Historic Burns Square entrance sign amid landscaped streets and downtown buildings.

Burns Court, Laurel Park & Towles Court

Burns Court, Laurel Park and Towles Court form a distinctive historic residential area immediately south of downtown Sarasota, known for walkability, mature streets, artistic character and unusually varied architecture. Historic cottages, Craftsman bungalows, Mediterranean Revival homes and small multifamily buildings share the neighborhood with renovated residences, townhomes and contemporary infill, all close to Main Street, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Payne Park, the bayfront and Sarasota’s cultural district.

Burns Court, Laurel Park & Towles Court

Historic Sarasota at Downtown’s Doorstep

Burns Court, Laurel Park and Towles Court occupy a particularly appealing position between Sarasota’s downtown core and its more traditional residential neighborhoods.

The setting changes noticeably as you move south from Main Street. Larger commercial buildings and downtown condominiums give way to smaller blocks, mature landscaping, front porches, gardens and a much more intimate streetscape. Yet the restaurants, theaters, galleries, shops and waterfront that define downtown Sarasota remain only minutes away.

Laurel Park provides the largest residential component. Its streets developed gradually over several decades rather than through one master plan, leaving behind an unusually broad range of architecture. Early cottages and Craftsman bungalows sit beside Mediterranean and Spanish-influenced homes, postwar residences, small apartment buildings and newer contemporary construction. The Laurel Park Historic District recognizes an important portion of this architectural and neighborhood history.

That diversity remains one of the area's defining characteristics. There is no standard Laurel Park home. Some properties are compact cottages with traditional porches and mature gardens. Others have been carefully restored or extensively renovated, while newer residences introduce larger windows, open interiors, pools, garages and contemporary indoor-outdoor living.

Burns Court creates a different experience along the neighborhood's downtown edge. Its historic core dates to the 1920s, when Sarasota developer Owen Burns worked with architect Thomas Reed Martin on a distinctive collection of Mediterranean Revival bungalows arranged around a compact lane. The scale remains unusually intimate for such a central location.

Today, the surrounding Burns Court area combines historic architecture with restaurants, galleries, boutiques, offices and residential properties. Instead of functioning as a conventional commercial district, it feels more like a small collection of streets where residential and urban life overlap.

Towles Court adds another layer to the area's identity. Beginning in the 1990s, a cluster of historic cottages became associated with Sarasota's working artists and creative community. Studios, galleries, tropical gardens and porches remain part of its character today, giving this small enclave a personality quite different from the surrounding downtown blocks.

Together, these three areas create a neighborhood experience that is difficult to classify simply as "downtown." Residents may live in a detached home, bungalow, townhouse or low-rise condominium while still being able to walk or bike into the city's commercial and cultural center.

The location also extends beyond Main Street. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens sits nearby along Sarasota Bay, Payne Park provides a large recreational green space to the east, and the Sarasota Art Museum and surrounding cultural destinations are close at hand. The bayfront, Marina Jack, Burns Court Cinema area, restaurants and galleries are similarly accessible.

For buyers who prefer a smaller-scale urban environment, this combination can be especially appealing. Instead of trading a yard, porch or private entrance for downtown convenience, the neighborhood often allows buyers to have both.

3

Distinct, closely related areas

1924

Burns Court enclave begins

1990s

Towles Court artist community

NRHP

Laurel Park Historic District

None

Mandatory neighborhood-wide HOA

Why Buyers Love Burns Court, Laurel Park & Towles Court

Neighborhood character, downtown proximity.

The greatest appeal is the combination of neighborhood character and downtown proximity.

Sarasota offers many ways to live near downtown, but relatively few provide this much architectural variety at such a residential scale. Here, buyers may find a historic bungalow beneath mature trees, a renovated cottage with a private courtyard, a newer contemporary home, or a townhome that functions almost like a single-family residence.

That variety makes the area feel organic rather than planned.

