The Bay Park Opens Rehabilitated Historic Chidsey Library and New Promenade Along North Tamiami Trail

The Bay Park Conservancy (BPC), the non-profit organization transforming 53 acres of City-owned land along Sarasota Bay into a signature public park, celebrated the opening of the restored historic Chidsey Library Building and a new tree-lined Promenade along U.S. 41 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony joined by community partners and supporters.

Originally opened in 1941 as Sarasota’s first public library, the Chidsey is one of four buildings on the site listed on the National Register of Historic Places, along with the Municipal Auditorium, Blue Pagoda, and Sarasota Garden Club. After decades of decline, the Chidsey has been fully rehabilitated and now serves as The Bay Park Conservancy’s headquarters.

The 18-month, $3 million rehabilitation preserved the building’s distinctive Streamline Moderne architecture, including terrazzo floors, glass block and corner windows, brick walls, and sections of the original library stacks. Modern updates include new structural foundation piles, skylights, and reinterpretations of original pendant light fixtures. The design was led by Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors, with construction by Jon F. Swift Construction and PGT Innovations donating hurricane-rated windows.

The new Promenade serves as the “front door” to The Bay along North Tamiami Trail. The 1,000-foot-long, 16-foot-wide walkway—flanked by 20-foot Royal Palms and canopy trees—connects three of Sarasota’s iconic landmarks: the Blue Pagoda, Chidsey Library, and Municipal Auditorium, offering a pedestrian-friendly entryway into the park.

Both projects mark key milestones in Phase 2 — the next 14-acre, $65 million expansion — which will also feature a new Town Square, resilient shoreline, day docks, a bayfront restaurant, and continued restoration of historic buildings. Expect completion is 2026-27, and is funded by a City TIF-backed bond ($48 million – 50/50 City/ County) and $17 million from government grants and private donations.

“The rehabilitation of the historic Chidsey and creation of this new promenade are the latest examples of the ongoing transformation of this 53-acre ‘One Park for All,’” said AG Lafley, CEO of The Bay Park Conservancy. “Each step brings us closer to a more resilient and more welcoming gathering place for everyone in the community to enjoy.”