The Mira Mar on Palm Avenue dates from the boom of the 1920s, when a growing Sarasota realized it needed a new hotel. Chicago industrialist Andrew McAnsh was coaxed into building the Mira Mar (meaning “sea view,” because at that time Palm Avenue had one) and started construction on Oct. 6, 1922—almost exactly 100 years ago. With crews working 24 hours a day, apartments were ready for occupancy in January 1923, and the hotel followed shortly thereafter. Over time, the hotel declined and was demolished, but the façade, stretching along nearly a whole city block, remains. Recently, Sarasota’s Seaward Development proposed tearing down the structure and replacing it with condos and retail space. That plan was rejected by the city, meaning the building will stay intact—for now.