The Historic Colson Hotel is a vital piece of Sarasota's cultural heritage. Here's why.
The Colson Hotel, a symbol of Sarasota's Black history and one of its most significant cultural heritage landmarks, has been saved from demolition through a groundbreaking effort that brought together preservationists, philanthropic leaders, and local organizations. Here are five key points about this historic achievement:
5 Things to Know About Sarasota’s Historic Colson Hotel Acquisition
Sarasota's Historic Colson Hotel purchased after year-long demolition, preservation clash
1. The Legacy of Irene and Lewis Colson
The hotel is named after Rev. Lewis Colson, recognized as the first known free African American to settle in Sarasota in 1884. A formerly enslaved man, Colson played a pivotal role in the city's development by assisting in the platting of Sarasota. He was also the first minister of the Bethlehem Baptist Church, serving the African American community from 1899 to 1915.
Colson's contributions extended beyond the spiritual realm, as he was instrumental in shaping Sarasota’s infrastructure and fostering the growth of the Black community in Overtown (now the Rosemary District). His wife, Irene Colson, played a vital role as well, serving as a midwife and a pillar of support for Black families who were denied access to mainstream medical care.
2. The Colson Hotel's Historical Significance
Constructed in 1925 by E.O. Burns, the Colson Hotel was established to provide accommodations for Black travelers and residents during the segregation era, when they were barred from white-owned establishments. The 28-room hotel became a sanctuary and community hub, reflecting the resilience and determination of Sarasota's Black community.
The Colson Hotel, known to natives as the "pink box", is a two-story building with a rectangular shape and symmetrical design. Its flat roof, large windows, and weathered brickwork highlight what was once its former vibrancy, while remnants of hardwood floors and communal spaces inside reflect its role as a hub for Sarasota’s Black community during segregation. Though in need of restoration, the hotel’s charm endures, making it a powerful symbol of resilience and history.
3. Preservation Efforts and Community Mobilization
In recent years, the Colson Hotel faced the threat of demolition to make way for new developments in the gentrified Rosemary District. For starters, former owner Tampa developer Maximilian Vollmer of JDMax Developments purchased the Colson building at 1425 Eighth St. for $550,000 and announced plans to demolish the hotel and replace it with nine townhomes in Spring 2023.
Community members, preservationists, and the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation rallied to save the Colson Hotel in early 2024 after JDMax development plans reached the City of Sarasota in April 2024. In September, after months of local pushback, Sarasota City commissioners unanimously denied Vollmer’s demolition permit, recognizing the building's historical significance. This decision paved the way for collaborative acquisition efforts, allowing time for an adequate solution to emerge.
The Colson Hotel was purchased for a total of $700,000 on Dec. 17.
The hotel’s location in Historic Overtown places it at the heart of Sarasota’s Black history. Once a thriving neighborhood, Overtown was systematically dismantled during mid-20th century urban renewal projects, leaving only a few key structures like the Colson Hotel standing. The acquisition of the hotel provides an opportunity to tell this story and restore pride in a community that played a foundational role in Sarasota’s development.
4. Formation of Sarasota's First Community Development Corporation (CDC)
To oversee the restoration and future use of the Colson Hotel, Sarasota's first Community Development Corporation (CDC) was established. Comprising local leaders and preservationists, the CDC aims to ensure that the hotel's restoration aligns with community goals and preserves its historical significance. One of its primary objectives is to secure a historic preservation easement to protect the building's legacy in perpetuity.
The CDC is composed of local leaders, including Dave Baber, Tony Souza, Erin DiFazio, Tom McArdle, Lorrie Muldowney, Barry Preston, and Anand Pallegar. One of its first goals is to secure a historic preservation easement on the property, protecting its legacy as a historic structure in perpetuity.
“This project represents more than just the preservation of a single landmark,” said Barry Preston in a prepared statement. “It sets a precedent for protecting other historic properties through innovative public-private partnerships.”
5. A Vision for Community and Equity
The restoration of the Colson Hotel is not just about preserving history; it’s about creating a community hub that fosters education, equity, and opportunity. Plans for restoration include open community engagement forums that will hold space for a myriad of uses that celebrate Sarasota’s Black heritage, creativity and businesses DreamLarge founder Anand Pallegar says.
Community input sessions will begin in 2025, allowing residents to share ideas, business models, and creative programs for the site’s future. The project fund, established through the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, will support the restoration and serve as a model for similar efforts statewide.
Looking Ahead
The Colson Hotel stands as a beacon of Sarasota’s African-American heritage. Its restoration represents a turning point for the city, blending historical preservation with community-driven revitalization.
For more information or to contribute to the restoration fund, visit https://www.gulfcoastcf.org/savethecolson.
