Downtown Sarasota is a mecca for historical architecture. One of these pieces of history is the DeMarcay Hotel on Palm Avenue. 
Built in 1922, the building features Mission Revival Style elements, including shaped parapets and ogee-arched windows. The site was also home to the Roth Cigar Factory, which was built at the same time as the DeMarcay. The Roth brothers produced cigars here during a time when the industry thrived in southwest Florida.
The DeMarcay, a luxuriously appointed residential condominium project, is currently being developed on the site by GK Development, Inc. The new building will preserve the historic façades of the hotel and cigar factory. The architectural style blends with the neighborhood fabric of Palm Avenue, while the interior of the building will showcase historical artifacts that date back to the structure’s past occupants.
We recently sat down with Marcie Blanco, founder and principal designer of Ma’am Design Collective, the interior designer behind The DeMarcay, to talk to her about the inspiration behind this project.
What was the vision for this project?
The vision for DeMarcay was to honor the style of the original structure while turning the interiors into a more modern space. The Mission Revival style of architecture has an inherent warmth that we want to capitalize on without making the spaces feel stodgy, old fashioned and dark. We want it to evoke a “fresh throwback”, appropriate for today but paying respect to the past.
What did you use for inspiration?
There are a lot of residential designers in California, where the Mission Revival and preceding Spanish Colonial styles were most prevalent, that have in my estimation perfected the modern renovation and design of these architectural styles. DISC Interiors and Amber Interiors come to mind.
What elements are you incorporating in the design?
Moorish inspired tiles, Terra-cotta inspired materials, wrought iron lighting and furniture all within a bright white or off-white envelope. We are going to try to incorporate actual architectural salvage from the original hotel where we can, which may come in the form of utilizing the former room doors.
Can you give us some more details regarding design elements?
We plan on utilizing tile rugs to help give a sense of arrival in certain locations. There will be thoughtfully selected decorative lighting to punctuate the design, as well as modern furniture in the lobby and function room with the occasional vintage or vintage-inspired piece.
The DeMarcay, scheduled to break ground this fall, will boast a resort-style rooftop pool with expansive waterfront views of the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. Ranging from 1,144 to 3,106 square feet, the floor plans will have the flexibility to combine units for larger square footage. A one-bedroom unit starts at $630,000.
For more information, call 941-404-8858 or visit TheDeMarcay.com.