Sarasota To Lose Another Historic Building Due To Neglect?
Sarasota’s Historic Belle Haven Needs Your Support!
Many years of effort were needed to get Sarasota’s beautiful Belle Haven listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But now there is evidence that the historic building is being left to deteriorate. The structure is a part of Irish American holdings at the previous Sarasota Quay site.
A recent trolley tour during the Owen Burns celebrations revealed a discussion that there is water in the foundation of the building. A walking visit around the building also discovered fencing that’s been moved out of the way and what appears to be people camping out in the building.
Who is responsible for maintaining this community asset? What tools do we have to ensure maintenance of this historic structure?
PLEASE REACH OUT TO YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS AND INSIST THEY GET INVOLVED!
This has happened too many times already to our gorgeous historic treasures here in Sarasota County. Do we want lose another?
Tags: Belle Haven, Sarasota
I have been looking at using this property for a Bed and breakfast. I think this would be a gret way to preserve the property and have the perfect look for a Bed and Breakfast.
I, Lynda contarino own a successful Interior Design Business called Castles and Cottages Interiors, specializing in luxury homes, remodels and building knowledge. I have been looking for the perfect location and the perfect look. I think we could both acheive our goals here.
Regards,
Lynda Contarino
According to Dr. Clifford Smith, City Historic Preservationist, the Bank of Ireland is doing all that has been demanded of them, in order to keep the beautiful Belle Haven in good condition. For how long? For what future purpose? those are very valid questions, worth discussing with the Historic Preservation Board. What a waste of a gorgeous, historic building….and a lovely grassy soccer field next door! Too bad we couldn’t just take it over, using imminent domaine and turn it into a city park and sell the Belle Haven to a Bed and Breakfast oriented entrepreneur. I can see weekend, pick up soccer games out there on the grass, and/or night time movies being shown there from the City’s entertainment trailer, and concerts! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Come on folks, let’s come up with a plan for this valuable piece of land!
Jane K.-T.