News

Historic Homes Moved in Sarasota

Bobeth Yates

SARASOTA, FL (WWSB) – The effort to preserve the history of one of the Suncoast’s oldest communities now includes moving some historic homes.

The Risdon Group is taking major steps to make sure Rosemary District historic past lives on by relocating three cottages built in the late 1800’s.

The homes were located near Central Avenue and 5th Street in downtown Sarasota. They were placed on trucks and moved to the Bayou Oaks Community near Ringling College.

The cottages will be renovated to meet current codes and turned into residential homes.

“The people that lived there were important to us, the integrity of what we’re doing in the Rosemary District and the building of the community is important. That’s why we want to save every bit of it for another day,” said Steven Bradley from Risdon.

Risdon Group, the award winning developers of Risdon on 5th residences, has relocated three historic cottages from the Rosemary District to Bayou Oaks. The cottages are to be restored and made ready for residential use in the future.

The history of the cottages date back to the late 1800s. The Rosemary District was then known as Overtown, a part of the original Town of Sarasota. The neighborhood is now known for its historic churches, homes and Sarasota’s first built cemetery. 

According to developer Steve Bradley, “Moving the cottages allow us to be conscious of both history and growth while moving forward in the Rosemary District.”

Bayou Oaks is located just north of the Rosemary District. The neighborhood’s rich history and an abundance of charming Oak Trees, make it a fitting new home for the cottages.

The Risdon Group’s Steve Bradley is pleased to announce the groundbreaking of Risdon on 5th, a sophisticated, artfully-designed mixed-use condominium development in Sarasota’s Rosemary District. The development team marked the occasion with a ceremonial champagne pop in front of a giant, 12 x 20 ft. on-site project rendering. Approximately 150 people were in attendance.

“Risdon on 5th is just the beginning of a series of three Risdon developments, aimed to promote the evolution and infrastructure of the historic Rosemary District as a fascinating, eclectic destination for young professionals, businesses and luxury homeowners alike,” said Bradley. This diverse mix is well represented in the buyers at Risdon on 5th, which include people from 10 different countries and commercial businesses such as a real estate developer, architect, art gallery and custom sign company. Of the 28 available units, 14 out of 22 residential homes and all 6 commercial spaces have already sold. Units are priced from $349,000 to $899,000.

Scheduled for completion in Summer 2017, Risdon on 5th will exude a chic, boutique Trop-Urban experience, complete with a rooftop pool with breathtaking views of Sarasota Bay, and a lush, vibrant courtyard. The Risdon on 5th development team includes award-winning architects Halflants + Pichette; construction by Crowley Services, Inc.; and realtors Frank and Anita Lambert and Dean Schmitt of Premier Sotheby’s.

Bradley and the team hosted a “Risdon Rising” groundbreaking event, coordinated by local marketing agency Be Creative Studios, on June 14th at the Risdon sales center, which was packed with guests. Bradley spoke about his vision for Risdon on 5th, as well as his recent purchase of an existing building dubbed “The Risdon,” located at 5th & Central Avenue, and another new housing development, “Risdon 2,” planned as an extension of Risdon on 5th. In addition, local historian John McCarthy recounted the early days of Rosemary District. The entire group of attendees then paraded down the street led by a marching drummer to the Risdon on 5th site, where a life size rendering of the building suspended by a forklift provided a grandiose backdrop for a champagne pop. Guests then proceeded back to the sales center for appetizers and a signature Rosemary gin lemonade cocktail.

“I am thrilled my vision to enhance the aesthetic and streetscape of the Rosemary District neighborhood and to provide urban housing and office space is finally starting to come to fruition,” said Bradley.

For media inquiries, contact Steve Bradley at 941-365-1414 or visit www.risdongroup.com.

About Risdon Group – www.risdongroup.com
The Risdon Group is a developer of exclusive resorts, residences, and award winning mixed used developments from Florida to Colorado, Montana to New York. Headed by veteran developer Steve Bradley, the company is spearheading three projects, so far in the Rosemary District, including another yet to be announced development on 5th Street continuing the award winning sophisticated design, unique living experience and taking advantage of this city’s amazing sky views.