Walkability is equally important. Living here can mean walking to dinner in Burns Court, heading north toward Main Street, biking to the bayfront, spending an afternoon at Selby Gardens or Payne Park, or visiting a gallery or performance without making downtown feel like a separate destination.

The neighborhood also appeals to buyers who value individuality. Lots, homes, landscaping and architectural styles change noticeably from street to street. Even neighboring properties may have very different histories and layouts.

And unlike a conventional downtown condominium lifestyle, many properties offer private outdoor space. Porches, fenced gardens, courtyards, pools, balconies and detached structures can create a much more residential experience while preserving access to the city.

Burns CourtMain StreetSelby GardensPayne Park

The Story Behind Burns Court, Laurel Park & Towles Court

Three chapters of Sarasota’s growth.

The story of the area reflects Sarasota’s growth across several different periods.

Laurel Park developed incrementally during the early and middle decades of the 20th century. Because it was not created through one uniform building program, different architectural periods remain visible throughout the neighborhood. Craftsman bungalows, revival-style architecture, cottages and later residences collectively tell the story of Sarasota expanding south from its early downtown.

1924–1925

Burns Court

Burns Court has a more concentrated origin. In 1924 and 1925, developer Owen Burns worked with architect Thomas Reed Martin to create a small Mediterranean Revival residential enclave arranged around a distinctive lane. Its compact arrangement, stucco architecture and intimate scale remain recognizable today.

Mid-1990s

Towles Court

Towles Court represents a later adaptation of Sarasota’s historic fabric. During the mid-1990s, its cottages and small buildings became associated with working artists and studios, giving the area a creative identity that continues to distinguish it.

Over time, renovation and infill construction have added new layers without completely erasing the old ones. Contemporary homes and townhomes now share streets with cottages and bungalows that may be close to a century old. That coexistence is ultimately what makes this part of Sarasota distinctive: Laurel Park provides the residential fabric, Burns Court connects it with downtown, and Towles Court adds an artistic dimension found almost nowhere else in the city.

Homes & Amenities

A broader range of housing than the compact geography suggests.

Burns Court, Laurel Park and Towles Court offer a much broader range of housing than their compact geography might suggest.

Largest Concentration

Single-Family Homes

Historic Character

Cottages & Bungalows

Urban Fabric

Duplexes & Small Multifamily

Another Option

Townhomes & Condominiums

Home Type	Where You’ll Find It	Character	Typical Features
Historic cottages & bungalows	Laurel Park	Intimate footprints in the scale of early Sarasota	Front porches, established gardens
Renovated older homes	Laurel Park	Original exterior character preserved	Opened interiors, modern kitchens and baths, expanded residences
Contemporary construction	Laurel Park	Larger and more contemporary	Pools, covered outdoor living, garages, expansive glazing, open interiors
Mediterranean Revival bungalows	Burns Court	1920s enclave arranged around a compact lane	Stucco architecture, intimate scale
Cottages & small buildings	Towles Court	Working artist enclave	Studios, galleries, tropical gardens, porches
Duplexes & small apartment buildings	Throughout Laurel Park and toward downtown	More varied than a conventional single-family subdivision	Low-rise residential structures
Townhomes & condominiums	Throughout the broader area	Arrangements vary by building	Burns Court Villas: gated, courtyards, balconies, elevators, fireplaces, secure parking, storage, heated pool and spa

Burns Court Villas, for example, is a gated collection of two- and three-story residences developed in the mid-2000s near Oak Street and Selby Lane, with a landscaped interior setting that creates a more traditional condominium amenity experience within the larger historic neighborhood. Other residential properties may offer very different arrangements, which makes building-specific research important.

Outdoor space is property-specific. Buyers may find:

Older homes often reflect the scale of early Sarasota neighborhoods, with relatively intimate footprints, front porches and established gardens. Newer homes tend to be larger and more contemporary.

