Contractor sought for Benderson boathouse project

Setting a completion date set for May, 2028, the organization that runs Sarasota County’s Nathan Benderson Park this week released a request for proposals to build a new boathouse and events center at the park.

Long proposed as the next development step at the park, the project is expected to cost $65 million, funded by a combination of tourist development tax money and private donations.

According to the request, which potential general contractors would use to ascertain the scope of the work, the project will feature, at a minimum:

• Eight full‑size indoor basketball (16 volleyball) courts, with baskets and nets;
• Concession, full kitchen and food service area(s);
• Multiuse/flexible programming space;
• Boathouse facilities (including storage and support areas);
• Weight rooms and fitness training areas;
• Administrative and office space;
• Boardroom and VIP space;
• Restrooms, locker rooms, and support spaces;
• Technology: Digital signage, scoreboard, IT infrastructure;
• Building systems, site coordination, and all associated infrastructure.

The expected completion date is key, because the 2028 World Rowing Championships, scheduled shortly after the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympic Games, are planned at Nathan Benderson Park that August. The Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy set the deadline for proposals for May 22, and a contract is scheduled to be awarded on June 15. Groundbreaking is expected this summer.

Already one of the world’s top rowing destinations, Nathan Benderson Park’s planned addition of a boathouse and events center adds to its allure, opening up the possibility of large-scale indoor events to augment rowing.

While the park was praised by International Rowing Federation officials in 2017 when the World Rowing Championships were held in Sarasota, officials said having a boathouse moves it to an even higher level.

The actual boathouse and storage area would be on the first, or main floor, which also will host the sports courts, which will cover 85,000 square feet of hardwood. The area over the sports courts will be open to the top of the facility. The second floor will host meeting rooms, offices, a medical facility, and workout and locker rooms.

The Conservancy set seven criteria points for potential project contractors to meet:

• Qualifications and relevant experience in building facilities of a similar use, complexity and scale;
•  Climate‑specific and technical experience;
• Project team and management approach;
• Cost and cost control approach;
• Familiarity with the area and its resources;
• Financial stability and ability to perform the work;
• Proof of relevant experience of meeting deadlines.