Florida Construction News staff writer
The Bay Park Conservancy (BPC) has celebrated another milestone in its ongoing transformation of Sarasota’s downtown waterfront, marking the grand reopening of the rehabilitated historic Chidsey Library and the unveiling of a new tree-lined Promenade along U.S. 41.
The ribbon-cutting event, joined by city officials, community partners and supporters, highlighted key components of Phase 2 of The Bay — a 14-acre, $65-million expansion within the 53-acre signature park being developed on city-owned land along Sarasota Bay.
Originally opened in 1941 as Sarasota’s first public library, the Chidsey Building had fallen into decline before undergoing an 18-month, $3-million restoration. The project, led by Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors with construction by Jon F. Swift Construction, preserved the building’s Streamline Moderne character, including terrazzo floors, glass block and corner windows, and sections of the original library stacks.
Modern upgrades include new structural foundation piles, skylights and custom pendant light fixtures. PGT Innovations donated hurricane-rated windows.
Now serving as The Bay Park Conservancy’s headquarters, the Chidsey joins other historic landmarks on the site — including the Municipal Auditorium, Blue Pagoda and Sarasota Garden Club — all listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Adjacent to the library, the new 1,000-foot Promenade connects three of these landmarks along North Tamiami Trail, serving as a pedestrian-friendly “front door” to the park. The 16-foot-wide walkway is lined with 20-foot Royal Palms and canopy trees, providing shade and views of the bayfront.
“These projects are the latest examples of the ongoing transformation of this 53-acre ‘One Park for All,’” said AG Lafley, CEO of The Bay Park Conservancy. “Each step brings us closer to a more resilient and more welcoming gathering place for everyone in the community to enjoy.”
Phase 2 of The Bay, scheduled for completion between 2026 and 2027, will include a new Town Square, a resilient shoreline, day docks, a bayfront restaurant and continued historic restoration. The expansion is funded by a $48-million City/County tax-increment financing bond and $17 million from government grants and private donations.
