FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Architecture in Motion: Nathan Benderson Park’s New Complex Design Earns AIA Florida Citation Award

Rowing inspired sports complex recognized by international jury for advancing athletic performance, sports tourism, and design excellence

Sarasota, Fla. – The design for a new Sports Complex and Boathouse Expansion at Nathan Benderson Park has received a 2026 AIA Florida Citation Award for Unbuilt Design, recognizing the project’s innovative facility designed to elevate athlete performance, expand community recreation opportunities, support international and national competition, and strengthen Sarasota’s position as a premier sports destination.

The award was selected by an international jury based in Salvador, Brazil, as part of the 2026 AIA Florida Design Awards program. This year’s competition attracted the highest number of submissions in the program’s history, with project evaluated using the AIA Framework for Design Excellence.

Designed by WJArchitects, the proposed Sports Complex and Boathouse Expansion builds upon Nathan Benderson Park’s reputation as one of the nation’s leading rowing and sports venues. The project is designed to significantly expand athletic, recreational and community programming while increasing the park’s ability to attract regional, national, and international tournaments, training programs, and competitive events.

“This recognition reflects the power of design to support athletic performance while creating destinations that inspire athletes, visitors and the broader community,” said Jason Jensen, President of WJArchitects. “Nathan Benderson Park established itself as a nationally recognized sports venue. This vision builds that success by creating facilities that support competition at the highest levels whiles strengthening Sarasota’s position as a leader in sports and recreation.”

At more than 237,000 sf, the proposed two-level Sports Complex is designed to accommodate a wide range of competitive, recreational and community programming. Eight full-size basketball courts, multiple volleyball courts, athlete training and recovery areas, community meeting and volunteer space, tutoring classrooms, event operations facilities, and flexible gathering spaces provide the infrastructure to host major tournaments, year-round athletic programming and community events.

The project also includes a significant expansion of the park’s existing boathouse, reinforcing Nathan Benderson Park’s role as an internationally recognized rowing destination and future hub for the U.S. Rowing National Teams. Planned improvements include expanded boat storage, enhanced athlete amenities, locker facilities, and direct access to the water which increases the park’s capacity to host major regattas and support elite rowing programs.

What distinguishes the project is its architectural inspiration. The design emerged from a detailed study of rowing motion, rhythm, and line, a sequence that defines the sport. These principles informed the building’s form, organization, and relationship to the surrounding landscape, creating an architecture that reflects both the precision of athletic performance and the character of the waterfront setting.

Key elements of the award-winning design include:

• A 237,730 sf sports complex designed to support regional and national tournaments, training programs, and year-round utilization.
• Expanded rowing and paddling facilities that strengthen Nathan Benderson Park’s position as a world-class rowing venue.
• Athlete-centered spaces focused on training, recovery, team support, and performance enhancement.
• Rowing inspired architecture that translates movement and athletic rhythm into a distinctive design identity.
• Strategic building orientation and massing frames views of the water and connect athletes and visitors to the surrounding landscape.
• Inspired by the park’s iconic finish tower, the building is intentionally oriented to direct views and movement toward the finish line, establishing a visual connection between the Sports Complex, Mote Science Education Aquarium, and the Finish Tower as recognizable landmarks within Sarasota’s evolving skyline.

“The design celebrates movement,” said Jamison Sweat, Director of Design at WJArchitects. “Rather than simply creating a building to house sports, we looked to the sport itself as inspiration. The result is a facility that reflects the energy, rhythm, and discipline of athletic performance while creating a memorable destination for competitors and spectators alike.”

Recipients will be honored during the 2026 AIA Florida Design and Honor Awards presentation on July 18^th as part of the AIA Florida Annual Convention and Trade Show in Kissimmee, Florida.

The Citation Award recognizes the project’s contribution to contemporary sports and recreation design and highlights the role architecture plays in supporting performance, wellness, economic development, and community engagement. As Nathan Benderson Park continues to attract athletes and events from around the world, the award-winning design positions the park for its next chapter as one of the nation’s premier destinations for sport and recreation.

“This award is a reflection of the exceptional team helping bring this vision to life," said Bruce Patneaude, Chief Operating Officer of Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy. "We're fortunate to be working alongside outstanding partners, including WJArchitects, Sarasota County, and Benderson Development, who share our commitment to excellence and community impact. Their expertise and collaboration have helped shape a project that will not only elevate athletic competition and recreation, but also create lasting opportunities and benefits for our community.”

About WJArchitects

Founded in 1992 and headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, WJArchitects is an interdisciplinary architecture, planning, and interiors firm dedicated to creating thoughtful, community-centered environments that enrich daily life. With five offices throughout Florida, more than 2,500 completed projects, and a nationally recognized portfolio of civic, educational, and community-focused work, the firm partners with municipalities, educational institutions, and private organizations to deliver innovative solutions that strengthen communities through design. Guided by the philosophy of "Inspired Design for All," WJArchitects creates places that serve people, foster connection, and create lasting value.

About Nathan Benderson Park

Nathan Benderson Park is a world-class community asset and international rowing venue located in Sarasota County, Florida. The park hosts regional, national, and international competitions while providing recreational, educational, and wellness opportunities for residents and visitors. Through ongoing investment and innovation, Nathan Benderson Park continues to strengthen its role as a premier destination for sports, recreation, and community engagement.