Set amidst a tropical paradise, St. Armands is an enchanting circle of fine shops and gourmet restaurants. Renowned as a market place with a continental flavor, it is a charming and graceful synthesis of past and present.

Lush tropical plantings, and contemporary architectural design skillfully contribute to an international atmosphere of friendly warmth and timeless style. Relax in the restaurants, explore the shops – from trinkets to treasures, gourmet snacks to candlelight feasts, you’ll find it all on St. Armands Circle.

However, becoming the thriving cultural destination it is today did not come without struggle. Here are a few little known facts about the history of St. Armand’s Circle:

• In 1893, Charles St. Amand, A Frenchman and first resident of the island, purchased for $21.71 three tracts of land totaling 131.89 acres. In later land deeds, his name was misspelled “St. Armand” and this spelling has persisted to the present day.

• Visionary circus magnate John Ringling purchased the St. Armands Key property in 1917 and planned a development which included residential lots and a shopping center laid out in a circle. As no bridge to the key had yet been built, Ringling engaged an old paddle-wheel steamboat, the “Success,” to service as a work boat. Circus elephants were used to haul the huge timbers from which the bridge and causeway were built.

• One year later, amid much pomp and ceremony, both the John Ringling Causeway and Ringling Estates development opened to the public, with John Ringling himself leading a parade across the causeway and his Circus Band playing from a bandstand in the center of the Circle.

• As the nationwide depression worsened, land sales in Florida and on St. Armands stopped completely. In 1928, the City of Sarasota accepted the causeway as a gift, which Ringling himself could no longer afford to maintain. Gradually, the wooden causeway began to rot, the Circle bandstand sagged, and the native vegetation covered the carefully planned streets and sidewalks.

• During the 1940’s, several courageous investors opened restaurants and a service station on the Circle but not until 1953 did business once again resume on St. Armands. By 1955 a number of stores had opened.

• Today, more than 130 stores on St. Armands Circle pamper customers from all areas of the United States and many foreign countries.

The St. Armands Circle experience is indeed a memorable one. Explore and enjoy a day of European style shopping with a gourmet lunch in a cozy cafe. Those who admire St. Armands sophisticated style and luxury will also notice that there is a new addition to that tradition of Sarasota excellence. Just a short drive from St. Armands Circle, in the heart of the Rosemary District, is

Home to just 49 expansive modern condos and an unprecedented level of resort-style amenities, BLVD Sarasota features extraordinary design and amazing amenities all in an enviable location. Situated in the renowned arts and culture district, the 18-story tower showcases panoramic waterfront and city views from truly expansive private terraces. It’s unlike anything that’s come before.

Located on Sarasota’s famed Boulevard of the Arts, residents will be minutes away from endless dining, shopping, entertainment, and the finest beaches in the world. Within a short stroll you’ll find everything you need, from a boutique coffee shop to world-class performing arts at the Van Wezel.

BLVD Sarasota’s Virtual Reality Sales Studio is now open at 500 Tamiami Trail. Don’t miss your opportunity to secure your first selection and special pre-construction pricing during the introductory offering.

To learn more about the most anticipated real estate opportunity coming to downtown this year, please check out our BLVD Sarasota digital brochure.

With its fine, white sand and clear waters, Sarasota’s Siesta Beach on the Gulf of Mexico attracts beach-lovers from around the world. A true tropical getaway and the reason many call the area home, this year-round beach topped Dr. Beach’s 27th annual top 10 list of US beaches, released Thursday.

Dr. Beach, aka Florida International University professor Stephen P. Leatherman, issues his annual review of 650 US coastal beaches on the basis of 50 criteria, including water and sand quality, beach safety, environmental management and no-smoking policies.
Including the first-place Siesta Beach, Florida had the most beaches listed with three.

“Siesta Beach has clear, warm waters ideal for swimming.  The beach is hundreds of yards wide in the shape of a crescent due to anchoring of onshore rocks to the south.  This beach is great for volleyball and other types of recreational fitness,” Said Dr. Beach

Since first claiming the No. 1 spot in 2011, Sarasota County has invested more than $21 million to renovate the amenities offered at the beach. These include additional free parking spaces, wheelchair access to the beach, a playground, extended picnic areas and more.

For those who can’t stay away from this impeccable beach, there is a new addition to that tradition of Sarasota excellence that will allow you to visit Siesta Beach any time you want! Just a short drive from the shores of the Gulf, located in the heart of the Rosemary District, is BLVD Sarasota, downtown’s newest and most impressive address.

