pool By: Family Pools Photographer: Nicholas Ferris Photography and Coastal Home Photography
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BEST LANDSCAPE | OUTDOORS DESIGN
VILLA AZURA
PERRONE CONSTRUCTION S I LV E R
Villa Azure defies convention and takes you on a journey through the owners’ imaginations. Gracing 230 feet of uninterrupted coastline overlooking Sarasota Bay, Azure presents itself boldly with an eclectic coastal modern aesthetic. Evoking a clean, crisp feel that is warmed by the use of natural materials on the ceilings, soffits and louvres, Azure rests upon a recessed coral-stone stem wall that gives the home a weightless feel.Designed entirely by the owners, this truly bespoke home maintains a constant flow of experiences for the senses. Enter the foyer through double 12-foot backlit onyx cabinets, dine next to a fish tank of glowing glass sea creatures, warm under the sunlight filtering through to the interior planter, become spellbound by the Gucci wallpaper or step outside the master bath directly into the three-level infinity-edge pool. Boldly balanced, the home itself is an incredible collection of furniture and art, much of which was specially commissioned for the home. Architect: Ines Tendler and Boris Miksik (Owner) Contractor and Builder: Perrone Construction Interior Design: Ines Tendler and Boris Miksik (Owner) Kitchen Cabinets: Sarasota Cabinetry, Inc. Bathroom: Ines Tendler and Boris Miksik (Owner) Stonework: European Marble Landscape: Hazeltine Nurseries Pool: Fox Pools Photographer: Ricky Perrone Trim and Carpentry: Bald Cypress Woodworking.
2021 JUDGES
HUGO MIJARES, MIAMI, FL Studio Hugo Mijares is an award- winning and ideas-focused design practice established by Hugo Mijares in Miami in late 2008. In the same year the practice was selected by the American Institute of Architects for the ‘Emerging Young Architects’ Houses Tour and it has been widely published, both locally and internationally. The practice distills a holistic detail design and process-led approach in the delivery of highly creative and pragmatic
DAVID POORMAN, NAPLES, FL David Poorman’s childhood was a blend of farm and
solutions that resonate conceptual rigor and material invention.
beach, having moved at an early age from Ohio to Naples, Florida. After enrolling in the architecture program at St. Petersburg Junior College, he went on to receive a Bachelor of Design from the University of Florida and a Master’s in Architecture from Princeton University. He lived for ten years in downtown Chicago, working and travelling for Perkins and Will and then for David Woodhouse Architects. In 2010, David established David Poorman Architect LLC (DPA) in Naples, an awardwinning firm specializing in small-scale residential and commercial projects inspired and informed by Florida’s natural resources and climate. BRUCE SPARANO, NEW YORK CITY, NY Bruce Sparano is a licensed architect in the Untied States. He practices residential, municipal and commercial architecture, in addition to real estate consultation and development. Bruce is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, the United States Green Building Council, the Preservation League of New York State, and the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation.
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Domicile SP RI N G HO M E P O RT FO L I O
YODER HOMES
YODER HOMES
FLORIDA DESIGN WORKS
Throughout the region, homeowners are launching renovation and remodeling projects—from new open floorplan kitchen and living spaces and bathroom sanctuaries to exterior retreats replete with water features, pergolas and outdoor cooking.
DECORATIVE TILE | FLORIDA DESIGN WORKS
Glass, mosaic or translucent tile can be central to calming, luxurious design. Alternatively, as a way to channel a chic, retro vibe, Design Works also sees decorative tiles placed in either classic or postmodern geometric patterns as an emerging trend for 2021. Add a pop of ‘Illuminating,’ Pantone’s yellow-hued Color of the Year, and design may be elevated from ordinary to extraordinary. As an exclusive partner to some of the most coveted, custom product lines, Design Works provides clients with an extensive selection of imported, hand-crafted and bespoke products. For over five decades, Florida Design Works has been a leader in kitchen, bath, and home remodeling solutions. Offering a full-service approach to design, the dedicated industry experts at Design Works collaborate with builders, designers, contractors and homeowners to plan, design and coordinate renovation projects that offer sophisticated functionality, contemporary trends and the latest styles in tile, cabinetry, flooring, countertops and window décor. With an eye for detail and a passion for trends, Design Works finds that customers are looking to incorporate a sense of livable luxury into their home. With 50 years of industry expertise in the Sunshine State, Design Works has built long-lasting relationships with both talented, trusted contractors and the community.
