Plans for the redevelopment of downtown Sarasota's Bayfront are making steady progress.  This area owned by the City of Sarasota and comprising former GWhiz, the Van Wezel, the Sarasota Orchestra and the large parking area will be have a new face, in keeping with the upscale nature of the surrounding downtown area.

The value of the parking area alone and next to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, which was originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is huge with its location directly on Sarasota Bay.   Plans for Sarasota Bayfront, as it is known, are to raise the base elevation several feet.  The intention is to provide amenities for the public with the goal of a healthier Sarasota Bay.