SAF Bus Tour + Talk:
Gene Leedy: Bus Tour to Winter Haven with Max Strang
Join SAF and Max Strang AIA as we travel to Winter Haven for a bus tour to enjoy the timeless designs of Gene Leedy. Max will detail the architecture and life of Gene Leedy FAIA as guests explore the interiors and view the exteriors of Leedy's works including Craney Spec House, Ellison House (recently featured in Dwell Magazine), Sands Residence, Winter Haven City Hall, Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce and Leedy Architectural Office.
Image of Gene Leedy Architectural Office
Gene Leedy (1928 - 2018), a founding father of the "Sarasota school" of architecture, chose to make Winter Haven his home in 1954 when commissioned that year to build the Sparrow House. It was his first work in the quiet Polk County town. Though the scope of his work is now globally recognized, Winter Haven boasts of more Gene Leedy buildings than any other location.
Gene's design philosophy resulted in a phenomenon of modern architecture, a unique collection created during a period of over fifty years.
Gene's innovative work with pre-stressed concrete and his development of Double T beams leave an enduring legacy relevant to the past and the future of architecture, both in residential and commercial structures.
Leedy's many awards are a succession of accolades to his steadfast convictions about his modern design philosophy. In 1988, Leedy was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Florida Association of Architects. With a lifetime still ahead of him, Gene's continued contributions to the field resulted in another career peak in 1992 when he was installed into the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects. Today, Leedy's work continues to transform the face of our community and the spaces beyond.
Max Strang is the Founding Principal and President of
[STRANG]. In 2016, he was elected to the prestigious College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and in 2013 he received the Silver Medal from the Miami Chapter of the AIA, the highest honor the organization can bestow. Strang is a graduate of the University of Florida, Columbia University and is an active member of the AIA. Prior to establishing his firm, he worked in the architecture offices of Gene Leedy, SHoP Architects and Zaha Hadid. Beginning this Fall 2017, Max will be participating as an adjunct professor at the University of Florida.
Bus Tour: SAF Member: $75; Public: $85
The tour departs from The Players Centre for Performing Arts
838 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
Please park on the west end of the lot, closest to Tamiami Trail.
Schedule (details subject to change)
8:30 AM - Check-in (The Players Centre for Performing Arts)
9:00 AM - Bus Departs
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM - Winter Haven Tour
1:00 PM - Lunch at The Fire Restaurant (limited menu: $15 per person; not included in ticket price)
2:00 - 3:00 PM - Winter Haven Tour
5:00 PM - Bus Returns to Sarasota (As a courtesy to The Players Centre for Performing Arts, please remove your car from the parking lot upon returning to Sarasota)
Complimentary snacks will be available on the bus.
Become a member of SAF today!
$35 Student; $50 Individual; $90 Family (2 people); $200 Corporate (5 people)
Visit SAF-SRQ.org/Membership
Questions? Contact Erika Cain:
