The Art of Living: Inside The Gallery with Architect Michael Halflants
Watch the interview below to step inside The Gallery—a new standard for contemporary residential living in downtown Sarasota.
In this exclusive conversation, architect Michael Halflants shares the design philosophy behind the project and how he and the Halflants + Pichette team shaped a building that blends walkable living, natural light, and urban comfort in the heart of the Rosemary District.
A Courtyard-Centered Design for Urban Life
The Gallery is a five-story luxury multifamily residence with 62 homes, all organized around a landscaped courtyardpositioned above secure parking.
This courtyard creates private outdoor space for residents while maintaining active street edges—a design move that strengthens the walkable core of downtown Sarasota.
Behind the scenes, a skilled team brought the project to life:
Architect: Halflants + Pichette
Developer: Palm One Group & The Simpson Organization
Builder: Voeller Construction
Sales: Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Realty
Each partner brought a distinct strength to the table. The architects led with a focus on human-centered design—spaces that feel as good to live in as they look from the street. The developers emphasized long-term value and community integration rather than short-term returns. Voeller Construction translated those ideas into durable, finely detailed concrete structures built to last in the coastal climate. And the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury team helped shape layouts and finishes that align with what today’s Sarasota buyers are seeking—refined design, walkable convenience, and a sense of belonging in the city’s most dynamic neighborhood.
Spacious Interiors with Elevated Ceilings
In Sarasota, height limits are based on stories, not feet—a detail that allowed Halflants + Pichette to design ceilings up to 14 feet in many living rooms.
Some residences even feature two-story spaces, enhancing natural light and creating a sense of openness.
Every residence has windows in every room, and the courtyard ensures daylight reaches the heart of the building. Many homes have dual orientations, offering morning and afternoon light plus cross-ventilation.
Balconies extend daily life outdoors, turning fresh air into part of the home experience.
Multiple Home Types for Every Lifestyle
The Gallery includes a range of home types designed for flexibility and individuality:
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Live-work homes along 4th Street with welcoming stoops to the sidewalk
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Garden homes with private outdoor courtyards
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Two-story lofts with soaring living areas
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One-bedroom residences for urban simplicity
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Single-level penthouses with panoramic city views
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Homes with rooftop terraces offering elevated outdoor space
Outdoor-open corridors connect residents directly to the street—no long, enclosed hallways—keeping everyone connected to the neighborhood’s rhythm.
With restaurants, theaters, and shops just steps away, residents enjoy downtown living without daily car use.
Explore The Gallery In Detail
Discover how The Gallery’s light, layout, and material choices shape modern urban living.
European Influence, Sarasota Character
Halflants cites Belgian, Dutch, and French residential design as key influences.
While Sarasota’s famous mid-century legacy focused on single-family homes, The Gallery translates those same values—light, proportion, and material honesty—into multifamily form.
The building’s all-concrete structure ensures privacy and durability, while impact-resistant windows offer storm protection. Located above the floodplain, the Rosemary District adds another layer of security and resilience.
The result: a development that feels both international and distinctly local.
Architecture Designed for Daily Living
As the building takes shape, its deep balconies, layered facades, and penthouse terraces reveal an architecture meant to be lived in—not just looked at.
Every detail supports how residents experience their homes day to day—light, air, proportion, and privacy all working together to create comfort.
Halflants, who passes the site regularly, notes how the building’s balconies and penthouse level are now defining the skyline of the Rosemary District.
Building a Long-Term Community
Ultimately, The Gallery is designed for longevity—for people who want to live well in Sarasota for years to come.
Halflants envisions a community that encourages connection between neighbors while maintaining quiet, livable spaces that honor the rhythms of urban life.
Residents should feel both rooted in the city and rested at home—a balance at the heart of contemporary design.