WHAT TO KNOW
- On Jan. 18, Sarasota County Commissioners unanimously approved our application for re-zoning and special exceptions for the land where we plan to build a music center.
- Sarasota Orchestra can now move forward with purchase of the 32-acre parcel at 5701 Fruitville Road.
- Along with increased space for rehearsal, storage and education activities, the proposed music center will bring our region something it has never had: a state-of-the-art concert hall with outstanding acoustics.
WHAT TO KNOW
- On Jan. 18, Sarasota County Commissioners unanimously approved our application for re-zoning and special exceptions for the land where we plan to build a music center.
- Sarasota Orchestra can now move forward with purchase of the 32-acre parcel at 5701 Fruitville Road.
- Along with increased space for rehearsal, storage and education activities, the proposed music center will bring our region something it has never had: a state-of-the-art concert hall with outstanding acoustics.
One Step Closer to Finalizing Our Land Purchase
On Wednesday, the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to amend zoning for the site of our new music center (5701 Fruitville Road), bringing us one step closer to finalizing our purchase of land for the proposed music center. Specifically, Commissioners approved special exceptions to construct our planned concert hall at the desired height to optimize acoustics and continue operations beyond 10 p.m. for performance-related activities.
During the proceedings, we addressed a request to add arrows to the development concept plan depicting a future driveway connection between Sarasota Crossings Shopping Center’s front parking lot and the Orchestra parking lot at the western boundary (see green arrows in the image of our concept plan, below). This cross access will be represented in future site development plans and will allow for potential construction of a connecting bridge or similar structure to span the canal separating both properties—a project for which the shopping center would be responsible to initiate and assume related costs, pending a thorough review process with Sarasota County.
Following this constructive conversation and unanimous vote, District 5 Commissioner and Chair Ron Cutsinger reminded meeting attendees about the importance of our vision:
“This is an exciting development for Sarasota County. I can’t wait to see Sarasota Orchestra build that facility...I love the orchestra and can’t wait to be in one of those seats.”
This exciting decision comes just a little more than a month after the Sarasota County Planning Commission also unanimously approved the Orchestra’s application. Now that we have secured the necessary approvals, we are thrilled to be able to move forward with our land purchase.
Overwhelming Community Support
The overwhelming support and positive commentary from county leaders and future neighbors makes clear: our community and patrons recognize the transformative impact an acoustic concert hall will have on arts and culture in Sarasota.
Feedback from respondents to our community survey echo this, as well:
- 85% support the new music center
- 78% believe the new music center will serve as an important cultural resource for our community
- 85% recognize the impact an acoustic concert hall will have on the quality of audience experiences
- 89% said they would be likely to attend future events at the new location
As we continue to take key steps toward our future, we look forward to celebrating these special moments with you. Thank you for your continued support of Sarasota Orchestra and our plans to fulfill our region’s need for its first acoustic concert hall.
If you have any questions about the music center and/or would like to share your feedback with us, please send us a
message at
Sincerely,
Sarasota Orchestra Music Center Planning Team
