101 Ben Franklin and 1 Ben Franklin St Armands Towers in Lido Key Of all the attractions that define the magical Lido Key barrier island of Sarasota, St. Armands Circle is the most historical. Named after the family name of the French settler who purchased the land in the late 1800s, the upscale St. Armands Circle dining and entertainment complex, as well as its surrounding real estate, is the result of an idyllic vision by American circus pioneer and mogul John Ringling.

The St. Armands Towers, built in 1968, are the best-situated condominiums of all the Sarasota Keys. Not only are the tower residents bestowed with the convenience of having the most exciting collection of shops, bistros, pubs, and fine restaurants within walking distance, they are also just a short drive away from the beautiful Longboat Key and downtown Sarasota. The soft white sands that make Sarasota’s beaches so famous are located right at the doorsteps of the condominium. This is exactly the type of grand lifestyle that John Ringling had in mind.

Living in St. Armands Towers means living in the heart of it all. There are 192 units to choose from. The two-bedroom and two bathroom units measure almost 1,300 square feet, while the three-bedroom residences have an equal number of bathrooms and measure close to 2,900 square feet. Each unit feature expansive windows with two dramatic views to choose from: the gorgeous waters of the Gulf of Mexico, or the natural beauty of the Sarasota Bay and its striking city skyline. Prices range between $500K up to $2M.

The air of luxury at the St. Armands Towers is augmented by a gracious concierge service, a relaxing heated swimming pool and sunbathing deck, a well-equipped fitness room, and a ritzy social room for entertaining guests. For residents who enjoy the outdoors, South Lido County Park and its 100-plus acres of Florida nature are less than a mile away.