The Umbrella House, 1953, Lido Key, Sarasota

“Florida Buildings I Love” was conceived and written by Harold Bubil as an homage to the Sunshine State’s built environment

Considered by many critics to be among America's most significant mid-century modern structures, the Umbrella House was designed in 1953 by the young architect Paul Rudolph (1918-1997) as a model home for developer Phil Hiss’s then-new Lido Shores neighborhood. Hiss wanted a house that would attract attention from both passersby and the national press. It did just that.

Rudolph delivered. Intrigued by the distinctive wooden shading structure that gives the house its name, 2,500 people visited during the first open house — and today it draws architectural tourists willing to pay the house's custodian, Sarasota Architectural Foundation, for tours.

The "umbrella" was knocked down by a tropical storm in the mid-1960s, but under the ownership of Bob and Ann Essner, it is standing once again. The Essners hired architect Gregg Hall and Howell Construction to rebuild it in 2015.

Christy Rosen Clement is a Pricing Strategy Advisor®, Seller Representative Specialist®, Military Relocation Professional® and REALTOR® at Palermo Real Estate Professionals in South Tampa