Photo Attributions

General Project Information

Architectural Credit:

Overland Partners, Inc.
Sweet Sparkman

Location: Sarasota, Florida, United States
Project Substantial Completion Date: 1/8/2024
Program type(s): Food Service - Restaurant/Cafeteria, Laboratory - recommend use of Labs21, Office - Medium (< 100,000 sf), Public Assembly – General, Retail Store, Storage – General
Total Site Area (gross sq. ft): 258,359
Total Building Area (gross sq. ft): 32,091
Project substantial completion date: 1/8/2024
Climate zone: 2A
Project site: Partially previously developed
Project team: Architect: Overland Partners, Inc.
Local Architect: Sweet Sparkman
Civil Engineer: Kimley-Horn
Solar Consultant: One80 Solar
General Contractor: Willis Smith Construction
Landscape Architect: Olin Partnership Ltd.
M/E/P Engineer: Arup US, Inc.
Structural Engineer: Arup US, Inc.
Interpretive Design: Metcalfe
Acoustical Consultant: Arup US, Inc.
Lighting Designer: LAM Partners

Project Overview:
Phase 1 of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Master Plan reimagines a historic site as a regenerative campus embodying the AIA Framework for Design Excellence. Integrating architecture, ecology, and community, the design achieves Net Positive Energy through a 1.2 MW photovoltaic array and Living Building Challenge performance targets. Rainwater systems safeguard the Hudson Bayou, while biophilic design immerses visitors in Florida’s native biodiversity. The Living Energy Access Facility, Welcome Center, and Plant Research Center demonstrate how cultural landscapes can advance climate action, resilience, and well-being creating an urban sanctuary where science, education, and community thrive together as one living system.

Submission portfolio