McElroy Office Building
Structure 4 (A1)
700 6th Street NW
Year Built 1960
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Tour Narrative
Now drive on down Avenue B NW to the signal and turn right onto US 17, also known as 6th Street NW. Continue four blocks, then turn right on Avenue G NW. Three Leedy works sit in a row on this little dead-end street, starting with the McElroy office building on the corner. Built in 1960, it was the predecessor to its close twin next door, but has now been renovated from the original loft design to two full floors of offices.
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As with most architects, Gene Leedy is always concerned about the renovation of his buildings. One of his favorite expressions is that "the desire to renovate is stronger than the desire to procreate."
The McElroy Building is an example. Ironically it sits right next to the architect's own office, so that every day Leedy passes by a building whose numerous owners have changed the intent and integrity of his original design. Listen to Leedy's personal response:
"Architecture is a great profession, but that is one of the real pitfalls. You do a building and someone comes along and does something to it, it's, it's just heartbreaking. You know it makes you feel like you'd be happier on the moon, you know? But that's part of the thing. Louis Skidmore had a big architectural firm and he said look the same thing happens to us. Build the building, photograph it, and forget it. Because no telling what's going to happen to it, you know?"
There is no telling what is going to happen. But John Howey, architect and author of the book, "The Sarasota School of Architecture," makes a case for the importance of education in promoting preservation:
"Architecture is an enduring thing. It's very indicative of it's time, the materials you use and the social concerns...."
Despite many changes, this building does still stand at least somewhat close to the original design. Unlike so many other works of the Sarasota school that have been torn down, this 1960 structure offers hope on this corner lot for an interested preservationist.
Looking to the right, you will see a stark contrast between this building and the one next door, the office of the architect himself, Gene Leedy.
