Whitaker Lofts
Whitaker Lofts
Whitaker Lofts, designed by Halflants + Pichette, introduces a modern architectural landmark to Sarasota’s northern waterfront. The project combines commercial and multi-family residential design to activate the gateway between Ringling College of Art and Design and downtown Sarasota. Positioned between Fourteenth and Fifteenth Street, the development strengthens this important urban corridor with new housing, retail, and pedestrian connections to the city’s cultural destinations.
The site sits across from Whitaker Bayfront Park and adjacent to a new roundabout that improves walkability and access. Nearby landmarks include The Reserve coffee shop, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the Sarasota Orchestra, and The Bay — Sarasota’s forty-two-acre waterfront park. To the south, the Rosemary District continues to grow as a hub for arts, design, and local business. Whitaker Lofts connects these neighborhoods through a design that prioritizes street activity and community engagement.
WATERFRONT CONNECTION AND URBAN VITALITY
The development includes twenty modern residential units situated above ground-floor retail, blending privacy and liveliness within a single structure. Ten garden flats and ten two-story lofts are arranged around a raised courtyard that offers a quiet communal space elevated above the street. A monumental stairway descends from the courtyard directly to Whitaker Bayfront Park, linking residents to the waterfront and reinforcing a sense of openness between public and private spaces.
Whitaker Lofts reflects Halflants + Pichette’s expertise in Sarasota commercial and residential architecture. The project contributes to a more walkable and connected urban fabric, combining housing, retail, and cultural access in one cohesive plan. Through thoughtful scale, modern detailing, and a focus on community interaction, the design strengthens Sarasota’s evolving downtown and creates a lasting connection between city life and the waterfront.
