Some places just feel right. The buildings, the street, the proportions, the trees, the aesthetics, the uses—in some places they all converge to create little nuggets of urban perfection. Certain medieval Italian vias and French boulevards come to mind, but so do many...
Sustainable Sarasota: Going Green by Going Back to Basics
{image source} We at Laurel Park Management aren't out to save the world. We know that task is a little tall for a rental management company. Like most of you, we're trying to do our jobs well and support our families. But that doesn't mean we can't be conscious of...
Study: All American Problems Could Be Solved By Just Stopping And Thinking For Two Seconds
CHAPEL HILL, NC—A study published Thursday by psychologists at the University of North Carolina concluded that all American problems—from stuck jacket zippers to the national debt—could be solved if citizens just stopped, took a deep breath, and thought for two...
Memorial Day in Sarasota
{image source} It always feels a little strange to say Happy Memorial Day, since it is, after all, a day of remembrance of those who gave their lives. But even with such somber undertones it is certainly a day of celebration. Whatever your politics, the men and women...
Andres Duany and the Sarasota-to-be
{image source} Andres Duany has been a polarizing figure in Sarasota ever since he and his firm helped author the downtown master plan in 2000. While some of his recommendations warrant criticism, it is probably more his demeanor that creates controversy. After all,...
Featured Property: Gillespie Park
Our latest featured property is actually multiple properties, all of which are located a short walk or bike ride north of Main Street, toward Ringling College of Art + Design and New College of Florida, and close to the Rosemary District. And you thought Laurel Park...
Could Solar Energy Be An Economic Driver For Sarasota Schools?
{photo source} Saw this article in the Herald-Tribune by Christopher O'Donnell and thought we'd pass it along. It is an interesting notion...what if Sarasota used what it has in greatest abundance—sunshine—as currency to pay for local needs? Could be a way to use the...
J.R.’s Old Packinghouse Cafe: Where Old Florida is Alive and Kickin’
{photo source} So, this week's post is a bit of an aberration, as we are not only giving a direct plug for a restaurant, but one that isn't even especially close to Laurel Park. However, Laurel Park Management and J.R.'s Old Packinghouse Cafe do have something in...
Sustainable Sarasota: What is an “Urban Village” anyway?
[ted id=1037] We like to call Laurel Park Sarasota's urban village. But what do we mean by that? Isn't "urban village" an oxymoron? Not necessarily. At Laurel Park Management, we see "urban" as a condition of density and diversity, basically a place where a variety of...
Featured Property: Silva Court Studios
Looking for a place to live near downtown Sarasota? Afraid your budget will force you to choose between the charm of a historic building and being able to walk to Main Street? Why not have it all? Laurel Park Management rents a variety of unique affordable...