09/21/2026
On Friday, September 18, Architecture Sarasota brought together some 60 students and five faculty members from Florida Atlantic University’s School of Architecture with members of St. Paul Lutheran Church and the broader Sarasota community to explore a new future for the historic church campus.
The high-energy event marked an important milestone in Architecture Sarasota’s Modern Dwelling focus area, which explores how design can help address the region’s need for dignified, attainable housing while strengthening existing communities.
Students shared research, site analysis, and initial design concepts for reimagining the St. Paul campus. Their work explored how new housing and other community-serving activities could be thoughtfully integrated into the property while generating resources to preserve and adapt the campus’s landmark Victor Lundy-designed buildings.
Just as important as the students’ work was the opportunity for dialogue. Congregation members, neighbors, and community participants moved among the presentations, interacting directly with students, asking questions, sharing perspectives, and providing input as the ideas continue to develop.
The evening culminated in a lively wrap-up session, bringing students, faculty, and attendees together to share observations and reflect on the opportunities ahead.
More than an academic exercise, the work at St. Paul reflects Architecture Sarasota’s larger approach to applied research and demonstration projects that bring together design expertise, community knowledge, and education to test ideas in real places and address real-world challenges. St. Paul can demonstrate how new housing and community uses can support both neighborhood needs and the stewardship of significant architecture while generating lessons that can inform similar efforts throughout the Sarasota region.
Photos / Ryan Lester
