A Historic Campus Reimagined
HOME / ALL Projects / education / bay haven
The Bay Haven School of Basics Plus renovation modernized a historic elementary campus through a phased strategy that allowed continuous operation during construction. Temporary classrooms ensured uninterrupted learning while upgrades addressed all major building systems, including electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and structural elements. Safety and accessibility improvements included the installation of a new elevator and secure entry systems, bringing the facility up to contemporary standards.
The design preserved the school’s architectural character while introducing modern functionality and efficiency. Classroom wings feature coordinated color palettes inspired by the 1920s-era entry, providing a sense of identity and orientation for students and staff. A new lobby, featuring warm wood cladding crafted from reclaimed joists, creates a welcoming focal point that connects the renewed spaces to the school’s history. Together, these enhancements extend the building's lifespan while providing a safe and engaging environment that supports modern education.
client/owner
School Board of Sarasota County
Project information
location
Sarasota, FL
size
21,580 SF
Status
Completed in 2025
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
Elizabeth Lee, Associate AIA
Elizabeth received her Master of Architecture from Florida International University in Miami. After working for two years at a small firm, she was ready to leave the madness of Miami. She moved back to the Sarasota / Bradenton area, where she grew up. Elizabeth has comprehensive experience in design and construction documents and client consultations. She brings this experience to Sweet Sparkman’s large-scale commercial projects, incorporating her environment design experience into every project. With her strong problem-solving skills and team player ability, she is a seamless fit at Sweet Sparkman.
When she isn’t working, Elizabeth enjoys hiking and martial arts. She has achieved a 3rd Dan Black Belt Ming Wu and a 1st Dan Black Belt Hwa Rang Do.
Designed in Collaboration With Hello June Creative.
Ⓒ Sweet Sparkman Architects, Inc. 2026, All Rights Reserved. License: AR0015832