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CLEAN, MODERN LINES | YODER HOMES
Guided by their company core value of “unquestionable integrity,” Yoder Homes specializes in custom-built homes, remodeling projects, room additions, and historical renovations. Over the past decade Yoder Homes has built a reputation as a reliable source for homeowners looking to incorporate unique interior features into their homes. Many of these projects involve high-end finishing that requires a superior level of expertise and proficiency. Yoder Homes has shared that Suncoast homeowners enjoy living in spaces with clean, modern lines. To implement this trend, Yoder Homes has recently completed a large scale, remodeling project where trey ceilings and soffits were removed to create a flat, one-level ceiling. The complexity of the project was furthered by the task of leveling the room’s floors to remove step-downs in an effort to maximize water views. Yoder Homes understands that these complex renovations, which are often fashioned in a Coastal Contemporary style, require expert planning, design, and craftmanship. The Yoder Homes team can work directly with clients from start to finish or can collaborate with a client and their architect to manage the construction side of a project. In addition to home building and renovations, Yoder Homes also offers custom cabinetry, storage solutions, hardware installation, flooring and window coverings. To assist with the design process, Yoder Homes maintains a state-of-the-art showroom to display their wide range of high-quality cabinetry and resources. Whether a client is seeking a new home or looking to renovate an existing one, Yoder Homes is dedicated to incorporating practices that support long term sustainability to projects- so integrity and craftmanship can be enjoyed well into the future.
FLORIDA DESIGN WORKS
M&M WALLCOVERINGS AND BLINDS
YODER HOMES
MOTORIZED TREATMENTS | M&M WALLCOVERINGS AND BLINDS M&M Wallcoverings and Blinds has been a leader in the sale of high-quality Hunter Douglas blinds, shades and shutters for three decades. M&M’s 3,000 square foot gallery showcases operable Hunter Douglas window treatments as well as the company’s large display of wallcoverings, custom draperies, valances, upholstery, bedding and pillows. Clients are able to test and operate M&M Wallcoverings and Blinds’ exciting displays of motorized window treatments. Both on trend and now available at a more accessible price point, motorization capabilities have been integrated into the popular Solar Shade style as well as Silhouette, Pirouette, and Duette styles. M&M has also shared that wallcoverings are increasing in popularity. From Grass Weaves to bold, geometric patterns, clients are opting to create focal walls that tie the colors and decorative elements in their rooms together. Also trending for 2021-- tailored draperies and stationary side panels that frame windows by adding texture, pattern, and color. The possibilities are wide ranging so M&M offers their expert decorating services, product knowledge, and passion for their trade in the form of in-home consultations, which are always free of charge. A family-owned and operated business, M&M Wallcoverings is proud to have been named a premier Hunter Douglas gallery. This allows for M&M to provide the very highest quality at very competitive pricing.
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PALM AVENUE LUXURY | GEORGE STILO DESIGN
Drawn to the chic and cosmopolitan milieu of Palm Avenue in downtown Sarasota, Interior Designer George Stilo has fallen in love with the neighborhood’s upscale boutiques and restaurants as well as the luxurious multi-family high rises that offer prized views of Sarasota Bay. George’s enthusiasm for Palm Avenue has prompted him to make this area his full time home by becoming an owner of a residence within The DeMarcay, which is currently under construction. As a local Sarasota-based designer, George will be available to offer other residents of the 39 unit luxury building turn-key interior design services. Whether the new occupants are bicoastal, full time, or second home owners seeking to experience the DeMarcay’s top amenities and desirable location, George can lend his expertise to create livable, luxurious design. With an extensive portfolio of high-end properties, George Stilo works with his clientele from concept and design through installation to create stunning interior spaces. He focuses on building relationships with his clients based on a foundation of trust and integrity and his expertise has provided him with the opportunity to work with diverse, high-end international clientele. As construction continues and the DeMarcay takes shape, George Stilo is delighted for the possibility to engage with new prospective clients and share his keen eye for design with his future neighbors. Photo courtesy of the DeMarcay.
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LOCALLY-CRAFTED | ABIDE DESIGNS
Offering full service interior design from concept to completion, Abide Designs collaborates with clients to help them create the home of their dreams. To accommodate different lifestyles and budgets, Abide provides multiple levels of project design. The ‘DIY Design’ program gives clients an outline for a custom furniture plan including lighting, accessories, and styling. The Abide team also offers ‘E-Design’ services for those who are away from their homes on the Suncoast. Abide Designs’ ability to create creative, custom solutions for their clients helps them maintain their motto that working with a designer should be a joyful experience that is collaborative yet stress free. Led by Kati Ramage, Abide guides clients through the design process by transforming spaces from cookie-cutter to custom. A recent project in Lakewood Ranch named ‘The Summerville Home’ integrated customized features like a locally crafted kitchen island and show-stopper light fixtures to create focal points within the spacious open floor plan. Mindful to integrate on-trend additions, like warm colored hues (Kati recommends Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze) and soft performance fabrics, such as boucle, Abide Designs uses their design expertise to create spaces that are design-forward and functional. As a former elementary school educator and mother herself, Kati understands the importance of durable, family-friendly elements placed in homes that are timeless in design for treasured memories to come.
