SARASOTA, Fla. — The waterfront in downtown Sarasota is getting a new look. The process begins in a couple months when crews start tearing down an old seawall near the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center.
“We are trying to be better stewards of the environment,” said Sustainability Director Stevie Freeman-Montes.
She said they will replace the seawall with a riprap design. It’ll help absorb wave energy and provide a habitat for sea life. The construction is being paid for by a grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
City leaders are also working on a larger master plan for the land around Van Wezel.
“It’s a 50-year vision that will be implemented over 15-20 years,” said Sarasota Bayfront Planning Director Bill Waddell.
Waddell said the plan is to build a park and a new performing arts center near the waterfront. He said the project is being funded by public dollars and private dollars.
The first phase of the project should be done in about two years.
Click herefor more information on the project.
