SARASOTA, FL — Schenkel Shultz, a Florida-based architecture and design studio, announces the completion and grand opening of the Booker Visual and Performing Arts Center in Sarasota, Florida. This $23.6 million project breathes new life into the theater, while honoring its heritage.
The Visual and Performing Arts program at Booker High School has garnered national acclaim. The renovation preserves the character of the school’s history and reflects the drive of Emma Booker, the center’s namesake and pioneering educator.
“We are thrilled to unveil the transformation of the Booker Visual and Performing Arts Center," said Ekta Desai, AIA, Design Lead/Partner at Schenkel Shultz. “Our design aims to create spaces that offer comfort, improved sightlines, and acoustical enhancements to improve the overall theater experience for the audience.”
At the heart of the renovation is a modern community theater with increased capacity, a new blackbox theater, additional educational spaces, rehearsal space, and dressing rooms. An expanded public lobby will provide flexibility as a pre-function gathering area, event space, and gallery to showcase student artwork. Borrowing from the performative qualities of a gemstone, the lobby’s transparent, two-story faceted curtainwall highlights the original shape.
“With enhancements that include a versatile lobby expansion, refined finishes, premium box seating, and improved accessibility, we aim to attract a diverse range of student artists and community members, establishing the Booker Visual and Performing Arts Center as a signature hub for cultural exchange in Sarasota,” Desai added.
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The Booker Visual and Performing Arts Center will serve as a resource for students, educators, artists, and community members to foster collaboration, creativity, and lifelong learning.