SPRING 2021 HOME PORTFOLIO FEATURED PARTICIPANTS Abide Designs Lakewood Ranch, FL; 941.587.1364 abidedesignsinteriors.com Florida Design Works 4500 Carmichael Ave. Sarasota, FL 34234 941.355.2703; floridadesignworks.com George Stilo Design georgestilo.design; 646.284.8838 M&M Wallcoverings and Blinds 4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Ste. 7, Sarasota, FL 34231 941.925.7800; mmwallcoveringsblinds.com Yoder Homes 500 Central Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236; 941.758.4028 yoder-homes.com 74 | srq magazine_ MAR21 live local
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forage LOCAL EPICUREAN ADVENTURES AT THE TABLE
Below: Seabar’s baked oysters add complexity and intrigue to a simple delight.
TINKER TAILOR DINER GUY A secret agent spies and dines at Seabar. Andrew Fabian
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Left to right: Seabar’s cobia crudo. Seabar, 6540 Superior Ave., Sarasota, seabarsrq.com, 941.923.6605. @ seabarsrq
IN A DIM RESTAURANT DECORATED IN A DARK MODERN COASTAL VIBE, a spy awaits his contact. He sits at a high-top table with his back against the copper-toned upholstery of the booth. His position offers a vantage over the entire restaurant. On the wall above him, a mural of a giant squid is outlined in teal against a black background. A leather-bound book sits open on the table and he runs his finger down the entries on the exposed page, weighing his options. The night is young, the crowd quiet. Too quiet. The name of the place is Seabar, an oasis of dignified mystery located in Gulf Gate surrounded by countless late-night haunts. “Modern Pacific Fare” reads the subheading on the menu, and he settles on his first order of the night to blend into the crowd—cobia crudo and a Japanese lowball.
Thin slices of cobia, Asian pear and radish come in a neatly arranged crescent with a shiso garnish. The leche de tigre used to cure the cobia forms a shallow puddle of lively green at the base of the broad, shallow bowl. It alludes to the ceviches of Mexico’s Pacific coast, but something briny pulls it to a different part of the globe. Is it nori? Cool, sweet and a touch spicy, the layered appetizer pairs well with the Suntory Whisky in the lowball. A sprig of lavender clipped to the rim of the glass rounds out the dash of lavender bitters used to cut the whisky. The large single cube of ice makes the whole thing look like a piece of contemporary art. As he considers his next move, the grilled oysters beckon. They come on a plate arranged like a compass, here and there a 76 | srq magazine_ MAR21 live local
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garnish of star anise. Are the garnishes a signal of some sort? Am I in danger? A kimchi mignonette adds punch and complexity to the oysters, while little flecks of nori introduce a hint of umami that complements the saltiness. A squeeze of lemon adds a perky layer, but he isn’t looking for a perk. He downs the oysters as is and studies the faces of the jovial crowd that has wandered in toward the end of happy hour. Still no sign of his contact or the intel promised. He settles in for an entree so as not to arouse suspicion at his lingering in the restaurant alone. He orders the kung pao octopus, and when it arrives, he regrets how much attention it draws from curious onlookers. The outside, seasoned with gochujang-inspired barbecue sauce, comes with an exquisite char, as
though the blackened bits were painted with a small brush. The tentacle seems to grip several grilled stalks of broccolini and the whole gruesome and beautiful presentation sits atop a mound of black rice. He can sense the bartender’s eyes on him. Whose side is the bartender on? He orders up a cocktail with a long list of ingredients, hoping to catch the bartender giving a signal. The Jet Pilot comes with three different rums—Smith & Cross Traditional Jamaican Rum, Bacardí 8 Años Rum, Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum—Velvet Falernum, demerara syrup, lime and grapefruit juices, bitters and absinthe. The bartender hands it to the server, they exchange muted words and the server brings it over to him, sets it on PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.