Traditional front porches

Fenced gardens

Private courtyards

Pools and spas

Balconies

Detached garages & carports

Guest accommodations

Outdoor entertaining areas

The neighborhood’s broader amenity package

There is no neighborhood-wide recreation center or private club. Instead, much of the lifestyle comes from what surrounds the neighborhood.

Payne Park trails, lawns and recreation

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Downtown restaurants and shopping

Galleries and theaters

Sarasota Art Museum

The bayfront and Marina Jack

Lifestyle Policies

What to know before you buy.

Pets	No neighborhood-wide restriction; individual condominium or townhome associations may establish their own policies.
Leasing	Varies by property, association documents and applicable City of Sarasota regulations.
Occupancy	Primarily residential; permitted uses may vary by zoning and property.
Parking	Property-specific and may include garages, private driveways, assigned spaces or street parking.
Storage	Property-specific; some condominium and townhome communities provide separate storage.
Renovations or Construction	Subject to applicable City permitting, zoning and any historic-review requirements.
Exterior Changes	Requirements depend on the specific property, historic status and any applicable association.
Association Approval	No mandatory neighborhood-wide HOA; condominium and townhome communities may have separate approval procedures.

Association rules, fees, services, pet policies, leasing restrictions, construction procedures, and amenity operations may change. Buyers should verify all current information directly with the Association and any applicable governmental authority.

Individual associations within the neighborhood can have materially different rules. Burns Court Villas, for example, permits up to two pets for owners and generally limits leasing to two leases per year with a six-month minimum, subject to association approval. Buyers should therefore evaluate restrictions at the property or community level rather than assume one set of rules applies throughout the neighborhood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything buyers ask us first.

Where are Burns Court, Laurel Park and Towles Court?

They are located immediately south of downtown Sarasota. Laurel Park forms the larger residential neighborhood, Burns Court occupies the area closest to downtown, and Towles Court is a smaller arts enclave within the broader neighborhood setting.

Are they all the same neighborhood?

No. They are separate but closely related areas that share a similar location, historic character and pedestrian connection to downtown Sarasota.

What types of homes are available?

The area includes historic cottages, Craftsman bungalows, Mediterranean and Spanish-influenced homes, mid-century residences, renovated older homes, contemporary infill construction, duplexes and small multifamily properties, townhomes, and condominiums.

Is Laurel Park a historic district?

Yes. A significant portion of Laurel Park is included within the Laurel Park Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

What is Burns Court known for?

Burns Court is known for its compact historic streets, Mediterranean Revival architecture and mix of residences, restaurants, galleries and independent businesses. Its best-known historic enclave dates to the 1920s and is associated with developer Owen Burns and architect Thomas Reed Martin.

What is Towles Court?

Towles Court is a small historic enclave known for artist studios and creative spaces located within converted cottages and other small buildings. Its association with Sarasota's working artist community began in the 1990s.

Is the neighborhood walkable?

Yes. Downtown restaurants, galleries, theaters, shops and the Sarasota Farmers Market are nearby, while Payne Park, Selby Gardens and the bayfront are also easily accessible.

Is there a homeowners association?

There is no mandatory homeowners association governing the entire neighborhood. The Laurel Park Neighborhood Association is voluntary. Individual condominium or townhome communities may have their own mandatory associations.

Are there condominiums and townhomes?

Yes. Although much of Laurel Park consists of single-family homes, buyers can also find townhouses, condominiums and smaller multifamily properties throughout the broader area.

Are rentals permitted?

It depends on the property. City of Sarasota regulations, zoning and any applicable condominium or association documents may affect rental use.

Can historic homes be renovated?

Generally yes, although permitting, zoning and historic-review requirements may apply depending on the property and scope of work. Buyers considering substantial alterations, demolition, additions or redevelopment should investigate applicable requirements before relying on a proposed plan.

Is parking included?