Source: http://www.tampabaynewswire.com/2016/06/17/new-rosemary-district-development-risdon-on-5th-announces-groundbreaking-46682

The long-awaited investment in the Rosemary District has happened, with at least four residential projects under construction. Will improvements to the public realm follow?

At 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, the building at 1421 Fifth St. was packed with dozens of people, many of them younger professionals, chatting and sipping wine and beer from the bar.

The crowd was not assembled at a bar for happy hour, but rather at the design and sales office for Risdon on 5th, a 28-unit condominium scheduled for completion next year. The scene highlighted the growing interest in the rapidly redeveloping Rosemary District, a neighborhood slated for more than 10 new projects by 2018.

The crowded gathering to celebrate Risdon’s work in the Rosemary District featured a model of the Risdon on 5th project, slated for completion next year.

The event, a groundbreaking for the condo project and a celebration of a second Risdon development in the area, was everything longstanding advocates for the neighborhood could have envisioned a decade ago. Throughout the room, attendees were buzzing about the imminent future of a district that’s struggled to attract new private investment.

“What drew me to the Rosemary District was the vision behind what this area is going to be,” said Moriah Taliaferro, a 23-year-old future resident of Risdon on 5th. “I see it as kind of the new downtown — a mixture between St. Pete and the uniqueness of Sarasota.”

At this point, conversations about the revitalization of the Rosemary District can start to exit the hypothetical phase. The investments have been made; the buildings are starting to come out of the ground. More than 1,000 residential units will be added to the neighborhood over the next two years.

“The only bad that can come from all of this growth is to not plan for it.” — Steve Bradley

As a result, the conversation surrounding the Rosemary District has started to shift. The people who are investing in the future of the district — as well as those who have been there for years already — want to make sure the private growth doesn’t just occur in silos. How, then, can the fabric of a legitimate mixed-use neighborhood begin to come together?

Property and business owners — including Steve Bradley, president of the Risdon Group — are meeting monthly as a subcommittee of the Rosemary District Neighborhood Association in an effort to answer that question. Eventually, the goal is to organize the community’s priorities and work collaboratively with public officials to try to address them.

“We’re going to facilitate that effort as private stakeholders and ultimately come together with the city and municipality to make sure these things are not ignored,” Bradley said. “The only bad that can come from all of this growth is to not plan for it.”

Led by property owner Howard Davis, these meetings evolved from an effort to expand the self-taxing Downtown Improvement District to the Rosemary District. Although some developers said it was too early to commit to that type of investment, the conversation about using private money to help improve the public realm was just getting started.

Steve Bradley is one of several Rosemary District stakeholders actively assessing the future needs of the neighborhood.

“It brought closure to the expansion of the DID within the Rosemary District, but it didn’t say that need goes away,” said Michael Bush, owner of Home Resource and president of the Rosemary District Neighborhood Association.

To those taking an active role in this conversation, the time to act is right now. Residents haven’t moved in yet, but it’s possible to forecast some of the top priorities that will pop up once they do. Where is the neighborhood’s park space? How will parking be managed with all the new residents? What should the streetscapes look like, and how will the connectivity to downtown be improved?

By articulating a clearly defined vision for the Rosemary District, the stakeholders hope they can begin to seriously address questions like those while enthusiasm for the neighborhood is still trending upward.

“These are difficult things to resolve, but they certainly are attainable,” Bradley said. “The more that we can help facilitate the dialogue, the easier the solutions are going to be.”

Source: http://www.yourobserver.com/article/rosemary-stakeholders-assess-neighborhood-priorities

1. The Pineapple Drop at the Downtown Sarasota

If you’re from Sarasota, there is nothing more traditional than watching the juicy pineapple drop! It’s become a tradition each year to drop the pineapple in downtown Sarasota. New Years Eve is celebrated across the world, and Sarasota is no exception. New York drops the Ball. Sarasota drops the Pineapple!

2. Marina Jack Fireworks Celebration

Enjoy live entertainment, cocktails and a fireworks display at Marina Jack or on the Marina Jack II Celebration Cruise, which will be a four hour special cruise from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Reservations are highly suggested, call 941-365-4232. Music includes Kettle of Fish and Democracy.