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the table and lights the drink on fire. This must be it, the signal he’s been waiting for. “Enjoy,” says the server with a wink. He pokes the straw around in the drink and looks up at the bartender through the smoke of an ember on a dehydrated orange slice. The drink is tangy and earthy but somehow still tropical, the alcohol cleverly disguised beneath the cinnamon and citrus. This drink is potent. His face feels warm. He orders the bulgogi hanger steak to soak up the rum. Dollops of a charred scallion verde sauce sit atop four slices of hanger steak cooked perfectly to medium. He stuffs two down in rapid succession, but it’s the furikake fries he’s after. Flecked with black sesame seeds, the Japanese furikake blend of flavors elevate these further than any Frenchman’s frites, while the hoisin-infused ketchup adds an extra layer of complexity. 78 | srq magazine_ MAR21 live local
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Clockwise: ‘Fire and Ice’ cocktai l makes everything nice; Exquisitely charred, the Kung Pao octopus cllings to the broccolini; A sprig of lavender adds high art to the Japanese lowball.
The bartender tugs on his ear and appears to point at the door. In walks a nervous little man in a shabby brown coat, his eyes darting all over the restaurant. Can he make it any more obvious? The little man orders a beer and looks over his shoulder at the person of interest, nods once. The person of interest finishes his fries, slurps up the last dregs of his rum cocktail and is about to walk over to the little man at the bar when the server walks up out of the shadows. “Leave any room for dessert?” she asks, standing between the man and the bar with a grave look on her face. “It’s a chocolate mochi with a black sesame streusel and fresh lychee,” she says. Fresh lychee! The jig is up. He tries not to panic. “Sure, the mochi sounds good,” he says. A delightful combination of soft and crunchy, sweet and
sweeter, rich and light—but he can’t enjoy it. Too much has gone wrong, too much is on the line. We have a mole on the inside and he must find out who it is. The nervous man in a shabby coat pays for his beer without finishing it, disappears out the front door. The man waits a few seconds, pulls out a cigarette and follows him out. But he’s gone, and with him, the intel. At least the food was good. He follows a labyrinthine path home to ensure he is not being followed, he enters the safe house, peaks out of the blinders a last time and goes to bed. He dreams of the dark sea, of strong drink, of food that looks like art. When he awakes, he is still full. SRQ
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.
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forage
INSIDE SCOOP
Rise Coffee Co.& Nye’s Cream. 1534 State St., Sarasota, riseandnyes. com. @riseandnyes.
Stacking sweet sandwich treats at Rise Coffee Co. & Nye’s Cream Sandwiches. Brittany Mattie | Photography by Wyatt Kostygan ADMIT IT, YOU STILL HAVE A CRUSH ON THE ICE CREAM SANDWICH. And not just any ol’ Chipwich you used to run down the to the chiming truck for as a kid. You’re an adult now, with a refined palate and consciousness for quality ingredients. Nye’s Cream Sandwiches hand-scoops 3.5-ounces of homemade ice cream in between its baked gourmet cookie counterparts to be assembled, wrapped and packaged in Wilmington, North Carolina. From one coastal town to another, Sarasota’s Rise Coffee Co. shop gets these specialty sandwiches delivered directly to its freezer, with artisanal flavors rotating in and out by collection and seasons. Get ’em while they’re cold.
Above: Turtle Cheesecake: Cheesecake ice cream infused with house-made caramel and toasted pecans with rich chocolate ganache cookies. Banana Nut Chocolate: Roasted walnuts and real bananas folded into ice cream, then give it a home sweet home between two chocolate ganache cookies.Blueberry Pie: Version of blueberry pie featuring fresh-picked North Carolina blueberry ice cream paired with two chewy sugar cookies. Meyer Lemon Cardamom:Meyer lemons are hand-zested and hand-squeezed to make a sweet and tangy ice cream, bordered with chewy ginger cardamom cookies for a light, refreshing taste. Peppermint Chocolate: Refreshing peppermint gravel ice cream is tucked between a duo of chocolate ganache cookies. Chocolate Peanut Butter: Densely flavorful, this handcrafted creation features chocolate ice cream and two chewy peanut butter cookies.
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LOCALLY SOURCED
ALWAYS IN SEASON
GROVE 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch, 941-893-4321. CONTEMPORARY GOURMET DINING GROVE Restaurant, Patio and Ballroom is the newest offshoot of PIER 22, the award-winning waterfront destination headed by restaurateurs Hugh Miller and Greg Campbell. A full-service restaurant and events venue offering contemporary gourmet dining. The menu is elevated yet approachable and locally inspired. Housemade dishes emphasize fresh seasonal ingredients as well as innovative cooking methods, and with 27,000 square feet of dining space including an elegant 400 person ballroom there’s room for everyone at the table! M-Th 11:30am-10pm, F-Sa 11:30am-12am, Sun 11am-10pm.
