The Restoring a Sense of Place Disaster Recovery Program, launched by Architecture Sarasota, receives an Advocacy Citation of Merit for its urgent and innovative response to the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Sarasota has long been recognized as home to the celebrated Sarasota School of Architecture, a regional modernist movement defined by its climate-responsive and experimental design. With an estimated 70% of these architectural resources impacted by the storms, immediate action was imperative. Within 72 hours of Hurricane Helene, Architecture Sarasota mobilized a comprehensive strategy to support owners and stewards of historic structures through five key initiatives: documentation, assessments, information sharing, emergency historic designation, and adaptation. The program has conducted digital documentation of nine buildings through laser scanning and drone imaging, including the remains of Paul Rudolph’s Sanderling Beach Cabanas and Clubhouse. Additionally, the program secured emergency National Register determinations, providing greater latitude to restore properties. Architecture Sarasota continues to provide information on recovery and adaptation strategies. 

Architecture Sarasota