Blue Pagoda building up for grabs

Prospective renters may find that the glazed, cerulean roof of the “Blue Building” is its own real estate advertisement.

The eye-catching structure has been home to the U.S. Masters Swimming national headquarters since 2009, but they’ve outgrown it since adding more than 10 employees. Ian Black Real Estate is listing the 2,028 square foot property for lease at $27 per square foot.

Susan Kuhlman, CFO of U.S. Masters Swimming, said they had a wonderful relationship with the city, but need the extra square footage — nearly double — at their new location near Osprey and US 41.

The building is owned by the city of Sarasota and leased to the nonprofit organization, which paid $14,397 to rent the property last year.

Kuhlman said they remodeled the building twice, working with the city to ensure changes were consistent with the building’s historic design. Designed by Victor Lundy after a Japanese garden scultpure, it was built approximately 60 years ago by the Greater Sarasota Area Chamber of Commerce, and over the years was also home to a Visit Sarasota County information booth.

Black said he’d had significant interest since listing it a week ago, including some who thought it would make a good restaurant location, though he doubts the city would permit that use.

“For anyone who wants prominence in a great location and an iconic building,” Black said, “this is it.”