Sarasota Deco

     This is a stainless steel sculpture by Rob Lorenson.  It is located at Main and Central across 5 Points Park

South Hall

      The residence of Hester Ringling  Sanford was built from 1925 to 1926. Construction costs were 1.5 million dollars.  The architect is unknown.

     Style is eclectic Mediterranean Revival. The exterior  is white stucco.    Roof hipped red tile roof.   Design is assymetrical.  Main section is 2 stories u shaped design around an open patio that overlooks Sarasota Bay.

     There are 22 rooms.  There is a formal reception area, and partial basement. living room, dining room.

     The Hester Ringling house is now being used for New College predominantly as the libraryand for special events.

South Hall

Photo during construction

Mansion during construction

     This residence later became Cook Hall at New College.

Charles and Edith  Ringling Mansion

     The Charles and Edith Ringling Mansion took two years to complete in 1926.  The Building cost were $880,000. It was designed by the architectural firm of Clos, Shepherd, and Clos.  It is located north of John and Mabel Ringling house. .     The building exterior is veneer  pink Etowah Georgian Marble.    Charles died months after the house was built.

     The building style is Italian Renaissance.  There are 20 rooms.  There is a large music room, large entrance hall and stair hall., living quarters, curved marble stair case at the north end of the entrance hall provides access to 2nd floor bedrooms

     Interior decorations were bought from Marshall Field in Chicago. Furnishing were from.many parts of the world including pieces of Sheraton and Happlewhite in England.

     Edith occupied the mansion until her death in.1953.  The house and furnishings were sold in 1958.  It was renovated and lived in until 1962.  It was sold to New College in  Sarasota in 1962.

     Beginning in 1966, the mansion was used primarily as a library.  The music room is still  used for special meetings, theater, dance and music events.   The building is now known as College Hall.