SARASOTA – Marie Selby Botanical Gardens won initial approval of its $92 million renovation plans late Monday.
With a vote of 4-1 city commissioners gave the green light to several requests by Selby.
If approved again as expected on a second reading, it would authorize the gardens to begin the construction of a new 450-space parking garage with a 110-seat restaurant at orange avenue and mound street, along with a new welcome center.
President and CEO of the iconic gardens Jennifer Rominiecki says this legacy project will help adding to the growth of the City of Sarasota.
“It really is exhilarating to see the future of Selby Gardens take shape. This really is a legacy project that will stand for the generations to come,” said Rominiecki. “It will preserve Selby Garden’s important history to the City of Sarasota, and at the same time establish a sustainable future.”
Rominiecki says they’ve raised $35 million for the first phase of the project through fundraising. The gardens have a set goal of raising a total of $42.5 million before breaking ground sometime in the spring.
