Zahrada II
Zahrada II
Zahrada II, designed by Halflants + Pichette, is an 18-unit mixed-use development in downtown Sarasota that continues the evolution of the Rosemary District into a vibrant urban neighborhood. The project combines compact residential living with active street-level retail to strengthen the city’s pedestrian experience and sense of community. Currently under construction, it builds on the success of the original Zahrada development, extending its focus on livability, scale, and contemporary Sarasota architecture.
Residences are arranged around eight elevated, landscaped courtyards that serve as shared green spaces while maintaining privacy through six-foot-high garden walls. Most units are under 1,000 square feet and designed as efficient studios, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom layouts. Each residence includes at least one private outdoor area large enough for dining and relaxation, providing meaningful access to open air within a dense urban setting. This relationship between indoor and outdoor space defines the character of the development and reinforces a strong sense of community.
COMPACT LIVING AND URBAN CONNECTION
At street level, four retail spaces activate the sidewalk and conceal parking from view, enhancing the pedestrian environment. Two exterior staircases are expressed along the façade, adding rhythm, transparency, and movement to the architecture. These vertical elements contribute to the project’s visual identity while creating accessible connections between levels.
Zahrada II demonstrates how well-designed multi-family residential architecture can combine efficiency, livability, and urban engagement. By integrating housing, retail, and open space, the project enriches Sarasota’s downtown fabric and offers a model for responsible growth within an evolving city. Halflants + Pichette’s work continues to define the next phase of Sarasota’s urban landscape through design that is both contextually aware and forward-looking.
