These 3 firms want to design the replacement for Sarasota's Van Wezel. You can meet them

A panel working to select an architectural firm to design the proposed new Sarasota Performing Arts Center has narrowed its list of candidates and invited the final three firms to make public presentations and answer questions on May 31.

The Architect Selection Task Force, which started with 43 submissions from architectural design firms, had limited its choices to a final four in mid-May, but since then, Gehry Partners LLP, the firm founded by noted architect Frank Gehry, has withdrawn from the competition.

Three other prominent firms remain in contention: Renzo Piano Building Workshop, which designed the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angel and a new Paris courthouse; Foster + Partners Limited, which is known for its stadiums, office towers and company headquarters; and  Snøhetta, which designed the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, which has water lapping at its edges, among numerous other projects.

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The selection process has been focused on each firm’s ability to design and build the new performing arts center, which would replace the iconic, 52-year-old Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall as the home for touring Broadway shows, concerts, comedy and other productions. No designs have been created for the new facility to this point.

The hall would have a 2,250-seat mainstage theater (about 500 more than the Van Wezel), a 400-seat flexible performance and event space, as well as offices and other amenities.

The panel was put together by the city of Sarasota and the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation (formerly the Van Wezel Foundation), which will share the cost of the project, estimated at up to $300 million. It will be a central part of the Bay Park Conservancy project, which will take over most of what is now the parking lot for the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall along Sarasota Bay.

The foundation first proposed creating a new, modern performing arts hall to replace the 52-year-old Van Wezel. The foundation’s agreement with the city prohibits the Van Wezel from being used in a competitive way as an arts center.

Earlier this month, the City Commission approved the creation of a seven-member Ad Hoc Purple Ribbon Committee to explore financially stable options for the future use of the Van Wezel. Those interested in being part of the panel must submit an application by June 15 on the advisory board page of the city website, SarasotaFL.gov. The commission wants the panel to include experts in architecture and reuse of large public structures; historical preservation; civil structural engineering; financing of performing arts; and climate adaptation.

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The selection panel has been led by businesswoman Jenne Britell, who said in a statement that all the firms “have created buildings that welcome the communities in which they stand. I am confident Sarasota will welcome whoever is chosen from this extraordinary group to create an inspiring performing arts center. 

The panel also includes Van Wezel Executive Director Mary Bensel and foundation board members Mark Famiglio and Michele Hooper.

The three firms will take part in in-person interviews and presentations between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. May 31 in the grand foyer of the Van Wezel, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Registration is recommended but not required at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/architect-presentations-for-the-sarasota-performing-arts-center-tickets-642327206967.

The panel will then hold its final deliberations and make a selection during a meeting that begins at 1 p.m. June 1 in the SRQ Media Center in the City Hall Annex, 1565 First St. Sarasota. The session is open to the public. A contract with the selected firm must be approved by the City Commission. A draft of the contract has been shared with the firms being considered, but negotiations will lead to a final version.

For more information: sarasotaperformingartsfoundation.org

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