Laurel Park Historic District Real Estate
Laurel Park is one of Sarasota’s oldest downtown, urban neighborhoods.
Laurel Park is one of our favorite locations, being walking distance to Sarasota Bay, Selby Gardens, Downtown Sarasota, nightlife, theaters, entertainment and the arts. In the midst of downtown Sarasota’s commercial, arts, and waterfront districts sits a surprising and charming residential community of duplexes, apartments, and single-family homes built throughout the last century in a variety of styles. Downtown Sarasota’s Laurel Park is a National Register of Historic Places District; it’s one of Sarasota’s earliest neighborhoods, where venerable, historic homes sit beneath towering mature pines and Spanish moss along tasteful, old-style brick streets. While several other Sarasota communities have emerged as gentrified arts or commercial districts, Laurel Park remains predominantly residential, friendly to families, retirees, artists, and professionals, retaining its village-style charm smack in the center of bustling downtown Sarasota.
Homebuyers looking into Laurel Park find options ranging from lavish, single-family luxury homes to duplex homes and apartment buildings; the neighborhood’s architectural looks span the 20th century and include the Mission, Colonial, and Mediterranean styles. While every home in the Laurel Park community has historic value, the Dr. Walter C. Kennedy Home at 1876 Oak Street is the only home in the neighborhood officially designated as both a state and a national historic site. Dr. Kennedy lived in the home from 1924 until 1946, during which time he was a visionary Sarasota business and community leader.
Today, Laurel Park is the dream location for access to all the joys and amenities of dynamic downtown Sarasota. The Park is 50 acres of history bordered by Washington Boulevard, Orange Avenue, and Morrill and Mound Streets. Those fortunate enough to live in Laurel Park are literally within walking distance of Sarasota’s several fascinating art districts, Burns Square and Towles Court, and their many galleries, studios, and boutiques; world-class shopping, casual and fine dining, and vibrant nightly entertainment are only 5 blocks north in the Main Street Merchants District; Sarasota’s spectacular waterfront and Sarasota Bay are 5 blocks west of Laurel Park; and the acclaimed Sarasota Farmers Market takes place every Saturday along Main, Lemon, and State Streets.
It’s a great place to walk and view a variety of home options including including new townhomes, single-family homes, duplexes and small apartment buildings dating back to the 20s line the original brick paved streets. Architectural styles include Frame Vernacular, Masonry Vernacular, Bungalow, Mission Revival, Colonial Revival, and Mediterranean Revival. While primarily residential, the neighborhood includes some businesses and was once the home of Sarasota’s County Courthouse and Sarasota’s daily newspaper, The Sarasota Herald.
