Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation bestows 2026 Heritage Awards on Edson Keith Farmhouse and Terrace Building projects
Sarasota County Government has won 2026 Heritage Awards for its commitment to historic preservation of two structures, county staff announced this week.
The Edson Keith Farmhouse within Phillippi Estate Park on South Tamiami Trail in Sarasota and the Sarasota County Terrace Building in downtown Sarasota “were honored by the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation for excellence in preserving the county’s historic places,” a news release explains.
“Established in 2017, the Heritage Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in historic preservation,” the release notes.
On its website, the Alliance explains of the awards, “Besides honoring those who have devoted themselves to maintaining the integrity of our region’s remaining architectural, archaeological, and historical assets, and educating the public about their importance, the Heritage Awards aim to raise the level of public support for government and citizen-based efforts to preserve our common past so future generations may learn from it.”
The initiative involving what is formally called the Phillippi Estate (Edson Keith) Farmhouse was honored in the category of Historic Structure Adaptive Reuse and Organizational Achievement, the county release says. That award highlighted the public-private partnership among the Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department, the Friends of Sarasota County Parks and Fred and Grace Whitehouse, the release adds.
The restored historic farmhouse preserves an important part of Sarasota County’s early history, the release continues. The project’s completion was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in April 2025, the release notes. The members of the Alliance’s awards panel “praised the project as a model collaboration” among county staff, preservation professionals and community partners.
To learn more about that undertaking, visit the project website.
The Sarasota County Terrace Building received its 2026 Heritage Award in the category of Skilled Trades and Craftsmen, the county news release explains. “The award recognized the repair and restoration work of the historic elements on the exterior of the building. County preservation staff partnered with Hall Darling Design Studio to restore the building’s exterior,” the release points out.
The members of the awards panel “highlighted the exceptional quality of traditional craftsmanship demonstrated in the exterior restoration,” the release notes.
“These awards highlight Sarasota County’s long-standing commitment to preserving places that tell our community’s story,” said County Administrator Jonathan in the release. “Through strong partnerships, these historic buildings will remain part of our community for years to come.”