Rooted in the Future: Phase Two of Selby Gardens’ Master Plan
About this Event
Join Architecture Sarasota in welcoming Jennifer Rominiecki, President and Chief Executive Officer, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
ABOUT THE TALK
Rooted in the Future: Phase Two of Selby Gardens’ Master Plan
Join Jennifer Rominiecki, President and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, for an inspiring inside look at Phase Two of Selby Gardens’ visionary three-phase Master Plan. Building upon the success of Phase One, this next chapter will further elevate the institution’s global leadership in plant conservation, resiliency efforts, cutting-edge sustainability, and education. Phase Two of the Master Plan consists of a first-in-the-world hurricane-resilient Conservatory Complex for which a trademark is being sought, a Learning Pavilion, and key landscape features. Advancing innovative sustainability leadership established in Phase One that has made Selby Gardens the world’s first net positive energy botanical garden complex, Phase Two will be powered by 100% renewable energy and will incorporate sustainable water harvesting and resilient design. Discover bold new green initiatives and transformative spaces that will redefine how visitors experience the beauty and science of nature. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to get a first look at what is taking root at Selby Gardens!
ABOUT THE SERIES
Architecture Sarasota believes design has the power to transform communities and shape a more vibrant future. The Future Landmarks series offers an exclusive look at three of the most significant cultural projects currently redefining Sarasota's built environment. Leaders from the Sarasota Orchestra, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, and the Sarasota Performing Arts Center will present the vision, design process, and community impact of their transformative projects, offering audiences a rare opportunity to hear directly from the organizations and design teams behind these landmark investments. Together, these presentations celebrate Sarasota's enduring commitment to architecture, arts, and innovation while exploring how today's bold design decisions will become the defining landmarks of tomorrow.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Jennifer O. Rominiecki began her tenure as President and Chief Executive Officer of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in February 2015. Since she arrived, she repositioned the institution as The Living Museum®, securing a trademark from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Enacting this new operating model has yielded increases of 278% in membership and 157% in overall earned revenues. Rominiecki has also overseen the creation and execution of a five-year Strategic Plan, two three-year Strategic Plans, as well as an innovative Master Site Plan for which more than $128 million has been raised. Phase One of the Master Plan opened to the public in January 2024, creating the first net positive energy botanical garden complex in the world. The Groundbreaking Ceremony for Phase Two was held on December 2, 2025 with completion expected in 2028.
In May 2020, she oversaw the adoption of Historic Spanish Point as a companion campus to Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota location to form one organization with two bayfront sanctuaries connecting people to air plants of the world, native nature, and regional history. With over 20 years of experience at top New York City cultural institutions, Rominiecki held leadership roles at The New York Botanical Garden, The Metropolitan Opera, and the Guggenheim Museum. She currently sits on several Boards in the community, serves as the Chair of the Board of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, and has received numerous awards. Rominiecki lives in Sarasota with her husband, Robert, and their two boys.
PHOTOS courtesy of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 28.21