MARINA JACK 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, 941-365-4232. SEAFOOD, STEAKS AND PASTA The Sarasota landmark offers its customers exceptional food and great atmosphere while dining on the water. Come to the dining room on the second floor and try some new items on the dinner menu. Start with braised mussels in a chorizo broth or short rib tostadas, which feature Gouda cheese and pulled slow-braised short rib. Open daily for lunch and dinner. M–Su 11:15am–11pm. MORTON’S GOURMET MARKET 1924 South Osprey Ave., Sarasota, 941955-9856. GOURMET GROCER It’s the place where you can spend a lazy Sunday morning sipping coffee and breaking off pieces of a scone, a frenetic Friday evening collecting rare cheeses, meat and wine for Saturday’s soiree or a quick lunchtime bite to go. For the latter, Morton’s fresh-
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made sushi, salad bar or ready-to-go tea sandwiches are longstanding local faves. M–Sa 7am–8pm. Su 9am–6pm. PIER 22 1200 1st Ave W, Bradenton, 941-748-8087. CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN Pier 22 takes waterfront dining to a new level. On the mouth of the Manatee River, the picturesque setting is relaxing and the perfect backdrop for any outing. With over 26,000 square feet of space, Pier 22 also offers catering and space for events. They focus on fresh, homemade fare and unique twists on everyday dishes. For lunch, try their soft-shell crab sandwich with jalapeno tartar sauce, with a side of poutine. While watching the sunset on the patio, dine on their fresh game of the day, sourced from around the world and always a surprise. M-Th 11:30am – 10pm. F-Sa 11:30am-10:30pm. Su 11am-10pm. Happy hour daily 3pm-7pm and Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm. TSUNAMI SUSHI & HIBACHI GRILL 100 Central Ave, Suite 1022, Sarasota, 941-366-1033. ASIAN FUSION In the heart of downtown Sarasota Florida, Tsunami Sushi and Hibachi Grill stands alone for creative sushi, fresh sashimi and a new spin on asian fusion--all at remarkable prices. FRESH SUSHI- Made fresh before your eyes by their talented chefs. FULL BAR- They feature a full bar, with specialty cocktails like the Hibiscus Rose, Japanese Julep and Shinsu Sour. ASIAN ENTREESFresh and flavorful with the unique taste of Japan. M-F 11am-Close; Sat/ Sun 12pm-Close; Closed Daily 2:30-4:30pm.
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S R Q M A G A Z I N E | S P E C I A L C O N T E N T M A R K E T I N G F E AT U R E | M A R C H 2 0 2 1
2021 SRQ MAGAZINE
ELITE REAL E S TAT E A G E N T S A N J A D E I C H M A N N | M I C H E L L E H U P P | A N G E L A L I S TA M I A M C K E E H A N A N D D A R R E N D O W L I N G | L I S A N A P O L I TA N O A N D V A L E R I E D A L L’A C Q U A | T R A C Y P I E R C E S A R A S O TA G U L F C O A S T R E A LT O R S
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2021 ELITE AGENTS
LISTING OF AGENTS | SPRING 2021
ANJA DEICHMANN Michael Saunders & Company 1605 Main St., Sarasota, FL c 941.284.7987 anjasellssarasota.com anjadeichmann.com
Darren Dowling + Mia McKeehan Coldwell Banker Realty 100 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, FL Darren c 941.204.0493 Mia c 941.726.0898
tracy pierce Michael Saunders & Company Plantation & West Vilalge (Wellen Park) 490 Rockley Blvd., Venice, FL c 941.275.1570 TracyPierce@MichaelSaunders.com michaelsaunders.com
michelle hupp Michael Saunders & Company 110 Nokomis Ave. N., Venice, FL c 941.773.5464 michellehupp@michaelsaunders.com Michellehuppvenice.com
Angela Lista Michael Saunders & Company 5100 Ocean Blvd., Sarasota, FL c 941.544.6255
lisa napolitano + valerie Dall’acqua Premier Sotheby’s International Realty Lisa | 400 Barcelona Ave., Venice, FL Valerie | 50 Central Ave., Sarasota, FL Valerie.Dallacqua@premiersir.com c 941.445.7295 Lisa.Napolitano@premiersir.com
Sarasota Gulf Coast Realtors Keller Williams on the Water Sarasota Sandy Mazzarantani, Matt and Laura Rode, Molly Laramie and Melissa Sherk 1549 Ringling Blvd. #600, Sarasota, FL Matt Rode c 941.241.7949 Sarasotagulfcoastrealtors.com
angelaLista.michaelsaunders.com
SARASOTA GULF COAST REALTORS Laura and Matt began their career selling real estate in Sarasota, FL in 2013. In 2018, they joined Keller Williams on the Water Sarasota and established their team, Sarasota Gulf Coast Realtors. This elite group of professionals are proud members of Keller Williams Luxury International and are your market experts for all things real estate in both Sarasota and Manatee counties. Left: Sandy Mazzarantani, Matt and Laura Rode, Molly Laramie and Melissa Sherk.
