Nokomis Florida - Beach Pavilion

In 1954, the Sarasota school of architecture was in its hey day, and 32-year-old Jack West was among its cadre of young practitioners.

One of his choice assignments was the Nokomis Beach Plaza, the first such project undertaken by Sarasota County. Its thin planes and slender supporting posts were the epitome of the International Style as interpreted on Florida's Gulf Coast. The open, airy design allowed unencumbered views of the beach and the water just a few steps away.

Of course, nothing deteriorates a structure quite like salt water, so over the years the building fell into decay. By the late 1990s, it was in such bad shape that it was closed.

But now it has reopened, after a $1.3 million rehabilitation project that was the brainchild of former Sarasota County History Center general manager Dave Baber.

And Jack West, now 86, was again the architect of record for the six-year rehab project. He was the man of the hour Friday evening as several hundred citizens, and a number of politicians and county leaders, gathered to celebrate the reopening. They gave West a standing ovation when he was introduced by John McCarthy, general manager of Sarasota County Parks and Recreation.

The structure, restored by Howell Construction, looks as good as ever, but there is one important difference in the site. You can't see the Gulf from the pavilions anymore, as sand dunes now obstruct the view. But they do serve as a measure of protection from high surf.

Nokomis Beach Pavilion reopens in front of big crowd