I.R.Burns and H.H. Bell building stands at 1296 First Street, Sarasota in the heart of city’s the theater district next to the Sarasota Opera House.
Historical Significance
The building was constructed in 1925 by local builder Leadley Ogden during the Florida Land Boom (1923–1926). The building is a prime example of Spanish Colonial Revival Architecture common in Sarasota. The building is notable for its ivy covered facade.
The building ‘s site was part of Original Plat of Sarasota and located in what was then known as “Realty Row” along Pineapple Avenue between State Street and First Street. This was a hub of speculative development and commercial growth, especially near the Edwards Theater, which added prestige and desirability to nearby properties.
I.R. Burns and H.H. Bell
The building’s name reflects it’s association with I.R. Burns, a prominent Sarasota developer active from 1910 to 1931 and H.H..Bell, whose role is tied to the property’s early commercial use. While Burns was a key figure in Sarasota’s real estate expansion, the building’s name also served as a branding device for the property’s mixed use commercial function
Historic Context
Sarasota ‘s growth began after the Civil War, with early settlement south of Hudson Bayou and later expansion northward in the downtown core. The 1920’s boom saw rapid construction of commercial buildings, many in Mediterranean or Spanish Colonial Revival styles, as investors capitalized on the area’s potential. The Burns and Bell Building embodied this optimism and prosperity.
Use Over the Years
The building has housed a variety of businesses, including antique shops, commercial offices, City operations, and high end restaurants. It was especially known for its “revolving door”of dining establishments. It was most recently home to Rose & Ivy, an upscale restaurant with a tropical patio.
