Sarasota Opera unveils Steinwachs Artist Residences

The Sarasota Opera unveiled its new Steinwachs Artist Residences Tuesday, March 21, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and performance by Sarasota Opera artists, who sang the chorus from "The Fair Maid of Perth."

Located in the Rosemary Square project at 1444 Blvd. of the Arts, the residences broke ground in August 2016. The Sarasota Opera purchased 30 units, including 16 three-bedroom, eight two-bedroom and six one-bedroom apartments, in the development to house artists and staff during the company's fall and winter seasons.

The Sarasota Opera sold its 16 units in Ringling Terrace Apartments in 2015 for $3 million, then raised the additional $2.5 million for the new project, which will increase its housing capacity from 43 to 70. 

"Thirty years ago, we saw a need for artist housing," says Executive Director Richard Russell. "Since then, we have grown, and Sarasota has grown, and finding artist housing in season has been an incredible challenge. This makes a big difference to us."