21 minute read
culture city
culture city RADD+PROUD
Rosemary Art and Design District hopes to craft a fresh identity at the intersection of history, art and space-making. Andrew Fabian
Left to right: Willie Rogers posing in front of the historic Ace Theatre. Walter Gilbert reveals the identity of the first mural’s subject.
IT STARTED WITH A SERIES OF COLD CALLS. Walter Gilbert was in search of blank walls in the Rosemary District and he was in a bit of a hurry. The fourthgeneration Sarasota native was in a race against the rapidly developing neighborhood to preserve some of said history. And, as a self-proclaimed history buff with an encyclopedic knowledge of Sarasota’s Black history, he was well-positioned to pass down the stories he heard and lived. “I was born in ‘52 and was involved in a lot of big changes,” he says, “beach boycotts, desegregation, election law changes; but since 1917, that history—my history—has slowly been obliviated.” Armed with gripping stories of perseverance and excellence, Gilbert sought to secure the support of some property and business owners in what was once called Overtown, hoping to use some of their blank walls for murals to memorialize the neighborhood’s original Black settlers. “I just felt like the city’s Black history wasn’t being counted, recorded and known,” says Gilbert, “so I thought what better way to honor the history in a loud and meaningful way than with murals?” Some owners were more receptive than others, none more than Anand Pallegar. “I got a call from a guy who I’d never met before, asking if I’d be interested in putting some murals on a building I owned downtown,” says Pallegar, “and it didn’t take long to realize there was a big opportunity here.” Pallegar is a serial entrepreneur whose portfolio of businesses includes DreamLarge, an events and marketing outfit that focuses on nonprofit and community-improvement work. Equally important, Pallegar owns the building at 513 Central Avenue, formerly the site of the Payne Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church built in 1908—a building Pallegar restored into an office suite.
According to Gilbert, it’s one of the few remaining original buildings of Overtown, which meant the first walls he secured were arguably some of the most important. But bigger than the acquisition of these prized walls, Gilbert enlisted a champion of the cause who, coincidentally, had been brainstorming for years about ways to give Rosemary District its own identity.
“Anand was looking for ways to turn the Rosemary
culture city
This page, left to right: A closer look at Willie Rogers in RADD’s first mural by Tim Jaeger. The team stands RADD and proud in front of its first mural, painted by Tim Jaeger at 600 Central Ave in the Rosemary District.Group shot, left to right:Tim Jaeger, Jarred Wilson, Julia Groom, Anand Pallegar, Susan McLeod, Walter Gilbert and Mark Zeitouni, images courtesy of DreamLarge.
District into an art and design destination,” says Gilbert, “and he understood how this could give the neighborhood an identity and a purpose.” Rosemary Art and Design District (RADD) is that identity and purpose. The acronym for RADD—possibly the most fortuitous acronym in human history—was devised a few years ago by a group of Rosemary District community activists, including Pallegar and Susan McLeod, a real estate agent with a background in the arts who was eager to raise the profile of the neighborhood’s creative vibes. Along with painter, curator and current RADD member, Tim Jaeger, conversations were had about how to bring more visual art to the area. “That first go around didn’t work out,” says McLeod, “but once Walter spoke with Anand, we felt like we had our mission now. So RADD was just a really organic thing.”
With Gilbert’s mural idea reanimating the group into action, RADD settled on a flagship goal, the roots from which the whole endeavor could branch: The Gilbert Mural Initiative, a multi-year campaign to commission murals in the Rosemary District that will celebrate its Black history. And within RADD’s branches are festivals, art walks, markets, seminars and all manner of mindexpanding, soul-enriching programming centered on inclusivity, diversity, creativity and, of course, art.
“It started out with the mural initiative, but we’ve really expanded the focus to cultivate creativity,” says Julia Groom, director of DreamLarge and one of RADD’s founding members. On any given day, Groom might help a client with a marketing strategy, plan a symposium from scratch or apply paint to a wall alongside a group of kids creating a mural. She brings that same anything-goes mentality to RADD when deciding on what’s next.
