Sarasota Orchestra is a vibrant organization serving the region with an array of programs all year long. It is equally active behind the scenes as our Music Center project team continues its work. We made meaningful progress, advancing several important elements that will help shape the Orchestra’s future.
Though the updates we are sharing today mainly occurred behind the scenes, they showcase the momentum toward a wonderful new home for Sarasota Orchestra and the community.
Our entire project team remains deeply committed to the Music Center vision, and we're grateful for the impressive support Sarasota Orchestra has received as we work toward something truly extraordinary for our community and generations to come.
Onboarding Key Engineering Consultants
We are excited to be progressing further into the schematic design phase, collaborating closely with project consultants, staff, and the Orchestra’s Board of Directors to further define the Music Center’s form, align programmatic needs, and establish the initial design framework for the campus.
Since June, we have onboarded several engineering consultants who are helping develop more detailed drawings and scopes of work for the Music Center, including:
- Structural Engineer – LeMessurier
- Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Engineer – Vanderweil Engineers
- Technology and Security Consultant – Smith Seckman Reid Inc.
- Code and Life Safety Consultant – Howe Engineers
- Accessibility Consultant – Access by Design
We have made great progress and look forward to advancing this phase into the fall, when we plan to share updated designs.
Community Engagement
Summer also presented another opportunity for community engagement in our project.
In June, our project team, led by design architects from William Rawn Associates, hosted two workshops with key stakeholders to gather their feedback on our current design elements and plans.
The first workshop brought together leaders from nearly 20 arts and cultural organizations in Sarasota. We walked through the latest design elements and asked for feedback on what they would want to see in the Music Center space. Their continued excitement about the project was encouraging and gives us confidence that our project planning addresses the needs of the community music scene.
We also hosted a workshop with neighbors of the Fruitville Road site to keep them informed about the project and ensure their feedback helps shape a Music Center that will be a valued part of their neighborhood. We addressed important questions about stormwater management, sightlines, landscape, and more. The enthusiasm and support of our future neighbors inspire us, and we look forward to ongoing engagement with this group as the project continues to move ahead.
In July, members of the Music Center project team met with Sarasota County officials for an important project checkpoint. After presenting the latest plans, we received initial feedback from several county departments – including planning, fire marshal, traffic, and stormwater management – to address questions early and ensure a smooth permitting process, which is expected to begin later this year. These conversations will continue in the coming months to keep the process on track.
What’s Next
As the owner’s representatives, our team at Cultural Strategic Partners will continue to act as the project’s “eyes and ears,” ensuring the Music Center stays on track and aligned with Sarasota Orchestra’s vision.
With foundational plans in place, we are moving into the heart of this work – the phase where ideas take shape. Every week brings new decisions and visible progress. If you have been following along since the beginning, we trust you have seen that the project’s pace is quickening. This is truly an energizing moment for the entire team as the Music Center becomes closer to reality.
Stay tuned for more updates this fall. If you have questions or would like to learn more about the Music Center, please do not hesitate to contact the team at
Onward,
Matt Edwards
President, Cultural Strategic Partners
Owner’s Representative, Sarasota Orchestra Music Center
