Vamo's historical neighborhood gets a chance

OSPREY — The history of Sarasota County's Vamo neighborhood dates back to the 1900s, with one of the oldest remaining structures in Sarasota County being the Vamo Lodge.

The community is in mid-Sarasota County, wedged between Little Sarasota Bay and Tamiami Trail, between Osprey and Gulf Gate.

The purchase of the site in 2018 by the county was aimed at providing additional waterfront access and recreational opportunities to the public.

The county is in design phase to develop Vamo Drive Park, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. The latest design of the park plan features walkways, benches, a kayak launch and a fishing pier and observation deck.

Two parcels of county-owned land were up for discussion during the Sarasota County Commission meeting this week. The parcels include a two-story lodge, built around 1900, and a one-story mediterranean revival residence, circa 1925, are also on the site.

In 2020, the State of Florida Division of Historical Resources conducted a feasible study that determined that both residential buildings are "significant historical resources." Nothing was done in response to this study.

Community member Jane Rifert spoke at Tuesday's meeting, recommending that the commissioners either sell that house, or provide funding for restoration.

Rifert said that historical advocates worked to find a buyer for the property that would preserve it and maintain it, yet commissioners denied that bid.

"You bought two historically significant homes with no budget for maintaining or restoring them," Rifert said. "You approached local preservationists and community members to come up with a plan for how to preserve those houses with no money."

Lorrie Muldowney represented the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation, saying that the group has been extremely involved in providing a plan to preserve the historic houses.

"We discussed with them (bidder) the options of historically designating the house, exploring the option of placing a preservation easement on the property to ensure it is preserved in perpetuity, and also offering Sarasota County the first right of refusal if the property is offered for sale," Muldowney said. "The family is willing to accept all of those conditions.

Sarasota County Parks and Recreation Director Nicole Rissler said that the historic lodge is expected to be restored.

"It will be a future phase, and obviously that is dependent on funding," Rissler said. "Our hope is very similar to the farmhouse at Phillippi Estate and we would work on a grant with the state."

Commissioner Ron Cutsinger said the priority for the county has always been locating and acquiring access to waterfront space.

"I respect and honor the history," Cutsinger said.

"The only consideration here from me is the neighborhood, and the historical group coming in," Custinger said. "If I drive by here in a couple of years and see it torn down with a new house built, I'm going to be pretty bummed about that."

Commissioner Mark Smith said that the county should reduce the lot dimensions of 1710 Vamo Drive, where the mediterranean-style house sits.

"I think the sale of that property to restore the two-story lodge makes a lot of sense," Smith said. "My personal opinion is that the two-story lodge has more historic value because of its history."

Commissioner Neil Rainford asked what was the vision for the two-story lodge. Rissler said it could very well be an interpretive center with restrooms.

"The intention or desire of the alliance and community was if the single-family (home) could be sold, it could ultimately come back into our neighborhood parkland program which could also support the restoration efforts and be a matching grant," Rissler said.

Rainford is concerned about the need and usage for such an interpretive center.

"At the end of the day we're going to have to staff this, or someone's going have to be there for it be an interpretive center," he said. "I just don't know how much use it will be."

All commissioners were in favor of reducing the lot size with a recommendation to staff to continue negotiations with the current bidder, knowing that the sale of the property would go into the park funds for restoration of the two-story lodge.

Commissioner Joe Neunder said that when the project is completed, it will be a very valuable resource to the community. He agreed with Smith that the lot lines should be reduced.

"The historical nature of that neighborhood is incredibly important to the history of Sarasota County," Neunder said. "When this is all done, that will be one unbelievably beautiful property."