Sarasota County approves UF lease

The University of Florida School of Architecture will have a masters program with as many as 50 students in downtown Sarasota by the fall of 2014.

On Wednesday, June 5, Sarasota County commissioners approved a 10-year lease, with two five-year options, with the University of Florida Board of Trustees for the historical building at 261 S. Orange Avenue beginning Feb. 1, 2014. The university will spend about $150,000 to renovate the historic building, which was designed in the style of the Sarasota School of Architecture.

The county will have to relocate its print shop and mailroom, which could cost roughly $30,000, said Sarasota County Director of Facilities Services Ed Gable.

“I think this is an amazing opportunity,” said Commissioner Christine Robinson.