Gilbert shares a similarly rosey outlook for the future that RADD can help create. “In the end, we want to educate people about Sarasota’s Black history,” says Gilbert, “we want to bring people together, and we’re gonna do it with art.” SRQ
2021
SRQ MAGAZINE
ELITE REAL ESTATE AGENTS
DAVID AHRENS RE/MAX PLATINUM REALTY
MARK BOEHMIG MICHAEL SAUNDERS & COMPANY
DANIELLE DIETRICH COLDWELL BANKER REALTY
HEUERMAN ESPOSITo GROUP COLDWELL BANKER REALTY
RONI-MARIE GOLD FINE PROPERTIES
TRACY AND ERICK JONES RE/MAX PLATINUM REALTY
ANDREE HUFFINE COLDWELL BANKER REALTY
STUART AND LAURA LAWRENCE MICHAEL SAUNDERS & COMPANY
TOMA AND REBECCA MILBANK MICHAEL SAUNDERS & COMPANY
LINDA STOWE MICHAEL SAUNDERS & COMPANY
KIM VOGEL PREMIER SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
SHELLIE YOUNG PREMIER SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
SRQ MAGAZINE | SPECIAL CONTENT MARKETING FEATURE | OCTOBER 2021
ELITE AGENTS LISTING OF AGENTS | FALL 2021
David Ahrens RE/MAX Platinum Realty c: 650.288.7661 | DavidAhrens.com
MARK BOEHMIG Michael Saunders & Company c: 941.807.6936 | MarkItSoldFL.com
DANIELLE DIETRICH Coldwell Banker Realty DanielleDietrichSellsSarasota.com c: 603.767.9166
Heuerman ESPOSITO GROUP Coldwell Banker Realty Judy Heuerman c: 941.356.5260 Valerie Esposito c: 941.809.3541 RONI-MARIE GOLD Fine Properties c: 941.487.0105 | FinePropertiesFL.com
TRACY AND ERICk JONES RE/MAX Platinum Realty Tracy Jones c: 941.376.3405 Erick Jones c: 941.402.3186
andree huffi ne Coldwell Banker Realty c: 941.232.4053 | YourSarasotaRealEstate.com
STUART AND LAURA LAURENCE Michael Saunders & Company c: 941.894.4001
TOMA AND REBECCA MILBANK Michael Saunders & Company c: 941.907.9595
LINDA STOWE Michael Saunders & Company c: 941.228.5685
KIM VOGEL Premier Sotheby’s International Realty kimvogel.premiersothebysrealty.com c: 941.254.1996
LINDA STOWE Michael Saunders & Company c: 941.228.5685
SHELLIE YOUNG Premier Sotheby’s International Realty shellieyoung@premiersothebysrealty.com c: 941.713.5458
RONI-MARIE GOLD, P.A., GRI
Roni Gold is originally from Syracuse New York but planted her roots in Sarasota with her family in 1984. Basically a native to Sarasota, she fi rst entered into the real estate industry in 2004 assisting in the purchase and sale of apartment buildings and converting them into high-end condominiums. She continued in Real Estate with Lennar Homes on the East coast of Florida. She has since become a top producing Realtor® in Sarasota and Manatee Counties focusing on ranches, investment properties, sellers and buyers.
A UCF graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Roni offers her customers a diverse professional background encompassing international business. Roni also shares a love for the arts and the unique circus background of Sarasota. She performed in the Sailor Circus for over 10 years and continues to support the Circus Arts Conservatory. Honesty, attention to detail, communication and listening skills has not only earned Roni great professional success, but most importantly the respect of her customers and colleagues. To every real estate transaction she brings a genuine concern for people’s needs, combined with excellent guidance, and product knowledge. Roni’s strong business management and negotiation talents, refi ned from her international background, support customers when making the most important fi nancial decision of their life – the purchase or sale of property. Roni is a member of the Sarasota Board of Realtors and an elite Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI). In her spare time, she enjoys practicing yoga, traveling, spending time with her husband and two sons at the beach, or on their 5-acre horse ranch in Sarasota.
Roni-Marie Gold c 941-487-0105 or 321-482-2771 | ronimgold@gmail.com 5224 Paylor Lane, Sarasota, FL 34240 | FinePropertiesFL.com
ELITE AGENTS
DAVID AHRENS
My mission is to make each client feel like they’re my only client in every real estate transaction.This mission is underpinned by my hallmark traits of being responsive, attentive and highly available to answer any questions or concerns. For Buyers, your searches will be curated, seamless and informative. For Sellers, you will receive exceptional marketing plans, fl awless execution and maximum value.
