St Armands Real Estate
Posted by John Allen on Monday, May 11th, 2009 at 10:58am.
In 1917, John and Mable Ringling had a vision of making St. Armands real estate and the Circle a shopping and residential mecca when they purchased this mangrove key. Ringling constructed circular streets, a wooden bridge from the Sarasota mainland across Sarasota Bay from the land. Circus elephants were used to help in the construction of the streets and the bridge. The depression hit, and Ringling gifted the land to the City of Sarasota. The dream died for the Ringlings, but decades later, St. Armands got a second look from developers and present-day St. Armands was reborn.
Today St. Armands’ circular and palm lined streets remain as in Ringling’s vision. In the center of St. Armands is a circular park honoring circus stars showing off Sarasota’s rich circus heritage. The park is a popular spot for car shows, concerts and art events. Statues from Ringling’s collection are sprinkled through the shopping area of St. Armands Circle.
Adding to the allure of St. Armands are hundreds of galleries, specialty shops, spas, restaurants, cafes and ice cream parlors. Browsing on St. Armands Circle is a “must” for any visitor to Sarasota. This is the most “happening” spot!
St Armands Real estate showcases luxury St. Armands homes for sale surrounding the Circle and presents a beautiful backdrop for prestigious tropical estates and a few small “old” Florida style bungalows. Cascading fountains grace entrances to some palatial waterfront estates just off St. Armands Circle. Blooming bougainvillea drapes over walled properties providing privacy for many wealthy residents of St. Armands Key.
Two close-knit keys bordering St. Armands are Lido Key and Bird Key. Lido Key is a short walk from St. Armands and is home to one of Sarasota’s famous beaches. If you are considering St. Armands real estate, take a look at Lido Key real estate as well. Lido Key’s beachfront condos provide an alternative offering of maintenance-free beach living.
Bird Key homes are mostly built on water. This small enclave of homes is a boating community, and Bird Key residents have access to a world-class Yacht Club, as well as the close proximity to world-famous St. Armands Circle.
If you need more information on Lido Key, or Bird Key real estate or would like to search for Bird Key homes for sale, visit our main website or contact John Allen at 941-544-5467 for assistance.