THE MISSION OF SARASOTA GULF COAST REALTORS is to deliver excellence and aim to exceed expectations in everything we do. For the majority of people, the purchase or sale of a home is their largest single investment. Our goal is to guide you successfully and easily through the contractual investment and emotional decisions involved in the real estate process. We are committed to providing you, your friends and family with superior service and expertise. The team’s commitment to their clients shows as the Sarasota Gulf Coast Realtors quickly became one of Sarasota’s top producing teams in just two years. In 2020, the team sold over $70 million worth of real estate and helped over 180 families with their real estate transactions. This full-service team strives to modernize the experience of buying and selling real estate while serving their clients at the highest level.
Keller Williams on the Water Sarasota | 1549 Ringling Blvd #600, Sarasota Matt Rode c 941.241.7949 | SarasotaGulfCoastRealtors.com
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“A home exudes energy, personality and character. It is a place where life happens and memories are made. It’s not just a house to us. It is YOUR home.” —srq premier realty
2021 ELITE AGENTS
ANJA DEICHMANN Originally from Munich, Germany, Anja Deichmann made Sarasota her home in 2003 after living in New York City for nearly a decade. One of Michael Saunders & Company’s top producing agents, Anja has earned a tremendous amount of industry acclaim since receiving her real estate license 16 years ago. Anja has been involved in some of the region’s benchmark sales and is the proud recipient of prestigious broker and industry awards year after year.
Anja Deichmann Broker-Associate®, GRI 1605 Main Street Sarasota, FL 34236 AnjaSellsSarasota.com AnjaDeichmann.com c 941.284.7987
Anja’s passion for representing her customers to the highest standard is genuine and reflected in the way she runs her successful business that she built through hard work and her excellent reputation. Anja specializes in the individual goals of her buyers and sellers, tailoring her services to provide them with a real estate experience that always aims to exceed their expectations. Additionally, Anja is licensed with Colorado broker and fellow Leading Real Estate Companies of the World member Colorado Landmark Realtors in Boulder, where Anja and her husband own a second home. This allows her national and international clients a dynamic mix of lifestyle opportunities – from the beaches, golfing and boating of the East to the snow-capped mountains, ski retreats and horse and cattle ranches of the West.
Anja and her husband are zealous animal lovers. Their family consists of a number of four-legged members, including Anja’s beloved Friesian stallion “Pier” who is stabled and trained in Boulder, CO and fills her limited free time with deep joy. Anja holds a degree in marketing & communications and she infuses energy and creative solutions in all her real estate transactions. What truly sets her apart are her customized marketing strategies and her skills in negotiation. Anja’s clients value her friendly yet professional approach and her relentless enthusiasm for real estate, marketing and, most importantly, highly satisfied clients. MSC MISSION STATEMENT Michael Saunders &
Company is an independently-owned collaboration of agents providing the deepest, most strategic market insights in the region; global marketing reach to more than 700 real estate partners worldwide; and meticulous service to home buyers and sellers. The company culture is built from its Sarasota roots, strong moral standards, and a unified vigor to set the highest expectation for real estate services. Now its fifth decade of service, Michael Saunders & Company has grown into a network of 24 full-service real estate offices with annual revenue totaling over $2.78 billion and a dominating market share across all price points.
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2021 ELITE AGENTS
BENEATH A FRIENDLY SMILE is her
deep-rooted dedication, commitment, knowledge, energy and expertise to deliver quality service. With an emphasis towards the top tier of the luxury market, she is known for delivering the same exceptional service to all her customers. This committed approach has led a high level of customer satisfaction and repeat referrals. As an expert in the local market, it is her goal to provide a positive real estate experience. She shows her dedication to her customers through high values and strong work ethic. Michelle enjoys assisting her customers in selling their property or buying their dream home through her professional approach, hard work, negotiating skills, positive attitude and focus on their individual needs and desires. This committed approach to her profession has led to a high level of customer satisfaction and repeat referrals. Always an active member of her profession, church, community and state, In her spare time, Michelle enjoys exercise, traveling, musicals, dining, going to the beach, fishing, boating, snow and water skiing, hiking, attending sporting events, and being with family and friends. She ran her first half-marathon in 2017. Serving Sarasota County including: Venice, Casey Key, Manasota Key, Nokomis, Osprey and Wellen Park. Specialties: Waterfront properties, golf communities, Gulf of Mexico, Bay and Intracoastal properties, condominiums, acreages, investment properties, new construction and relocation.
