National Register Estate, including Colonial Revival Home, Carrige House and three cottages, Pool, and Dock
Osprey, fl
Bay Preserve at Osprey was and estate which was repurposed to a center for the environment, arts, education and recreation. The total project cost was over twelve million dollars. There seven structures on the property. I over saw the acquisition, funding, design, reconstruction, furnishing and landscaping of an1930’s Colonial Revival Estate in Osprey, FL. The largest structure is a colonial revival home, which was repurposed into an environmental education center and foundation offices. ADA requirements, security, and modernization were key concerns for this property. Additionally there is a carriage house on the property, which was converted into an artist in residence and exhibition space, a pool and pool house that became a band stand, two historic homes that were converted to offices and a caretaker house and public restrooms.
This project was the first Florida Communities Trust Project funded by the State of Florida to a nonprofit organization. The Conservation Foundation received the largest grant possible 6.6 million.
The original property was purchased in 1929 by Dr. Waters Field Burrows, a retired surgeon from New York City and his wife Elsa Scherer Burrows. The Burrow’s were responsible for the neo-classical design of the main house, the first floor of the carriage house, the boathouse and grounds. A main house and carriage house were constructed from brick and steel to withstand weather and fire. The property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Richard and Cornelia Matson purchased the property in 1985. Recognizing that selling the property would certainly threaten the historical integrity of the six structures and surrounding grounds, the Matson’s explored other options. I as founder and president of the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, formerly Sarasota Conservation Foundation, undertook an ambitious acquisition, program development, capital campaign to purchase, restore, conserve and endow this breathtaking slice of “Old Florida”. In May of 2006 the Foundation purchased the property with the help of a $6.6 million Florida Forever grant from Florida Communities Trust.
Bay Preserve at Osprey is a testament to the power of partnership between a private nonprofit organization, a generous landowner and public entities. The Burrows-Matson House was designated a historic landmark in 2008 and opened to the public in November of 2009.
A generous grant from the Floyd C. and Flo Singer Johnson Foundation was used to renovate and repurpose the carriage house to create an Artist in Residence program. Flo Singer-Johnson was an accomplished visual artist. The need for creative people to have both the time and place to be inspired by the environment is what attracted her to Bay Preserve at Osprey. Her hope was that artists will be moved to create by the extraordinary natural surroundings. And their work will in turn kindle a desire among those who experience that art to help protect our fragile coast.
Bay Preserve is a place for reflection but it is also a public park bustling with youth rowers, educational programming and outdoor activities. Visitors can hike a nature trail, climb up to a wildlife-viewing platform on Little Sarasota Bay and see performances at the outdoor pavilion. The museum for the environment produces frequent art and educational exhibits.
