Inspired by European design and Andres Duany’s New Urbanist philosophy, the developers of Citrus Square in downtown Sarasota, Florida created a beautiful small-scale mixed-use community in the heart of downtown.

Boutique-style condominiums, 20 in all, are set above ground-level shops, restaurants, green space and an open plaza. The condos are upscale but of moderate size, ranging from 550 to 1,250 sq. ft. Prices range from $150,000 to $335,000.

The developers hope to appeal to those seeking an urban way of life. “We’re selling a lifestyle, where owners can walk outside, buy a cup of coffee and get their newspaper and be part of urban life,” said George Birkhold, one of the developers behind the project.

Mark Pierce, the other primary Citrus Square developer, travelled to Europe for inspiration, finding it in Italy and France, areas with similar weather and proximity to the water. There, he discovered that the typical building proportion, small-scale, tall and narrow made for a beautiful building that would fit nicely in Sarasota’s downtown.

The developers also spared no expense on the details. Designer, Chris Gallagher, of Jonathan Parks Architects wanted to create the “feel of a great urban building.” Storefronts are set right up to the sidewalk and architectural details designed with the pedestrian in mind. On a trip to Barcelona, Gallagher photographed hundreds of balconies, predominantly to mimic design for the underside of the balconies.

One retail space is still available and only three of the condos remain unsold.

For more information on the development visit citrussquare.com

This story first appeared in Sustainable Communities magazine -- to receive 6 issues of the magazine per year become a member of PSC today.