MSC MISSION STATEMENT “Michael
Saunders & Company is a full-service real estate organization dedicated to a long-standing tradition of excellence, professionalism and integrity with a focus on delivering an exceptional real estate experience to all stakeholders.” Nowhere but here, no one but you. Michael Saunders & Company is an independently owned collaboration of agents providing the deepest, most strategic market insights in the region; global marketing reach to more than 700 real estate partners worldwide; and meticulous service to home buyers and sellers from every walk of life. Our company culture is built from our Sarasota roots, strong moral standards, and a unified vigor to set the highest expectation for real estate services on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
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MICHELLE HUPP Local knowledge, global connections. Michelle Hupp’s performance as a top achiever is driven by a Midwestern work ethic and a passion for selling the Florida lifestyle through real estate. Licensed since 1992, she is dedicated to the real estate profession as a REALTOR® with Michael Saunders & Company in Venice, Florida. She has earned the Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) and Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) designations. Michelle is known for showcasing waterfront property from the boat. Michelle Hupp 110 Nokomis Ave. N. | Venice, FL 34385 c 941.773.5464 michellehupp@michaelsaunders.com MichelleHuppVenice.com
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2021 ELITE AGENTS
ANGELA LISTA Entering her third year of real estate, Angela has been highlighted by leading broker Michael Saunders & Company as one of its rising stars, earning the Masters Award in 2020 for outstanding performance.
ANGELA, OR “ANGIE,” HAILS FROM NEW JERSEY. At a young age
Angela was introduced to the real estate industry by her father, a property investor dedicated to rejuvenating abandoned homes. This experience gave her a strong work ethic, taught her skill with a paintbrush and hammer, and sparked her passion for helping people. A property investor and now Realtor with Michael Saunders & Company, Angela is living her dream by helping others realize their real estate goals. Supported by a loyal book of customers and a drive to create unparalleled experiences, she quickly found herself in Sarasota County’s luxury market and was a 2020 Masters Award recipient with Michael Saunders and Co for outstanding sales performance. She’s also received the “2021 Rising Star Award” with Five-Star Professional and earned the “Rookie of the Year” Award her first year with Michael Saunders & Company. Angela is known for treating customers like family, taking the time to educate them by being completely honest and available, and it shows in the many testimonials she has received. “Buying or selling a home can be stressful, so I try to add a little fun to balance the more serious decision making. My motto is to laugh a lot and always be yourself because life is too short.” Angela has been with her husband for over 25 years, who speaks fluent Italian. They have two children, Gabriel & Angelina – though she would argue her husband is her “third kid” at times. Angela is an active swim mom of the Sarasota Sharks, a USA Swimming Official, and volunteers her time to officiate swim meets for both her children. She also enjoys Gulf fishing, boating, and exploring Florida State Parks.
MSC MISSION STATEMENT Michael Saunders & Company is an
independently-owned collaboration of agents providing the deepest, most strategic market insights in the region; global marketing reach to more than 700 real estate partners worldwide; and meticulous service to home buyers and sellers. The company culture is built from its Sarasota roots, strong moral standards, and a unified vigor to set the highest expectation for real estate services. Now its fifth decade of service, Michael Saunders & Company has grown into a network of 24 full-service real estate offices with annual revenue totaling over $2.78 billion and a dominating market share across all price points.
Angela Lista 5100 Ocean Blvd. | Sarasota, FL 34242 AngelaLista.MichaelSaunders.com c 941.544.6255
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2021 ELITE AGENTS
Darren Dowling’s early real estate experience consisted of buying bulk
DARREN DOWLING MIA MCKEEHAN We’re on a mission to ensure clients reap the financial rewards of real estate and enjoy the Florida lifestyle the way it’s meant to be. And, we exhibit a hands-on and white-gloved approach so that you have an enjoyable, educational experience. Powered by our belief that unity and consistency are the hallmarks of every great organization, we look forward to welcoming you into our community and our culture. We are truly at your service, and we’re ready to help create your future — just the way you imagine it. Coldwell Banker Realty Darren Dowling | c 941.204.0493 Mia McKeehan | c 941.726.0898 100 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
investment properties for a company in England before he expanded into buying and selling international property and land. Competitive by nature, Darren is a three-time British national champion and Florida state champion in cycling. He still races and trains aspiring cyclists as president of the Sarasota Cycling Club. But real estate has always been Darren’s true calling, and he thrives in the industry because he’s determined to ensure bigger and better results for his clients. Darren creates exceptional listings, commands buyer attention through inventive marketing, and negotiates deals that give his clients the advantage. He uses his goal-setting skills and goal-driven mentality to ensure buyers and sellers achieve the highest success, whether they’re upsizing, downsizing, or investing, and he provides them with top-notch service throughout the transaction.