3. Speakeasy at the Powell Crosley Estate

Inspired by the 1920s prohibition era, head up to the Powell Crosley Estate New Years Eve for a swanky celebration. Dinner features a five course menu that includes poach shrimp with brandy cocktail sauce, family-style chicken, grilled salmon in a warm tomato and caper relish, beef tenderloin and chocolate parfait. Space is limited for dinner and after party, reserve today.

4. New Years Eve at the Venice Ramada Resort

Enjoy the favorite songs of Frank Sinatra and the rest of the rat pack at the Ramada Venice Resort’s New Year’s Eve. The evening includes a cocktail reception, grand buffet, live entertainment and door prizes. Make your reservation soon.

5. New Years Eve at the Selby Gardens

A Sarasota Black Tie New Year’s Eve experience, this event is a private journey through Lights in Bloom displays, a seated four-course dinner, entertainment and fireworks.

(www.visitsarasota.org)

We have artfully designed six, 1 Bedroom Residences that are the perfect space for those wanting to be near Downtown Sarasota and in the heart of the happening Sarasota Design District! Our modern, contemporary minimalistic features are the perfect place to call home!

Our Trop Urban Development offers wide-open spaces and an intoxicating roof-top pool looking out at Sarasota Bay along with ample parking, smart technology systems and immediate access to Downtown Sarasota’s shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Enjoy our floorplan and picture yourself in this space and reserve a residence soon, as our inventory is Hot!

Click here to view the 1 Bedroom Residence Floorplan.

Stop by our Sales and Design Center at 1421 5^th St. Sarasota, 34236 Tuesday- Sunday 10am-4pm

Or Contact us by phone or email to set an appointment 941-365-1414

We have artfully designed our 3 Bedroom Loft with 2 Terraces to seamlessly bring minimalistic features and modern architecture into one space. We’ve added elements of sophistication and considered everything today’s market is asking for.

Our development will have an intoxicating rooftop pool with breathtaking views of Sarasota Bay, a lush and vibrant courtyard, ample parking, smart technology systems and immediate access to Downtown Sarasota’s shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Enjoy our floorplan and picture yourself in this space!

Click here to view full Amenity List and Floorplan

Stop by our Sales and Design Center at 1421 5^th St. Sarasota, 34236 Tuesday- Sunday 10am-4pm

Or Contact us by phone or email to set an appointment 941-365-1414

It’s the details that make the difference. When Steve Bradley of the Risdon Group first conceptualized this ultra chic modern community, he wanted to make sure that everything would be taken care of for its residents. By choosing to partner with the award-winning architecture firm, HALFLANTS + PICHETTE, Steve was able to bring state-of-the-art design and architectural elements into every unit. Sure, the style might be minimal, but the overall effect is brimming with openness and opportunity.

The design of Risdon on 5th seamlessly weaves the latest technology with modern architecture and design elements to create a community and living space completely unique to Sarasota.

Here’s just a short list that highlights Risdon on 5th design features:

• Intoxicating solar-heated rooftop pool with breathtaking views of downtown Sarasota and Sarasota Bay
• Multiple rooftop terraces with intimate seating and both shaded and un-shaded lounge areas for private and / or group parties or functions
• State-of-the-art Impact resistant glass throughout all of the units provides protection during storms
• Secure, designated parking and / or flex spaces for all residences
• Oversized terraces for all two and three bedroom residences
• Living area ceiling heights start at 12 feet and can soar up to 21 feet (per plan)
• Expansive living areas with glass walls bring the outdoors in

This Trop-Urban community has partnered with SmartHouse Integration to create an expansive and, dare I say, sexy living environment. The technological amenities that come included with every unit are innovative, intuitive, and user-friendly. Turn the lights on before you come home, or set the shades to go down before you leave for a weekend holiday, you will have complete control over your space at Risdon on 5th.

Discover what Trop-Urban living is all about and the difference living in this vibrant community can make for your lifestyle. Contact Team Risdon today to visit our showroom or to learn more about this most amazing Sarasota community.

