Payne Mansion Sarasota Botanic Guardian In 1934, Christy Payne bought a one acre lot at the corner of Mound Street (US 41) and Palm Avenue with the intention of building a home in the Sarasota area. He hired Sarasota contractor Paul Bergman for the project. The architect was A.C. Price. Construction began in 1934. Total cost was $50,000. Project was completed in 1935. The house style is colonial revival. Foundation is steel railroad tracks. Down stairs floor is flood resistant cement covered with terrazzo. There are six fire places and 6 bathrooms. The house is located on the grounds of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. It was listed in the National Register of Historic places on 9/25/1998.