SARASOTA, Fla., Dec. 12, 2025 — Palm Tower at 1343 Main St. is proudly marking its 100th anniversary this year, celebrating a century as a vibrant commercial hub in the heart of downtown Sarasota.
Completed in 1925, Palm Tower has been both a witness to and an integral part of Sarasota’s remarkable transformation and growth. Most notably, for decades the seven-story Hotel Sarasota housed within the building served as the community’s social and cultural epicenter, hosting gatherings, events and notable figures.
Built by W.H. Pipkorn of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the hotel was considered Sarasota’s first “skyscraper.” Situated within walking distance of the city’s fishing pier and various amenities, it featured a spacious ground-floor lounge, an elegant lobby and a first-class dining room.
In 1944, the hotel made local headlines when sold to Leroy T. Fenne in a deal hailed as Sarasota’s highest-priced real estate transaction in nearly two decades, fetching more than $100,000.
Thirty years later, the building was converted into executive offices and renamed the Main Palm Plaza Building. Offices remain a central focus of the property to this day.
“Reaching our 100th anniversary is an incredible milestone that reflects not just this building’s endurance, but the very spirit of downtown Sarasota itself,” said Cary Hicks, owner of Palm Tower. “We’re honored to be part of this community’s past, present and future.”
The building’s decades-long journey also tells the story of Sarasota’s evolution. After operating as a hotel until 1971, local businessman Carl Shapiro saved the structure from demolition in 1974, transforming it into executive office space. Bon Eau Enterprises acquired the property in 2005, continuing ongoing preservation and modernization efforts. In 2016, current owner Cary Hicks—along with Mark and Natalia Levey—purchased Palm Tower and have steadily renovated it to meet the needs of today’s dynamic business community.
A Modern Workplace for the Next Century
Today, Palm Tower stands as one of downtown’s most unique multi-use office buildings, offering:
- Modern coworking spaces for freelancers and startups ( THE LABSRQ )
- Executive suites and traditional offices
- Virtual Office Mail Services
- A professional sound and podcast studio
- A premier location at the vibrant corner of Main Street and Palm Avenue.
“We’ve worked hard to blend the character and charm that make Palm Tower special with the amenities and functionality modern businesses need,” Hicks said. “Our goal is to create a space where innovation and community thrive.”
Perfectly Positioned in Downtown’s Heart
Located within walking distance of Sarasota Bay and the city’s cultural district, Palm Tower offers unparalleled convenience with nearby parking, coffee shops, restaurants and boutique shopping. Its central location continues to make it an ideal choice for businesses seeking both accessibility and atmosphere.
Celebrating a Century, Building the Future
As Palm Tower enters its second century, the building’s owners remain committed to providing a unique atmosphere for business growth and community connection in downtown Sarasota. The centennial celebration honors not just the building’s longevity, but its ongoing role in shaping the downtown experience.
“This isn’t just about looking back—it’s about celebrating how far we’ve come and looking forward to the next hundred years,” Hicks said. “Palm Tower has always been about bringing people together, and that mission is as relevant today as it was in 1925.”
To Contact Palm Tower Suites at 1343 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236: Please call 813-299-2047 or email us at .
SOURCE Palm Tower Suites