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financial partnership with Microso billionaire Bill Gates' investment fund, Cascade Investment LLC. Just 50 miles to the south, downtown Sarasota is dubbed as one of the hoest urban districts in the state. Sophisticated and exquisite design projects are punctuating the downtown skyline and surrounding beachfront landscapes. Luxury buyers are driving the resurgence of growth and the rebirth of the downtown area as more people are discovering this artistic and cultural destination. New condominium projects and three new hotels are scheduled to open in the coming year: e Alo, Westin and Embassy Suites will add much needed hotel and meeting space, with at least 600 new rooms to the downtown area. e Alo, located at Ringling and Palm, features hotel rooms aached to 141 condominiums called One Palm, complete with a rooop pool and a bar. e 18-story Westin with its rooop bar and signature amenities is located next to the Vue Sarasota Bay, a bold architectural statement of sophisticated modern design on the Bayfront. Sansara, a 10-story complex located in the heart of Historic Burns Court, is conveniently located within walking distance of downtown shops, dining and several theaters. Described by the architect as an "urban oasis," the Zen-influenced residence simulates the elegance of a cosmopolitan hotel with an open-air terrace, fire pit and lounge. Just north of the downtown area, 11 new projects are planned or in the final stages of approval in the historic Rosemary District. ese massive projects will bring apartments, condominiums, retail and office space, with development plans in discussion for a 200-room Marrio hotel. e first phase of CitySide is underway, calling for a four-story complex offering 228 condominiums. Groundbreaking for Rosemary Square, a mixed-use project with retail and office space, is already underway. is project will include 50 new condominiums, with 30 units housing the Sarasota Opera artists, a boutique theater and fine arts. Along the Sarasota Bayfront, momentum continues to slowly build around the legacy project for the region. Sarasota Bayfront 20:20 aims to revitalize and redevelop 42 acres of city-owned waterfront property around the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. is community collaboration project envisions turning the property into a family- friendly cultural and arts hub that is financially sustainable for future generations. e grass roots organization has garnered the support of more than 45 arts, foundation and business groups, while soliciting ideas from the public and raising private funds to hire a consultant. Rendering of Jeff Vinik's plans for a new Waterfront District in Tampa Rendering of Sarasota Bayfront 20:20 vision 30 | FLORIDA HOMES MAGAZINE

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