Public Notice – Request for Architectural Services
Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC)
Sarasota, Florida
Established in 2019 with a mission to preserve, celebrate, and share the cultural, artistic, and historical heritage of African Americans in Sarasota and beyond, the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC) is soliciting qualifications and proposals from licensed, experienced architectural firms for the design of a new African American Culture, History, and Art Center in Sarasota, Florida. The planned facility will be approximately 10,000 square feet and is envisioned as a vibrant cultural destination celebrating African American contributions to Sarasota and beyond.
The project will include:
• Two primary exhibit galleries for permanent collections
• Changing exhibit gallery for traveling and rotating exhibitions
• Multipurpose event space accommodating up to 200 persons
• Two multipurpose classrooms for education and community programming
• Administrative offices
• Gift shop and visitor retail area
• Spacious lobby and welcoming public entry experience
• Entry courtyard
• Art garden for sculpture / interpretive installations and events
• Solar-shaded roof terrace suitable for gatherings and programs
SAACC seeks an architectural partner with demonstrated expertise in historic preservation museum design, cultural facilities, community-centered spaces, and sustainable design strategies, including solar integration and resilient construction appropriate for Southwest Florida.
Improvements/amenities still needed are: Fire alarm upgrades, Fire suppression system, Hurricane shutters, and a Pergola. All work at the Reid house must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s standards for historic preservation.
Interested firms should submit a letter of interest to Vickie Oldham at vickieoldham@gmail.com AND Lauren David at laurenashtondavid@gmail.com not later than Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The letter of interest should include a summary of relevant experience and key personnel qualifications.
Submission requirements may be obtained here: SAACC Center RFP for architectural services 02.25.2026
RFP Timeline
Release of RFP: 02.25.2026
Deadline for Letter of Interest: 03.04.2026
Deadline for Questions: 03.09.2026
Responses to Questions: 03.13.2026
Proposal Submission Deadline: 03.20.2026
Notification of Award: 03.27.2026
Should SAACC elect to interview one or more submitting firms prior to making a final selection, SAACC will make notification on or before 03.27.2026
Selection of Designer:
The Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition looks forward to partnering with a design team that honors the past, serves the present, and inspires the future of the Sarasota community.