Mia McKeehan is a Realtor with over a decade of experience in the Saraso-
ta and Manatee county real estate market and is known among her clients for being approachable, sophisticated, hardworking and detail oriented. She is always positive and brings a fresh perspective to her buyers and sellers, offering creative solutions that set her apart from the competition. In today’s fast-moving market where hours can sometimes make all the difference between success and a missed sale, Mia places a high value on responsive communication. A resident of Sarasota since 2009 and graduate of Rice University in Texas, Mia prides herself on her unparalleled local market knowledge of the area and wide range of experience with all residential property types, including luxury waterfront properties, condominiums, golf and resort communities, second homes, and investment properties. She is a member of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing and holds her Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) designation. Combined Darren and Mia sold 45 properties in 2020 and are already exceeding their sales goals for 2021.
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2021 ELITE AGENTS
LISA NAPOLITANO VALERIE DALL’ACQUA We believe luxury is not a price point, but a level of service. We strive to make each transaction seamless, and focus on the details so everyone involved can take the time to relax and have confidence in a successful sale.
OUR ADVANTAGE, of working as a Team provides our clients with strong local knowledge and expansive global connections. With over 25 years of combined experience, and annually ranked in the top 25 realtors of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, we are extremely passionate about what we do, and are dedicated to achieving your real estate goals. Our ability to master real connections, and the knowledge of owning, remodeling and developing waterfront property, is what it is all about. Relationships, personalized attention to detail, and delivering the best possible experience to each and every client. Allow us to help on your next real estate journey.
ABOUT PREMIER SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY Headquartered in
Naples, Florida, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty has over 1,400 associates and employees in 40 locations throughout Florida and North Carolina. Premier Sotheby’s International Realty also benefits from an association with the storied Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744. The brokerage is a division of The Lutgert Companies, a prominent member of Southwest Florida’s business community since 1964. For more information, visit premiersothebysrealty.com.
Premier Sotheby’s International Realty Lisa Napolitano | 400 Barcelona Avenue, Venice Valerie Dall’Acqua | 50 Central Ave, Sarasota valerie.dallacqua@premiersir.com c 941.445.7295 lisa.napolitano@premiersir.com
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2021 ELITE AGENTS
TRACY PIERCE
ORIGINALLY FROM THE SUBURBS of Philadelphia,
PA, Tracy is now a loyal resident of Venice, FL, and is passionate about sharing her love of the area. Specializing in West Villages/Wellen Park, Tracy’s expertise is evident from both her resume and portfolio of lifetime customers that value her knowledge. She dedicates herself to providing high-quality customer service and developing long-lasting relationships. Tracy owned and operated her own successful business for 13 years, leading her to a career in real estate. A foundation in sales, marketing, and client satisfaction, her commitment to creating positive real estate experiences has consistently yielded impressive results, earning her the Rookie of the Year award at Michael Saunders & Company and a cemented place among the leading Gulf Coast broker’s Best of the Best in 2019 and the 2020 Top Selling agent in her office. Tracy prides herself in her ability to provide high quality service and help shoulder the stress from clients to help them move forward into their future. She will work with you to gain the necessary competitive edge when buying or selling your home, understand the challenges you’re up against in today’s market and provide you with ongoing communication about your real estate transaction. As a dedicated real estate professional, Tracy is proud to provide you with honest and meaningful work to help you achieve your goals and look forward to helping you with all your real estate needs.
MSC MISSION STATEMENT Michael Saunders &
Company is an independently-owned collaboration of agents providing the deepest, most strategic market insights in the region; global marketing reach to more than 700 real estate partners worldwide; and meticulous service to home buyers and sellers. The company culture is built from its Sarasota roots, strong moral standards, and a unified vigor to set the highest expectation for real estate services. Now its fifth decade of service, Michael Saunders & Company has grown into a network of 24 full-service real estate offices with annual revenue totaling $2.78 billion and a dominating market share across all price points.
Michael Saunders & Company Plantation & West Villages (Wellen Park) 490 Rockley Blvd. Venice, FL 34293 TracyPierce@MichaelSaunders.com MichaelSaunders.com c 941.275-1570
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