Florida provides just about everything you could ever want, or dream of, to love where you live. As a resident of The Lake Club in Lakewood Ranch, I am a trusted local resident and resource for anyone looking to explore and discover all their options when buying or selling a home. As a former marketing executive, and now as a REALTOR®, I know how to uniquely connect with clients and create win-win situations through the entire real estate engagement. From luxury properties to income properties, I can work with you seamlessly to achieve your goals and desired outcomes. Simply put, my goal is to focus on what is best for the client, always. Under-pinned by outstanding communication, collaboration and negotiation skills, plus high integrity and a little creativity, I enjoy working together with my buyer clients to fi nd their luxury retreat where they can live life well. For sellers, it is paramount that I provide a white-glove experience to drive a cohesive plan to list and market their property, while effi ciently attracting buyers and ultimately maximizing return on investment.
My clients regularly and effortlessly provide shining testimonials describing their enjoyment in working with me on one of their most highly valued assets. This has created an effective referral network across the spectrum of buyers and sellers. Personally, I love playing tennis and participating in triathlon events (I’ve even done 18 Ironman races, so I understand how to be disciplined about what I do). My partner, our Labrador Charlie and I stay active with all this great weather in our exceedingly gorgeous community. I’m also a licensed REALTOR® in Ontario where I focus on lakeside homes and cottages in the Kawartha Lakes region. I look forward to engaging with you on your next real estate journey.
ELITE AGENTS
MARK BOEHMIG
To Mark, real estate is about relationships and his purpose in the industry is to help those who want to buy or sell property. For every customer he serves, Mark looks for the small details that make the experience important to the individuals so they can have an exceptional experience, as well as every need met. His promise to his customers is connection, commitment, and communication on every level. Supported by his experience and completion of the Ninja Selling Training, Mark ensures goals are accomplished and bonds are forged beyond contracts.
Known for stellar results, integrity, and gentility, Mark Boehmig sets himself apart from other real estate professionals in Sarasota, Bradenton, and Lakewood Ranch just by being himself. His portfolio of customer success stories has placed him in the upper echelon of agents for leading Gulf Coast broker Michael Saunders & Company – named the highest performer for the company’s Bradenton offi ce before transitioning to the Lakewood Ranch offi ce. Mark’s recent success throughout Lake Club alone has resulted in numerous multi-million-dollar sales. As your advocate, Mark works tirelessly to promote your best interests working toward the goal of minimizing inconveniences associated with the home selling process. He does this through what he considers an integral part of his business, maintaining an open line of communication to keep you always informed. When selling, he works with you to achieve success by using his proven “Mark it Sold – Home Value Maximizer.” Using his knowledge of digital and traditional media he covers every type of communication your potential buyer could receive. Bringing his sellers phenomenal results through leading advantages, innovation and consistency. Mark champions his customers for success through an established network of qualifi ed buyers and by optimizing property exposure through his YouTube channel that generates international leads. More than a real estate agent, Mark’s value is hard to duplicate. Mark’s active community involvement and connections serve him two-fold, allowing him a window into the agricultural, government, educational, and corporate facilities that allow our region to prosper and developing a strong network for his customers. He is a member of the Downtown Redevelopment Committee, ECD for the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, and is involved with the Global Business Council. Additionally, he served three years on the Board of Directors for Realize Bradenton and is a 2017 graduate of Leadership Manatee.
Mark Boehmig, REALTOR®, GRI c 941.807.6936 MarkitSoldFL.com | markboehmig@michaelsaunders.com
Danielle Dietrich, PA
As the uncertainty of the real estate market builds, it is important to work with a luxury REALTOR® that has skin in the game, experience, elite negotiation skills and serves her clients whether it is buying, selling, or investing, Danielle’s passion to exceed her client’s expectations and commitment to serve each client with exceptional services is demonstrated by her results, ethics, and her in-depth local market knowledge of the Greater Sarasota real estate market.
