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old and new stand side by side. "When you build to look like the past, you delete the present and the future," Epstein explains. "It seems as though someone wrote this set of design guidelines to attract tourists or something. I think we're not holding the typical Sarasota tourist in high regard if we think they want this specific lamppost or brick-paved road. They are more sophisticated than that." Sam Holladay, President of Seibert Architects, expounds upon what these disciples of the famed Sarasota School of Architecture believe. "Just because there is a tile roof doesn't mean a house is Mediterranean. We hope for more contemporary styles, like our projects. Modern architecture is an expression of planes, creating a visual extension of the inside out by capturing spatial qualities, correct proportions and a connection to the outdoors using lots of glass, natural light, extending wall planes and floating roofs. An awful lot of architecture is just a box with a hole, without sculptural qualities." Specifically, that means much more than what downtown embodies now. For instance, the introduction of lofts would cater to the younger demographic entering the area. "This is a progressive town with progressive people who have a definitive creative spirit," says Seibert architect Dale Parks. "If everyone wants it to change, it will. We're all excited to see the expansion downtown, but the design is stuck in a failsafe vacuum that lacks creativity."

Versus the qualms with specific design aspects in favor of a delineated modern style, architect Mark Smith, President-Elect of Florida AIA, has different thoughts on the road of growth. "The skyline has obviously changed dramatically over the last ten years, and I think it's great. The additional condos have brought life downtown that's making these new businesses thrive. Whether the aesthetics of the rising buildings are appealing or not, that's another story." Working mostly on Siesta Key residential, Smith has seen a great trend in remodeling, as much for lack of land as positive consequences on tax forms. The rise in juxtaposed old and new homes arises from property value increases. "If a quaint neighborhood has lofty property values and the residents can spend the money, they will maximize the lot area. For Siesta Key, much of the renovations require raising houses as well, due to flood elevations. You might have a 60's bungalow next door to a monstrous house." Though partial to the growth, Smith is also realistic.

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