Home to just 49 expansive modern condos and an unprecedented level of resort-style amenities, BLVD Sarasota features extraordinary design and amazing amenities all in an enviable location. Situated in the renowned arts and culture district, the 18-story tower showcases panoramic waterfront and city views from truly expansive private terraces. It’s unlike anything that’s come before.

Located on Sarasota’s famed Boulevard of the Arts, residents will be minutes away from endless dining, shopping, entertainment, and the finest beaches in the world. Within a short stroll you’ll find everything you need, from a boutique coffee shop to world-class performing arts at the Van Wezel.

BLVD’s Virtual Reality Sales Studio is now open at 500 Tamiami Trail. Don’t miss your opportunity to secure your first selection and special pre-construction pricing during the introductory offering. To join the VIP Interest list, receive a digital brochure or to schedule an appointment, please register today.

So many factors lead into what makes the Windy City such a great hometown. Whether you’d like to start up your own innovative businesses, submerge yourself in timeless pieces of art and culture or maybe just devour some deep dish pizza or a hot dog loaded with relish on a poppy seed bun, there is always something for everyone.

However, the winter months in Chicago can be rough and it’s always nice to have your own private getaway. Lately, many Chicagoans have found their slice of paradise in Sarasota, Florida. Of course, Sarasota has top rated beaches, a perfect tropical climate and is a world-class destination for just about anyone but Chicago residents have found much more in the Gulf Coast town. Here are a few reasons why Chicagoans have found their home-away-from-home in Sarasota.

1. Growing Cultural Mecca
No matter what cultural and arts activities you enjoy, Sarasota has something for you year-round. Of course, the October thru May season in Sarasota offers the richest array of activities that include elegant Galas and Charity events, unforgettable Opera performances, a host of theatre options, musical entertainment, art walks and gallery showcases, a ten-day film festival, sand sculpting competition, and much, much more. Check out the Thursday Ticket in the Sarasota Herald Tribune as well as the multitude of social calendars available on line.

2. Sarasota Beachfront vs. Lake Michigan
Award-winning beaches have drawn residents and visitors to Sarasota, Florida for decades. With over 40 miles of pristine coastline, Sarasota beaches are stretched out over six barrier islands along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Each coastal getaway offers a unique characteristic of Florida beauty. Common to all – the powdery white sand and warm, crystal clear waters simply can’t be beat on a sunny day.

3. High-Rise Real Estate That Would Make Michigan Ave. Proud
BLVD Sarasota, a brand-new luxury high-rise tower located in Downtown Sarasota’s Rosemary District, beside the famed Boulevard of the Arts, is a masterpiece of design, blending contemporary style with today’s modern necessities to meet the demand for a chic urban lifestyle in one of Florida’s most desirable coastal communities.

Sarasota’s newest and most impressive downtown address is home to just 49 expansive modern condominiums and an unprecedented level of resort-style amenities. The extraordinary design, amazing amenities and an enviable location combine to create a true walkable lifestyle in the heart of the vibrant Rosemary District. Situated in the renowned arts and culture district of Sarasota, Florida, the 18-story tower showcases panoramic waterfront and city views from truly expansive private terraces.

4. Flourishing Business Hub
Forbes ranks Sarasota 11th in “Best Cities for Jobs”. Sarasota County consists of more than 20,000 businesses, of which 75 percent are considered small to medium size companies with fewer than 25 employees. The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, The Economic Development Corporation, as well as the The HuB counsel entrepreneurs in developing new ideas and creating new businesses in our area. Since its inception in 2009, the HuB has supported over two-hundred entrepreneurs, launched twenty businesses and twelve major campaigns to support creative change on the Suncoast.

5. Foodie Haven
When it comes to great food, Sarasota delivers. Sarasota is home to more than fourteen hundred restaurants from elegant gourmet eateries to fantastic food trucks. No matter what you crave, you can find it or find the fixings to prepare it. We have multiple fresh food markets, boutique/specialty grocery stores, weekly farmer’s markets, traditional butcher shops, and fresh seafood vendors (of course).

Sarasota checks most of the boxes that Chicago residents love the most. If you’re ready to learn more, BLVD Sarasota is perfect place to start. To join our VIP Interest list, receive our digital brochure or to schedule an appointment, please register here today.