Risdon on 5th Developer, Realtors, Partners and Neighbors Chat About A Bright and Exciting Future

As excitement and buzz grows around Sarasota’s hottest and hippest downtown destination, the Rosemary District, we have been

chatting to our developer, neighbors and partners about the aesthetic experience of living at Risdon on 5th and the unique DNA, location and the eclectic

range of businesses that live in the neighborhood that is also establishing itself as Sarasota’s very on Design District.

Featuring Steve Bradley, Risdon Group. Michael Halflants, Halflants + Pichette. and Sam Alfstadt.

“Variety is the spice of life.”

There is no community in Sarasota where that phrase is more applicable than the Rosemary District. In fact, if you were to ask any one of the young professionals, established couples, or retired doctors why they chose to live in the Rosemary District, you’d hear the same answer each and every time. The multiplicity of life and style options available make the area truly unique in Sarasota. Every day affords residents with a new opportunity to experience the culture and lifestyle of the neighborhood and Downtown Sarasota.

“A Day in the Rosemary Life”

Even your typical day in the Rosemary District reminds you of stories about “the good ole’ days.” Yes, people who live in the Rosemary District are friendly, wave hello, and love living in the community. Yet, this is the 21st Century and there are some Trop-Urban modern twists to living in the Rosemary District that you won’t find in other neighborhoods.

Sure, you could settle for a stale cup of morning coffee, or you could visit the local cafe where fresh and light French pastries and other goodies await you. As you pass the time reading your new favorite novel, you can walk over to Station 400 and savor a delicious lunch. You could also put on your wireless headphones and get a solid workout at the local gyms, or furnish your home at furniture stores like Home Resource or Sarasota Home Collection. When twilight begins to settle and the color of the sky turns into that miraculous array of rose to violet hues, you can get ready for the show at the Player’s Theatre.

Indeed, the DNA of the Rosemary district is filled with places to go, things to do, and friendly neighbors to greet. Even on a peaceful Sunday, you can enjoy one of Sarasota’s most unique dining experiences at the Blue Rooster’s Gospel Brunch. Fill your Sunday up with great food and good music as you gear up for another week living in Sarasota’s blossoming neighborhood.

” Join Us.”

The Rosemary District’s doors are open. Contact Team Risdon today to learn more about the Rosemary District and one of the more amazing developments currently under construction, Risdon on 5th.

Why the Rosemary District is Poised to Become One of the Nation’s Up and Coming Urban Neighborhoods

The Rosemary District holds deep roots in Sarasota. In fact, the area’s historical significance dates back the area’s founding in the 19th Century. As you walk the streets of this charming neighborhood, you can’t help but feel the cultural journey the area is taking. With its dynamic architecture, mom and pop shops, cafes, boutiques, art studios and galleries, the Rosemary District is not just seen as the epicenter for urban development but also the grass-roots cultural heart of Sarasota.

The blossoming of the Rosemary District mirrors that of some of the nation’s up-and-coming urban neighborhoods. One example is the H Street Corridor in Washington DC. Both of these areas are being revitalized by a host of new residential and commercial development. This influx of new housing and business ventures are a key component to why these neighborhoods are climbing out of obscurity and into national prominence.
Another reason why the Rosemary District is viewed as an emergent neighborhood is the arts. From the Player’s Theatre to the area’s galleries and studios, the visual and performing arts are pulsing with life. As you explore the area you will also discover eye-catching murals displaying some amazing 21st Century art from some of Sarasota’s most cutting-edge artists. It’s no wonder why developers and cultural innovators view this Sarasota neighborhood in the same light as the Wynwood and Design District in Miami, one of the city’s hottest neighborhoods.

When you look at the growth of a historical area like the Rosemary District, you can’t help but connect it to Corktown, Detroit’s oldest neighborhood, yet one that’s exploding with growth. Like Rosemary, Corktown is rich in history and also one of the city’s most accessible neighborhoods. You can spend no time at all walking from place to place since both are very walkable and filled with local hotspots and great nightlife.

The Rosemary District has the same DNA of many of the nation’s rising 21st century urban neighborhoods. With its history, amenities, and cultural importance it’s easy to see why the Rosemary District will continue its upward trend and continue to lead the city of Sarasota to new cultural heights.

Contact Team Risdon to learn more about how you can be a part of this flourishing neighborhood in Sarasota.