Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice funds grants and programs that are designed to contribute significantly to improving the quality of life of its citizens and the communities it serves. The Foundation was developing a 146-acre parcel in South Sarasota County just East of I-75.
The Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice wanted an exemplary model of sustainable development with a diverse community that is both mixed-use as well as mixed income. The Master Plan included LEED certification. Sweet Sparkman Architects facilitated these goals through design charrettes that gathered engineering teams, landscape architects, local officials, and neighboring developments. This intensive process created collaborative designs that werer then presented to the community at large during public meetings. Green development standards included innovative storm water infrastructure such as pervious pavement, green roofs, and storm water recycling. All public buildings and amenities were designed to achieve LEED Certification. Landscaping used drought tolerant plans and reuse water for irrigation. The Foundation has (7) main goals for this project: exemplary model of sustainable development, diverse, community, mixed use, mixed income, inclusive, replicable, environmentally conscious design and construction.
