DISASTER RECOVERY
In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in September and October 2024, Architecture Sarasota launched the Restoring a Sense of Place Disaster Recovery Program, a community-driven effort to help protect and restore the area’s most significant buildings and properties, especially those associated with the Sarasota School of Architecture.
The organization is working with private owners, organizations, and agencies to document and assess damaged properties, provide recovery information and adaptation guidance, and prepare applications seeking official “Determinations of Eligibility” for the National Register of Historic Places. A determination of eligibility for listing on the National Register affords more recovery options that can help prevent the loss of significant, non-landmarked properties and their character-defining features.
DOCUMENTATION
Documentation plays a critical role in historic preservation by serving as a permanent record of a site’s physical condition, historical significance, and changes over time. It provides a foundation for research, interpretation, and informed decision-making in preservation planning and interventions. Documentation upholds the integrity and continuity of cultural heritage, supporting both current and long-term stewardship.
Architecture Sarasota is collaborating with MCWB Architects and Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors to digitally document significant buildings and sites using terrestrial LiDAR (i.e., laser scanning) and drone imaging. The organization is also undertaking conservation studies to better understand the technologies, materials, and finishes of the buildings of the Sarasota School.