The Van Wezel Foundation and City of Sarasota are happy to announce they have received over forty qualification applications from architectural firms to design a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center. With over 43 respondents, the City and Van Wezel Foundation have options from around the world. Including internationally acclaimed and highly respected local firms.
In order to create a shortlist of applicant, the City of Sarasota has tasked four distinguished community members to narrow the selection to approximately 15 to 20 candidates. These candidates will be invited to respond to a request for proposals (RFP) with the promise of fulfilling this transformative project for Sarasota and the region.
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“As a once-in-a-generation project, these applicants represent the best of the best firms from around the world. Having designed some of the most world-renowned institutions across the globe,” said City of Sarasota Manager Marlon Brown. “This remarkable response shows how highly regarded the world views Sarasota’s arts and culture as we look to continue to build upon our future as a cherished destination.”
Architecture firms involved
The 18 firms invited to submit proposals are:
- Adjaye Associates
- Arquitectonica
- Diamond Schmitt
- Diller Scofidio + Renfro
- Foster + Partners Limited
- Gehry Partners LLP
- Henning Larsen
- Pelli Clarke & Partners
- Renzo Piano Building Workshop
- Rex Architecture P.C.
- Safdie Architects
- Sanaa Jimusho Ltd.
- Shigeru Ban Architects
- Snøhetta
- Steven Holl Architects
- Studio Gang
- Studios Architecture
- Zaha Hadid Limited
“We are proud to work with our partners at the City of Sarasota on this transformational project,” said Cheryl Mendelson, CEO of the Van Wezel Foundation. “With the submission of qualifications from these accomplished firms, we now continue the robust review process that moves us closer to the vision of Sarasota as an international destination for the arts. This isn’t just a building. Together, we are building a place for ideas, a place for the arts, a place for you.”
The architect selection process will include six public meetings. An appropriation from the State of Florida is funding the process. Task force meetings will be open to the public and the selection process. It will culminate in a short list of finalists coming to Sarasota to present their qualifications to the community. This process is separate from the Blue Ribbon panel that will soon be seated by the City Commission to make recommendations regarding viable options for future reuse, purpose, ownership and operation of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
Once the task force receives and reviews the RFP submissions, they will meet publicly to winnow the candidates to a pool of approximately 4 to 6 finalists.