A Tower of Reflection and Remembrance
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The 45-foot Beirut Peacekeepers Memorial Tower stands at the heart of William R. Gaines, Jr. Veterans Memorial Park, honoring the 241 lives lost in the Beirut bombing. Within its three stories, visitors can explore interactive educational displays that recount the Peacekeepers' mission and a timeline of significant events from 1982-1984. At its core, 241 rods form a powerful art installation, symbolizing light breaking through darkness and reflecting the sacrifices of those who served.
At the apex of the tower, visitors are greeted with sweeping views of the park, surrounding communities, and Charlotte Harbor. This "tower with a view of freedom" invites all who ascend to reflect on the courage and commitment of those who fought to preserve liberty, connecting earth to sky in a tribute to their legacy.
client/owner
WRGj Veteran Memorial Fund
Project information
location
Port Charlotte, FL
size
40 Acres
Status
In Construction
Karl Bernhard, AIA
Originally from New Orleans, Karl Bernhard was shaped by the city’s rich architectural heritage and its delicate balance with the surrounding swamplands. His early fascination with the interplay between built environments and nature led him to a career in architecture, with a strong focus on resilient and impactful design.
Now based in Sarasota, Karl applies his expertise to creating spaces that evoke emotion, inspire creativity, and enhance well-being. Passionate about mentorship, he actively contributes to the architectural community through the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Outside of his professional life, Karl is a dedicated father and husband, finding balance through martial arts, long-distance inline skating, and exploring the natural world—pursuits that continue to inform his creative approach to design.
Shane LaMay, AIA, NCARB
Shane is a rare Florida native. He grew up in the middle of the state and attended the University of Florida, where he graduated cum laude with a degree in architecture. He studied at the Vicenza Institute of Architecture in Vicenza, Italy before attending the University of Florida Citylab, Sarasota, for his Master’s degree in Architecture. Shane interned at Sweet Sparkman Architects while attending Citylab. His work was exemplary, and his internship evolved into a permanent staff position.
Shane enjoys working on the firm’s public work: fire stations, parks, and theaters. He and his wife live with their dog, Guinness. Guinness is a beloved addition to the studio life at Sweet Sparkman Architects.
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.
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