St. Paul Lutheran Church
& Early Childhood Learning Center
2022-2025 Education Building Renovation
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The goal back in 2022, was to raise $665,425 to preserve the Christian Education Building designed by the internationally known architect, Victor Lundy, and to further St. Paul’s mission of outreach, while housing the Early Childhood Learning Center which serves many working families in Sarasota.
Early in the campaign, the State of Florida awarded St. Paul a historic structure grant of $209,750 leaving the balance of $445,675 to be raised by the members and other sources. Beginning in early 2023, fundraising dinners, unique activities, architectural gatherings, mailings and regular congregational announcements occurred. The good Lord used all these efforts to touch the hearts of so many donors and to successfully raise the funds and exceed the original goal, as the cost of the project increased.
As of Nov. 11, 2025, the campaign has raised $774,754.18. This includes all gifts, grants and pledges of one to three years. As the campaign officially concludes Dec. 31, 2025, every gift and completed pledge will assure what the good Lord chose St. Paul to do for the future of our mission for years to come. So, in this final note, sincere thanks and God bless everyone who heard and responded to “Raise the Roof! Raise the Kids”; the call to service and witness.
Thank you to all who contributed. Let us offer prayers for His guidance, motivation, and all that has been accomplished.
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Donations for maintaining these historical buildings are appreciated!
When asked if the teachers, students, and families would like a new building rather than renovating the current one, the resounding answer was No!
Valued Community Asset From its inception, the St. Paul Early Childhood Learning Center’s Peaceable Kingdom was designed for families to be able to afford daycare that included education for their children. It’s a place that prepares children of all backgrounds for elementary school and life. Congregation funded scholarships help close the opportunity gap for children in Sarasota who need it the most and set them on a path to success.
Cost Estimate: $665,425
The State of Florida awarded a $209,750 historical structures Special Categories grant in 2022. The $140,000 cost of the two glulam beams is the biggest expense of the project. Without the glulam beams, Lundy’s architectural legacy is lost.
Roof covering $136,160 Roof decking $109,208 Glulam roof beams $140,178 Masonry walls $ 40,625 Glazing $101,850 Miscellaneous $137,404 Cost estimate $665,425 State of Florida grant $(209,750)
Fundraising goal $ 455,675​
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Building Team
Hall Darling Design Studio, a local architecture firm with extensive historic preservation experience, was engaged to address the building’s deficiencies. They completed a comprehensive assessment of the roof system and exterior building along with proposed solutions. Kimco Construction was the contractor for the project.
Architect Victor Lundy's 100th birthday was celebrated on February 1, 2023 by the ECLC children, staff, and many guests, with balloons, handmade signs, and cupcakes!