Architects from Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW) will return to Sarasota on September 18 to present their preliminary vision for the Sarasota Performing Arts Center. This visit follows their “Meet the Architects” sessions in July and will unveil the initial design concept during two community workshops.

The new center, planned for the northeast corner of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall parking lot, will be the centerpiece of The Bay park. After a presentation, attendees will engage directly with the design team, including Sarasota-based Sweet Sparkman and London’s Arup Group, to provide feedback.

RPBW is on track to finalize the design and project cost estimate by November 30, as the city and foundation prepare to enter an implementation agreement. The project, estimated to cost between $275 million and $300 million, will be funded equally by public and philanthropic contributions.