Danielle Dietrich, PA began her career in Real Estate in Brentwood (in Los Angeles, CA), in 2009, where she began working for The Solomon Team specifi cally as their marketer, while creating and branding them at the highest National level. Danielle’s luxury real estate background began at a young age, right out of college, yet never intimidated her. She won several awards in her 20’s and nothing was stopping her. In 2016, Danielle had made what she thought would be a hard decision, moving to Sarasota, FL to be closer to her parents who reside in Venice, FL and starting her career over from scratch in a new territory and on a different coast. Danielle’s success in real estate upon moving to Florida only fl oored and she quickly became named amongst the top 15% agents nationwide. As she made the adjustment to beautiful Sarasota, FL Coldwell Banker Realty was the fi rm that would allow her to grow exponentially as she had done in CA, except this time individually not in a team atmosphere. Danielle brought not only her Marketing and Advertising Degrees with her, but her strong work ethic along with her celebrity business management expertise from the most cut-throat industry in the US, Los Angeles, CA. Danielle’s highest priority has always been her clients. She values her relationship with her clients and prides herself in guiding her clients to that close table successfully and making sure her clients trust in her every step of the way. The communication, support, services, and expertise that Danielle provides to her clients is of an elite status. The commitment she has to her clients shows in her numbers, Danielle has closed out over $16 million in sales YTD as of August 2021. Danielle’s global connections set her apart from other agents and her exceptional guidance makes her invaluable to her clients. There is never a situation or a transaction that Danielle will not think outside the box and do all she needs to get the deal done. Locally she specializes in the Sarasota, Venice, Nokomis, LWR, AMI, LBK, Bradenton, Parrish, Palmetto, Englewood areas. Nationally throughout the entire US and yes, she is a Global real estate expert as well! She just sold in the Dominican Republic and is selling in Mexico as well! Call Danielle to assist you with all your real estate needs.
MISSION STATEMENT The Mission of Coldwell Banker Realty is fulfi lling the Dream of Home Since 1906. The Coldwell Banker brand is the oldest and most established residential real estate franchise system in North America. Founded by young entrepreneurs in 1906, Coldwell Banker changed the way people bought and sold homes across America, ultimately becoming one of the most trusted real estate brands in the world. More than 100 years later, the Coldwell Banker network is still continuously recognized for its innovation and leadership across 3,000 offi ces in 49 countries and territories. Danielle Dietrich’s mission will never waver--to deliver the treasure of home ethically and honestly to her clients.
Coldwell Banker Realty 331 W. Venice Ave. Venice, FL 34285 c: 603.767.9166 | o: 941.493.1000 e: Danielle.Dietrich@cbrealty.com danielledietrichsellssarasota.com
ELITE AGENTS
TOP AGENTS HEUERMAN ESPOSITO GROUP
There’s a reason that their clients have called them “The Dynamic Duo.” Judy and Valerie have an undeniable chemistry that leaves an impression wherever they go. Individually, these two are strong, but together, they are a force! You really do have to meet them to understand their uniqueness; they bring such positive, high energy to the people they work with.
A native of Ohio, Judy has a BS in Marketing, and a strong background in sales and marketing. She found her love of Real Estate after relocating to Lakewood Ranch and realizing how challenging it can be to navigate a home purchase in a new environment. She strives to simplify the process of buying or selling a home for her clients, whether they are relocating from out of state, or making a local move.
Valerie is (almost) a Florida native, as her family moved here when she was just 3-years old! She grew up in the Sunshine State and can’t imagine living anywhere else! She has 22 years of experience in Business and Accounting, and has worked with all facets of Real Estate, including investors, new home buyers, relocation, short sales and REOS. She has extensive knowledge of the Southwest Florida market.
Together, Judy and Valerie have earned the prestigious “International Diamond Society” and “International President’s Circle” Awards for exceptional sales performance. They believe that their emphasis on customer service and the fact that they absolutely love working together with their clients is the key to their success. They are very involved in the community and served for 3 years as the Coldwell Banker CARES representatives, leading fundraisers for local charities.
Coldwell Banker Judy Heuerman, Realtor c: 941.356.5260 o: 941.907.1033 Valerie Esposito, Realtor c: 941.809.3541
TRACY AND ERICK JONES
The husband-wife duo are residents in Sarasota where they have just opened their own real estate school to teach and mentor the next generation of real estate agents on how to duplicate the successes they have experienced. Currently classes are off ered online but will add in person classes in the near future. You can learn more about their school, Shore Real Estate Academy at FloridaRealEstateClass.com
ELITE AGENTS
Tracy Jones is a Broker Associate licensed for over 18 years and closed over 1000 transactions. She has served in every capacity from Salesperson, Investor, Broker Associate, Licensed Instructor as well as Managing Broker. She holds the industry’s most prestigious awards and designations including RE/MAX’s Hall of Fame, Lifetime Achievement and The Best of Instagram for her marketing efforts. She has a passion for marketing and technology and has been invited to several national conferences to speak on property marketing and is also a contributing writer to articles for publications at Realtor.com, ApartmentTheraphy. com, Livability.com, Residential Specialist to name a few. Erick Jones is a US Army Veteran and former Sheriff Deputy with a heart for serving. With his experience in civil service, he has developed his problem-solving skills which serve their clients well in their real estate transactions. Erick is also a Broker Associate licensed since 2004, licensed real estate educator, and FAA licensed drone photographer/videographer.
