Worth's Block, known today as the Gator Club, has held this corner at 1490 Main Street in Sarasota, Florida, since 1912. This two-story masonry commercial building was built in 1912, measures 25 feet by 100 feet, and was modified at different times, including in 1928. Its ground floor was designed for commercial use while the second floor served as a residence.
In 1998 Worth’s Block was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, and by that year its front north facade had been restored to its 1912 appearance. Look up and you’ll see the restored storefront and, on the second story, two sets of paired windows set in segmental arch brick surrounds — details specifically noted in the restoration. The story of the building is rooted in the Worth family: William Worth moved here in 1903 from Englewood, bought land at the intersection of Lemon Street and Main Street, served as Sarasota’s first tax collector, and was the first person to run for mayor, losing to A. B. Edwards by a 108–63 vote.
In 1912 his son William David Worth bought the mercantile business and brought in his uncle Enoch E. Worth to help. Notice the restored storefront and its paired windows set in segmental arch brick surrounds on the north facade.