Designated

There are two types of historic designation buildings can be awarded in Sarasota. Both require application. The first is listing as a National Register of Historic Places property. The second is designation by the City of Sarasota as a locally historic property. Designation does not insure the buildings will be protected from demolition but it does secure extensive documentation of the site enriching our community’s written history, providing recognition, adding to the sense of place it is in and increasing the value of the neighborhood.

National Register of Historic Places Properties in Laurel Park

539 S. Orange Avenue – Sarasota Herald Building – 1925

A 1 story Mediterranean Revival with Spanish Mission overtone masonry, stuccoed, barrel-tile roof with rejas (window grilles) industrial building. Today it is the home of the Woman’s Exchange.

1876 Oak Street – Dr. Walter Kennedy House – 1926 Mediterranean Revival

Designed by noted New York and Sarasota architect Dwight James Baum who is also credited with designing the Ringling’s mansion, Ca’ d’ Zan, El Vernona Hotel and The Bickel House. The home was built by Owen Burns as part of his Washington Park subdivision. Dr Kennedy was a local optometrist.

Read more of its history at: Sarasota History Alive

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Which properties are eligible for designation? The State of Florida lists the criteria for eligibility at:

The Division of Historical Resources website

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Laurel Park Properties Designated Historic by the City of Sarasota

(Locally designated properties)

1927 Laurel Street – Katie Hale House – 1926 Frame vernacular

Katie Mae Hale was the owner of this home until 1937. She was the wife of a local builder and developer Henry Hale. They lived in a home at 326 Ohio Place in Laurel Park.

1920 Laurel Street – Nash Residence

1630 Morrill Street – Dunnebacke Residence

1944 Morril Street – Lamont House

1876 Oak Street – Dr. Walter C. Kennedy Home

The Kennedy Home is the only property in the district that is both nationally and locally designated.

1911 Oak Street – Lynn A. Curtiss House

1608 Oak Street – Belvedere Bungalow

1616 Oak Street – Lynn L. & Mildred G. Silvertooth

1630 Oak Street – Marable Home

1637 Oak Street – Spanish Oaks Apartments

The Mediterranean Revival style Spanish Oaks Apartments were historically known as Katahdin Court, presumably deriving its name from the mountain peak in Maine.

1675 Oak Street – Jerome K. Martin House

1716 Oak Street – Ella Dula Westermann Tenant House

542 Ohio Place – Taylor Home – 1941 frame vernacular

A typical World War II era cottage, its distinctive architectural features include the corner windows and hip roof design. Two additions to the residence were made in the 50s to accommodate a growing family and to create the look of the latest style in home building–the ranch house.