Visit William Hartman Gallery on Palm Avenue to view and purchase vintage photographs of Laurel Park, Sarasota and the Gulf Coast.

 

Sarasota’s first mayor -  John Hamilton Gillespie resided in today’s Laurel Park.

Owen Burns

Owen Burns was instrumental in the development of Laurel Park.  Mr. Burns purchased considerable holdings of land in the area from John Hamilton Gillespie, developed the Washington Park and Owen Burns Subdivisions, and the Burns & Mc Alpin Company laid most of the brick streets through the neighborhood.

A book – “Owen Burns, The Man Who Bought and Built Sarasota” was published and week-long celebration was held to honor Sarasota’s most significant civic leader and developer in November 2010.  The man who forever changed Sarasota!

Visit the website to learn more and to view a list of retailers who handle the book:   www.owenburns.com






The Laurel Park Historic District has a wonderfully diverse mix of rental apartments, duplexes, single family homes and cottages dating back to the 1920s available to lease.  The neighborhood is in the heart of  the downtown with every amenity in walking distance including Sarasota’s exceptionally beautiful bayfront. Convenient County bus routes and bike paths offer alternative transportation choices beyond downtown for residents.

The district includes a neighborhood pocket park located on Laurel Street between Rawls Avenue and Ohio Place.  The park is a recent addition and has quickly become a popular gathering place for residents offering a shady gazebo and a playground.  Just beyond the district are the City’s Payne Park , Bay front Park and Island Park.










“The Greenest brick is the one that’s already in the wall!” Lloyd Alter


















Worth a Read

June 13, 2010

A resident of Laurel Park’s historic district, Peter Katz writes a special column on the Obama administration’s announcement of HUD funding to help stop sprawl development. Here is a link to the column on Citiwire.net.

Thank You for Listening, Mr. Donovan




Laurel Park’s historic district scores high in walkability. Check it out at WalkScore.com

Creative paint job!

Unusual wildlife!

“Historic and older buildings are remarkably energy efficient because of their site sensitivity, quality of construction, and use of passive heating and cooling. Historic buildings can go green without compromising historic character.” Richard Moe, Past Pres. National Trust for Historic Preservation