Parking varies considerably. Some homes have driveways, garages or carports. Townhomes and condominiums may provide assigned or deeded parking, while street parking is available in portions of the neighborhood.

Is Marie Selby Botanical Gardens nearby?

Yes. Selby Gardens is just west of Laurel Park along Sarasota Bay and can be reached within minutes from most of the neighborhood.

Is Payne Park nearby?

Yes. Payne Park sits along the eastern side of the broader neighborhood area and provides extensive green space and recreation.

How close is downtown Sarasota?

Downtown begins immediately to the north. Main Street, Burns Court restaurants, the Sarasota Farmers Market, galleries, theaters and the bayfront are all nearby.

Does the neighborhood have an official website?

Yes. The Laurel Park Neighborhood Association is at laurelparksarasota.org. Towles Court also maintains information about its artist community at towlescourt.com.

While we make every effort to keep our Community Guides current, governing documents, Association rules, assessments, management arrangements, leasing restrictions, pet policies, construction procedures, zoning, historic-review requirements and municipal regulations may change over time. Because Burns Court, Laurel Park and Towles Court contain many individually governed properties rather than one master association, buyers and sellers should verify information applicable to the specific property with the appropriate association, municipality and other authorities during their due-diligence period.

Buying in Burns Court, Laurel Park & Towles Court

Find your home.

Every Burns Court, Laurel Park and Towles Court property offers a different ownership experience.

Architecture is only the beginning. Buyers should also compare lot size, renovation history, building systems, parking, outdoor space, historic status, zoning and future improvement potential.

For an older home, understanding what has been preserved and what has been modernized can be particularly important. A beautifully renovated bungalow may offer a completely different ownership experience from an original cottage requiring substantial updates.

New construction raises different questions, including lot coverage, privacy, garage configuration and how the property relates to neighboring homes.

Location within the area matters too. Some buyers prefer Laurel Park's quieter interior streets. Others want immediate proximity to the restaurants and businesses of Burns Court, while Towles Court may appeal to those drawn to its artistic character.

With more than four decades of local experience, Pettingell Professionals helps buyers understand those property-specific differences and evaluate each opportunity within the broader Sarasota market.

Selling Your Burns Court, Laurel Park & Towles Court Home

Tell your home's story.

Today’s luxury buyers begin their search long before they schedule a showing. They compare communities, study neighborhood maps, evaluate locations, and look for reliable information about the details that affect ownership.

That’s why we’ve created one of Sarasota’s most comprehensive luxury condominium and residential community guides.

Our goal is simple. When someone searches for Burns Court, Laurel Park or Towles Court, we want them to find the most accurate, informative, and complete resource available. More importantly, we want your home to be part of that discovery.

For sellers, this matters because homes in these neighborhoods are rarely interchangeable. A property may stand apart because of historic architecture, a thoughtful renovation, a distinctive lot, mature landscaping, a pool, guest accommodations, off-street parking or an especially walkable location.

Presenting those distinctions clearly helps buyers understand not simply what the property offers, but why it is different from the alternatives around it.

Combined with exceptional photography, aerial imagery when appropriate, cinematic video, strategic digital marketing, and more than four decades of experience representing Sarasota and Longboat Key’s finest properties, we position your home where today’s luxury buyers begin their search.

The Pettingell Community Guides

Exceptional real estate decisions begin with exceptional information.

The Pettingell Community Guides were created to provide buyers and sellers with accurate, objective, and thoughtfully researched information about Sarasota and Longboat Key’s most exceptional condominium communities, residential neighborhoods, and waterfront enclaves. Every guide is independently researched, regularly updated, and written to help you understand not only the facts about a community, but also the history, lifestyle, architecture, and details that make it unique.

Rather than relying on marketing language or generic descriptions, our goal is to create the most complete and trustworthy resource available for each community we cover. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply exploring Sarasota’s luxury real estate market, we hope these guides help you make more informed decisions and discover the communities that best fit your lifestyle.