OUR MISSION
Over the past century, Sarasota's bungalows have served as a reminder of old Sarasota's history and charm.
They have been a place where circus workers lived, entrepreneurs reimagined, community gathered, and memories were made.
It has become our mission to relocate and restore Sarasota's irreplaceable cottages to a permanent home, where they will never again face the fear of demolition.
THE "HISTORIC DOWNTOWN VILLAGE" REIMAGINED
For over 100 years, Sarasota's bungalows have been the heartbeat of our town. A place where circus members lived, entrepreneurs reimagined, community gathered, and memories were made.
In late March of 2026, it was announced that the 1920's bungalows at the "Historic Downtown Village" in Gillespie Park were set to be demolished to make way for 324 apartments. Fast forward eight months into the development process, an announcement was made stating the project has been postponed.
The future of the 1920's bungalows at the "Historic Downtown Village" is now currently unknown.
The Breakfast House, is one out of 14 bungalows currently nestled in the Historic Downtown Village. The restaurants owner, Wendylee Goldberg, has created a vision for a new "Sarasota Bungalow Village" that involves moving bungalows/cottages to a new location where they will be officially landmarked historic. This means they CAN NOT be destroyed.
This new village will be a destination for the community that preserves the charm of old Sarasota. It will not only save these buildings from demolition, but also perform as a supportive environment that empowers local entrepreneurs.
After announcing the idea to the Sarasota community back in May, she was encouraged with immense enthusiasm. And so, planning the new Sarasota Bungalow Village began.
Wendylee has since purchased a property at 128 N. Briggs Avenue in Sarasota that will serve as the stomping grounds for the new Sarasota Bungalow Village. The property comes with a 1956 home that will become The Breakfast House. The remaining land on the property will be used to hold the historic bungalows, which will be repurposed to house small businesses.
At this time, we plan on including The Breakfast House, Discover Sarasota Tours, a dinner restaurant, an ice cream shop/bakery, a thrift/retail storefront, a playground park, and a Circus Emporium. This emporium will be a miniature museum showcasing Sarasota's circus history.
We have been blessed with the gift of one cottage from a local who needs the structure removed from his property. This building is set to move in November of 2026. We are now on the search to rescue more bungalows/cottages and are fundraising to support these efforts.
The funds raised will help accomplish the relocation of these cottages and provide the necessary elements needed to build our village.
Moving an entire cottage is no small undertaking. It requires specialized equipment, professional movers, site preparation, utilities, restoration, and countless hours of planning and work.
Click below to learn about ways to support the Sarasota Bungalow Village.
Instead of becoming another demolished structure that exists only in old photographs,
these cottages can continue to have a purpose for generations to come.
We are aiming for the grand opening of The Breakfast House to be help sometime in the summer of 2026.
We are aiming for the grand opening of the Sarasota Bungalow Village to be held sometime in the fall of 2027.
We are beyond grateful for your support in our mission to save Sarasota's history.
OUR VISION
We envision a flourishing village of colorful small businesses that contribute to the rich cultural fabric of Sarasota. Our goal is to build a supportive environment that empowers local entrepreneurs, brings people together, and preserves a part of Sarasota's history.
OUR COMMUNITY
We believe in the power of community.
The Sarasota Bungalow Village will provide a central destination for locals and tourists alike. A special space where families can gather, old friends can reunite, couples can connect, and individuals can relax.
OUR HISTORY
The Sarasota Bungalow Village serves as a platform for the history of Sarasota to be celebrated. Sarasota's 1920's bungalows were used to house the Ringling circus workers. Coincidentally, the 1950's home that is located on our new property was owned by the Zacchini family, who invented the human cannonball.