SARASOTA OPERA HOUSE RENOVATION

Project Description: A complete renovation has brought back the splendor of the 1926 A.B. Edwards Theatre building in downtown Sarasota, home to the Sarasota Opera. Willis A. Smith was the General Contractor for the project and Bennett Contracting performed the excavation for the enlarged orchestra pit inside the building. The excavation was more than 65 feet by 16 feet and far below the opera finished floor height, requiring detailed coordination with the GC, engineers and many other trades to successfully complete.

Time Frame: 11 months

“This was our first time working with Bennett Contracting and the excavation work required on this high-profile project was intense. Picture an open excavation, more than 16 feet below grade, inside a historic building that was built without much support or footers. The team at Bennett, (especially Jim and James Hunter) rose to the occasion, helping us work through some of the challenges presented under an extremely unforgiving deadline. We were impressed with Bennett’s team approach and appreciate what they did to help make the Opera’s orchestra pit a reality.”

David Otterness
Project Manager
Willis A. Smith Construction