Sarasota Orchestra closes on $14 million site purchase on Fruitville

Now that the Sarasota Orchestra has closed on its 32-acre site on Fruitville Road, just west of Interstate 75, the 75-year-old organization is developing plans to build a new music center, a project intended to serve its needs for the next 100 years.

Last week, the orchestra completed the $14 million purchase from Wal-Mart Stores East LP of a vacant 32-acre site at 5701 Fruitville Road. It was a cash purchase, leaving the orchestra free to continue its fundraising feasibility study, which will guide its plans to design and build an 1,800-seat concert hall to specifically showcase acoustic music. Plans also include a 700-seat flexible-use performance space, multiple rehearsal and practice rooms, music storage and office space.