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The Jewel
By Ed Bertha
As the first major residential development constructed locally since 2007, The Jewel [2], is a soon to be sleek and modern silhouette at the gateway to downtown Sarasota. Slated for construction at the corner of Main Street and Gulf Stream Avenue, The Jewel will span one of Sarasota’s most prized blocks. Years ago, the site of the location of The Jewel is where the city met Sarasota Bay, beginning the transformation of the Town of Sarasota into the City of Sarasota. With the construction of The Jewel, this block will once again transform Sarasota.
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The Jewel From Main Street
Tom Mannausa [4], Developer of The Jewel, spent years imagining constructing something at this premier location. Ultimately purchasing the three separate parcels, encompassing 105 feet on Gulf Stream Avenue and 150 feet on Main Street, Mannausa met with five architects to help realize his vision. Gary Hoyt, AIA was selected by Tom to design an innovative and contemporary mixed use building.
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The Jewel From Gulf Stream Avenue
The building’s design enables the tower’s base to interact with the street, while the tower is its own element with the sky. The glass materials intertwine the 236 foot tall structure and due to their color and translucency at the same time reflect the bay and city lines. The 17 story luxury residential tower will become the tallest building in Sarasota while The Jewel’s observation deck is slated to be the tallest north of Bonita Springs. The Jewel blends street level retail with luxury living and separates them with an amazing floor of amenities, Hoyt emphasizes, “The Jewel has an interplay between glass and concrete. It asserts a strong connection to the ground and pedestrians…and accentuates you are part of a bay front community.”
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The Jewel At Street Level
The cornerstone of the Jewel is moving art; two facets of sandwiched glass with water falling inside. The Jewel ultimately entwines land, water and air. “It has a strong composition from the bay, the color of the glass really compliments the idea of The Jewel,” Mannausa explains. Hoyt continues, “The glass’ opacity and its translucence makes the building have an approachable, light, counterpoint to it. We designed it with an accentuating vertical corner to create a tall, slender corner. There is a slight tilting of the glass corner that allows better visibility for one’s view on the balcony. This design further highlights the side of the tower, angling that has a slight downward slope. What occurs is an inside, concave arc, a very graceful curve that you’ll get at the balcony, not sitting out in a corner of a balcony but in this curvature of the community. This idea reinforces the whole bay idea.”
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The Jewel Living Area Rendering
While the exterior of the Jewel is very well planned to be an amazing addition to our skyline, its interiors are equally well designed gems. “Every detail was examined by JKL Design, Hoyt Architects and Tom for long-term function met with form, which we have reinforced through design and material selections,” explains Hoyt. Kurt Lucas, ASID of JKL Design Group worked diligently in material selections and themes, both interior and exterior. Lucas views The Jewel as, “Exclusive, modern and earthy…like a comfortable pair of jeans with a diamond belt.” “These are two renowned design specialists exhibiting respect and patience towards each other in arriving at our final concept,” reflects Mannausa.
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The Jewel Bath Renderings
Entering into The Jewel’s lobby, one is welcomed again by falling water. The ambiance is contemporary continuing the theme of the building. It is intended to be welcoming and timeless. It is the urban, exclusive, modern design of The Jewel that links design and living. The sweeping glass views and the 33-foot-high lobby are inspiring and something the new tower residents will truly appreciate.
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The Jewel Amenties Rendering
The amenity deck for residents and guests is situated on the third level. It includes a club room, high tech gym with a yoga room and Pilate’s studio, a 20 meter pool, Jacuzzi, steam bath, sauna, croquet and 9 hole putting green, platform tennis court and grilling/entertaining area. Both the pool bar and grill bar utilize waterproof TV’s “The amenity deck is one of the top reasons why people are purchasing,” Mannausa shares. “Every item was carefully planned, including hiring a top fitness/gym designer from Boston to ensure the fitness center would be truly a standout!”
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The Jewel Residential Floor Plan
The Jewel contains 18 luxury residences ranging from 2,100 to 4,300+- square feet, all featuring floor to ceiling glass. Every residence has a spacious balcony, 11’+- ceiling heights, Miele appliances, Lube cabinets, distinctive finishes, designer LED lighting and enclosed on-site parking. Implementation of fine Italian made porcelain made products are incorporated into many elements of the interior finishes.
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The Jewel Amenities Level Floor Plan
As shared by recently retired Sarasota City Planner Harvey Hoagland, who was active in the planning process for The Jewel, “The Jewel is a return to the architectural legacy that Sarasota was after World War II. It encompasses the next evolution of the Sarasota School of Architecture.”
That’s The Jewel. I look forward to toasting the start of construction.
[12]The Jewel
5 South Gulf Stream Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 365.1511
www.Mannausa.com [2]
Specifications subject to change.
Copyright © 2013 REAL Magazine
Links to this article are encouraged
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