RE/MAX Platinum Realty Shore Real Estate Academy Tracy Jones, c. 941.376.3405 Erick Jones, c. 941.402.3186 Broker Associates 941.realestate
Coldwell Banker Realty | Downtown Sarasota 100 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Fl 34236 941.232.4053 | Andree@YourSarasotaRealEstate.com YourSarasotaRealEstate.com
ANDREE HUFFINE
Not many of us get to say this—I love what I do. It is easy to be successful when you love what you do, and in my view, there is no better place to do this than the Sarasota area. I want to make every transaction fun and rewarding for my clients, and nothing brings more joy than a happy Buyer or Seller. At the same time, buying or selling a home is serious business and I approach every day and every client with a focus on innovation, customer service and in-depth market knowledge.
andree has lived in sarasota for over 30 years and has garnered a deep knowledge of the area. Eighteen years ago she elected to pursue her passion for real estate. Since then, Andree has consistently ranked among the area’s top producers, using her MBA in fi nance and her background in marketing and management as the foundation for her success. Clients benefi t from her extensive local knowledge, far-reaching connections and excellence in marketing. She has a keen understanding of how important it is to deliver outstanding customer service. Every client, from the fi rst-time homebuyer to the luxury homeowner receives her personal attention, 100% of the time.
Andree’s knowledge of the local market and community allows her to advocate for her clients and achieve the best possible outcome in every transaction. She understands the challenges and nuances that exist in every sale, the unique variables that defi ne every neighborhood, the true, intrinsic value of any given property and the underlying appeal of the Sarasota area. As a result, over 60 percent of her sales come from former clients and referrals. She believes Sarasota offers the best of Florida lifestyles and loves to showcase our area.
ACHIEVEMENTS – Luxury Property Specialist – Coldwell Banker International President’s Elite – Coldwell Banker International Presidents Circle – MBA in Finance
Own Your future.
Michael Saunders & Company 8325 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Lakewood Ranch FL 34202 c: 941.894.4001 | 941.737.3808 lauralawrence@michaelsaunders.com
TOP AGENTS
STUART AND LAURA LAWRENCE
“Stuart and Laura Lawrence are exceptional Realtors® and among our most trusted advisors. They are always courteous, honest and candid, and they listen.”— Ceal C.
2020 President’s Club 2019 Masters Award Recipients 2020 | 2019 Top Producers
Your Experience Matters. We get it. Whether you are selling, searching for your forever or secondary home, or looking for an investment property in one of the country’s most livable cities (Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota!) you need to count on your agent to be professional—get the deal done, take away the headache. It’s not just a transaction. It’s a relationship. We customize your experience, pivot quickly, creatively market and bring high energy to the deal. The Lawrence Team’s two principals are Stuart and Laura Lawrence. Stuart’s cornerstone of doing business are trust, integrity and communication. This focus, combined with his 30 plus years of sales experience, enables him to help you get top dollar for your home and help you fi nd a new home with ease. Laura’s two decades of experience with IMG Academy and other global brands in marketing and brand strategy set the stage for her real estate career. Clients have the utmost confi dence that their most important sales and purchases are being handled by a creative, diligent, passionate and competent professional. With years of experience living and working both in the UK, Europe and the U.S., Stuart and Laura are able to connect with people from diverse cultural backgrounds in their real estate practice. Stuart and Laura take the time to get to know their clients and their needs, and put their energy, enthusiasm and knowledge of the real estate industry to work for their buyers, sellers and investor clients in the Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota and Manatee county areas.
STUART AND LAURA form an exceptional, established and formidable team in Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota real estate. Teamed with the local market leader, Michael Saunders & Company, Stuart and Laura optimize award-winning marketing strategies, global connections and skilled negotiating. Together, they exceed expectations and provide an exceptional real estate experience.
