Expanding Asolo’s Creative Campus
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The Koski Production Center expands the Asolo Repertory Theatre’s capabilities with a state-of-the-art theatrical rehearsal and production campus in Manatee County, Florida. The project transforms two adjacent buildings into a unified 33,670-square-foot facility through the addition of a 9,500-square-foot central structure. The new addition connects the North Building, previously a warehouse, and the South Building, originally offices, to house two large rehearsal studios, smaller rehearsal spaces, a recording studio, conference rooms, offices, and costume construction and storage areas. The design prioritizes functionality, collaboration, and creativity, providing a comprehensive environment for the Theatre's production and rehearsal needs.
The project features both interior and exterior renovations, including updated facades, storefront windows, and roofing. A custom aluminum shade trellis at the main entrance creates a contemporary aesthetic while offering a shaded outdoor gathering and performance space. Site improvements include new paving, stormwater management, lighting, and landscaping to enhance the campus’s accessibility and appeal. The addition of this modern, integrated production campus strengthens the Asolo Repertory Theatre’s ability to support local and touring productions, ensuring the continued growth of its artistic and educational mission.
Asolo Repertory Theatre
Project information
Sarasota, FL
33,670 SF
Completed in 2021
client/owner
location
size
Status
The founder of Sweet Sparkman, Todd was born and raised in the Northeast, where he received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Roger Williams University. Todd spent his internship at Arquitectonica in Miami, Florida, where he worked on projects throughout Europe, South America, and the United States. In 2002, Todd started the firm TOTeMS Architecture (the original firm name). In 2004, he partnered with Jerry Sparkman to form Sweet Sparkman Architects. The firm has built a national reputation for design excellence and has been asked to participate in La Venice Biennale, a bi-annual architecture exhibit in Venice, Italy. In his 20 years of practice, Todd has enjoyed the study of simple building volumes and the exploitation of materials in an unconventional fashion. Municipal planning and architecture are Todd's award-winning specialty.
Todd Sweet, AIA, LEED AP
John Bryant, AIA, LEED AP
After receiving a degree in music at Grinnell College, John received his Master of Architecture from the University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation in 2007. At the University of Maryland, he received the Dean's Thesis Award and the 2007 David M. Schwarz Traveling Fellowship, which allowed for thesis research in Japan.
No one benefited more than Sweet Sparkman Architecture and Interiors when John and his family decided to move to Sarasota. His highly effective design and project management skills were instrumental in projects such as the Ringling College of Art + Design's Basch Visual Arts Center, Fruitville Elementary, and the New College Master Plan. His work with the Siesta Key Beach Pavilion has earned two awards: 2015 Florida Association of AIA: Merit Award for an Object for the Siesta Key Beach Pavilion's picnic shelter and a Finalist for the SRQ Magazine: Building of the Year. His work on Fruitville Elementary has earned the firm the coveted national 2017 Brick in Architecture Award K-12 given by the Brick Industry Association. John's prolific body of work during this period compelled the Florida / Caribbean AIA jury to award Sweet Sparkman the 2018 Firm of the Year.
Shane LaMay, AIA, NCARB
Shane LaMay, a rare Florida native, attended the University of Florida, graduating with a degree in Architecture. He studied at the Vicenza Institute of Architecture in Vicenza, Italy, before returning to earn his Master's degree from the University of Florida Citylab, in Sarasota. Shane interned at Sweet Sparkman while attending Citylab, producing work so exemplary that his role evolved into a permanent position, and ultimately, a partnership.
As a Principal of the firm, Shane leads a diverse portfolio spanning coastal, residential, and cultural projects, with a particular affinity for work that is deeply rooted in place and community. A respected voice in Sarasota's built environment, he serves as a member of the City of Sarasota Planning Board. His dog Guinness remains a beloved fixture of studio life at Sweet Sparkman.
Shirley Quinlan, NCIDQ
Originally from the Netherlands, Shirley Quinlan joined Sweet Sparkman Architects from New York City, where she worked on both large- and small-scale projects from 2011-2017. In New York City, her experience centered on the workplace and working with commercial building owners and developers to enhance the value of their properties. Shirley received her BFA in Interior Design from the famed New York Fashion Institute of Technology. As Sweet Sparkman Architects' Commercial Interior Designer, Shirley collaborates with all of the project managers and architects at the firm. A spirited, receptive, and innovative designer with extensive experience, she provides well-rounded interiors to all projects, including fire stations, K-12 schools, university campuses, and cultural projects.
Shirley spends her free time with her beautiful daughters and husband. She loves drawing and crafting with her girls. Besides design, her interests are traveling, outdoor activities like rafting, climbing, and zip-lining, or merely relaxing with a good book.
Designed in Collaboration With Hello June Creative.
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