
SARASOTA, Fla. – The team behind The DeMarcay, a luxury residential condominium project in downtown Sarasota, has salvaged and gifted the historic 20th century former DeMarcay Hotel sign that once sat on the site to Visit Sarasota County.
Thanks to GK Real Estate, the developer of the boutique residences coming to historic Palm Avenue, a slice of Sarasota’s distinguished and intricate past will continue to live on as a legacy that honors its past and present.
Sarasota Architectural Salvage, a local company with a mission to preserve valuable and historical materials, was chosen to assist with the hotel sign repair process prior to the donation. The restoration process took roughly five hours to complete – not including the time spent extensively researching. Exposed to the outdoor elements, Sarasota Architectural Salvage kept the weathered appearance intact for historical reference but gave the sign a fresh look.
Since the inception of the project, the developers aimed to preserve as much as possible of the former cigar factory and hotel, including the original tin tiles on the ceiling and interior doors. When on-site construction started, the sign and other materials were carefully salvaged and removed.
“The DeMarcay is truly a unique and special project, and this prominent and historical hotel sign has hung on the site since the early 1900s,” said Greg Kveton, partner at GK Real Estate. “We are proud to present it to Visit Sarasota County to house this precious piece of history inside its Downtown Sarasota Visitor Center for many years to come.”
Located at 1945 Fruitville Road in Sarasota, the restored hotel sign was recently handed over to Visit Sarasota County and hung in the organization’s Downtown Sarasota Visitor Center for residents and visitors to enjoy.
“We are delighted that the team at The DeMarcay thought of us at Visit Sarasota County to house and display this treasure,” said Virginia Haley, president of Visit Sarasota County. “With Sarasota County celebrating its 100-year anniversary, the timing of this historical sign is perfect. We were excited to get to work with longtime partner Jesse White at Sarasota Architectural Salvage to restore this piece so that it is ready to be hung at our Downtown Sarasota Visitor Center.”
Once complete, the 18-story building will include 39 well-appointed modern residences with the convenience and excitement of downtown living. Situated at 33 S. Palm Ave., The DeMarcay will boast luxury amenities like 24-hour valet service, fitness center, rooftop clubroom and resort-style pool with sweeping views of the Sarasota Bay. Ranging from 1,055 to 3,219 square feet, the floor plans will have the flexibility to combine units for larger square footage. A one-bedroom residence starts at $700,000, with two-bedroom and three-bedroom residences available.
Located directly across the street from the project at 32 S. Palm Avenue in Sarasota, the showroom and sales gallery contain a variety of visuals. Visitors can also see a scaled replica of the building, see two vignettes of the well-appointed kitchens and bathrooms and hold samples of the interior finishes. The DeMarcay is slated for completion in summer 2022.
The DeMarcay sales gallery is open for in-person appointments with social distancing guidelines in place. Arrange an appointment by calling 941-404-8858, visiting TheDeMarcay.com or emailing sales@thedemarcay.com.
About The DeMarcay
The DeMarcay at 33 S. Palm Avenue will include 39 well-appointed modern residences with the convenience and excitement of downtown living. The DeMarcay will have luxury amenities including 24-hour valet service, a rooftop clubroom and pool with sweeping views of the bay for every resident and a fitness center. Situated high above the collection of Zagat-rated restaurants, galleries and entertainment venues nearby, its historic address and convenience make the building a prime location for downtown dwellers. The sales center at 32 S. Palm Avenue is open now. Arrange an appointment by calling 941-404-8858 or visiting TheDeMarcay.com.