VENICE – A historic apartment building on the island of Venice that seemed destined for the wrecking ball is instead headed on a course toward renovation and revival.
When completed, “the building should look like it did in 1926,” said Ernest Ritz, owner of Ritz Construction Corp. in Sarasota — whom the owner hired to perform the extensive makeover.
The Rose Hill East Apartments, 504 Armada Road South, is one of several residential buildings in a historic district within walking distance of downtown. The renowned town planner John Nolen specifically designated the area for apartments that could be rented by the city’s working population — a crucial component of his vision to make Venice a diverse, walkable town.