A unanimous vote paves the way for thoughtful transformation in Downtown Sarasota.

Nichols Architects is proud to be part of the transformative Mira Mar project in Downtown Sarasota, which yesterday secured a unanimous 5-0 approval from the City Commission. The decision follows eight hours of public testimony and marks a key milestone toward the revitalization of the historic Mira Mar site.

The approved plan paves the way for the construction of two 18-story residential towers, introducing new housing opportunities while preserving the cultural legacy of the area. The project balances thoughtful development with historic sensitivity, incorporating several key commitments made by the team, including:

• Completion of the historic building’s renovation prior to new construction

• Application for Historic Designation upon renovation completion

• A 50% discount for second-floor retail tenants to support diverse commercial use

• New building coverage limited to less than 60% of the allowed footprint

The unanimous approval signals strong community and governmental support for the project, which has been carefully crafted to respond to both the urban scale of downtown Sarasota and the architectural legacy of the original Mira Mar Hotel. Nichols Architects is honored to help carry this legacy forward along with historic preservationists from REG Architects, with a design that bridges past and future while contributing to a more vibrant and walkable city core.

Together, the buildings will create a vibrant new destination—blending residential, retail, and public space—designed not only for the future residents, but for the broader Sarasota community.