The Historic Properties
at Vamo Park
The Vamo Lodge is one of the oldest remaining structures in Sarasota county. Built around 1900 it is contemporary with the Guptill House at Historic Spanish Point, the Tatum House at Crowley Museum and Nature Center, and the Luke Wood House at Pioneer Park. In 1900 Sarasota had not yet been separated from Manatee County. The area around the bay was homesteaded by farmers and fishermen and what is now known as Vamo was part of an early community called Bayonne.
Public Acquisition
In 2018, the Lodge, together with an adjacent 1925 Mediterranean Revival Style home and the land associated, was purchased by Sarasota County in order to preserve the natural and historical resources on the site and expand public access to the waterfront.
Above: The c. 1900 Vamo Lodge at the time of the County's acquisition in 2018.
Above: The 1924 Mediterranean Revival at the time of the County's acquisition in 2018.
Above: In February of 2020, SAHP hosted a virtual Charrette (a preservation workshop bringing together a wide variety of professionals, community members and County staff) with the goal of identifying sensitive future uses for the structures along with strategies for funding. SAHP Board member, Tony Souza created these beautiful renderings for the cover of our Charrette Report.
Vamo's history is worth preserving.
The surviving Mediterranean Revival structures along Vamo Drive continue to captivate residents and visitors with their now mature oaks, stately stucco, and wide green lots. The work of Wren and Gibson was designed to stand the test of time, grow with expanding families, and complement the natural beauty of the Bay.