The Sarasota Hotel which is located at the corner of Main Street and Palm Avenue has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century and evolving through Sarasota’s economic and tourist growth.

Early Origins (1890’s)

Before the grand hotel era, the building site of the Sarasota Hotel, was a livery stable, fish house, and a pool hall. In the late 1890’s, Elijah Grantham purchased the property from Hamlin Whitaker. He added a second floor and added 9 bedrooms, a living room, dining room, and veranda on the new second floor. Mr. Grantham named the newly remodeled building the Inn. It served fishermen and travelers.

Construction of the modern Sarasota Hotel

The mid 1920’s land boom spurred a first-class hotel at this location. Milwaukee businessman W.K. Pipkorn bought the site paying $1000 per front foot. The architect and builder was Mr. Pipkorn. Construction began in 1924 and the building opened in 1925. This was Sarasota’s first skyscraper. It was a seven-story building with 150 guest rooms. The external facade was either stucco or masonry.

According to the 1927-1928 Sarasota Apartment and Hotel Guide, the Sarasota Hotel was ideally located in the heart of the business district, overlooking Sarasota Bay. Room rates ranged from $2.50 to $6.00 per night. It was a modern fireproof structure with a spacious lounge, lobby and dining room. The Hotel was popular with both tourists and business and business travelers.

Ownership Changes

Pipkorn died shortly after the building opened. His heirs operated the business until 1934. In this year, the Etowah Hotel Company of Gaden, Alabama purchased the hotel. In 1944, Leroy Fenne purchased the building for over $100,000

Decline and Redevelopment Attempts

By the 1960’s, the hotel fell into disrepair as tourist shifted to beach front properties. In 1970’s, Landchess Corporation purchased the building with the goal of converting into an apartment building with moderately priced units. By 1971, the city found the building out of compliance with building and fire codes. The project was halted. The building stood empty until 1974.

It was during 1974 that new life was brought to the building. It was on the verge of demolition when Carl Shapiro purchased for $166,000. His plan was to do exterior renovations and convert the building into offices. It became the Main Plaza Building ending its use as a hotel. Successive owners Bon Eau Enterprise (2005), Cary Nicks. It is a multiuse downtown property with co-working spaces, executive suites and other business services.

building is still standing but un-used