Selby Gardens' Master Plan will protect vulnerable green space in the heart of Sarasota’s downtown. Because Selby Gardens was pieced together by purchasing individual parcels over many years, the property is currently still zoned for residential development and vulnerable to being broken apart and sold at any time. With the property valued at nearly $62 million and technically eligible for up to 368 new dwelling units, many worry that a future funding shortfall could result in selling parcels of our property to developers. 

We want to ensure that this never happens. Working in conjunction with City planners, Selby Gardens is requesting a zoning category that would limit development to the specifications in our application, which results in an intensity that is half that of the next lowest commercial district, which is intended for areas in or near residential neighborhoods. If the City Commission approves the Master Plan, we’ll be able to protect Selby Gardens as a botanical garden for generations to come.

Visit the Selby Gardens Master Plan Website