The Colson Lodge, an emblem of Sarasota’s Black historical past and one in all its most important cultural heritage landmarks, has been saved from demolition via a groundbreaking effort that introduced collectively preservationists, philanthropic leaders, and native organizations. Listed below are 5 key factors about this historic achievement:
5 Issues to Know About Sarasota’s Historic Colson Lodge Acquisition
1. The Legacy of Irene and Lewis Colson
The lodge is called after Rev. Lewis Colson, acknowledged as the primary recognized free African American to settle in Sarasota in 1884. A previously enslaved man, Colson performed a pivotal function within the metropolis’s improvement by aiding within the platting of Sarasota. He was additionally the primary minister of the Bethlehem Baptist Church, serving the African American group from 1899 to 1915.
Colson’s contributions prolonged past the religious realm, as he was instrumental in shaping Sarasota’s infrastructure and fostering the expansion of the Black group in Overtown (now the Rosemary District). His spouse, Irene Colson, performed an important function as properly, serving as a midwife and a pillar of assist for Black households who have been denied entry to mainstream medical care.
2. The Colson Lodge’s Historic Significance
Constructed in 1925 by E.O. Burns, the Colson Lodge was established to offer lodging for Black vacationers and residents throughout the segregation period, after they have been barred from white-owned institutions. The 28-room lodge grew to become a sanctuary and group hub, reflecting the resilience and dedication of Sarasota’s Black group.
The Colson Lodge, recognized to natives because the “pink field”, is a two-story constructing with an oblong form and symmetrical design. Its flat roof, massive home windows, and weathered brickwork spotlight what was as soon as its former vibrancy, whereas remnants of hardwood flooring and communal areas inside mirror its function as a hub for Sarasota’s Black group throughout segregation. Although in want of restoration, the lodge’s attraction endures, making it a robust image of resilience and historical past.
3. Preservation Efforts and Neighborhood Mobilization
Lately, the Colson Lodge confronted the specter of demolition to make means for brand spanking new developments within the gentrified Rosemary District. For starters, former proprietor Tampa developer Maximilian Vollmer of JDMax Developments bought the Colson constructing at 1425 Eighth St. for $550,000 and introduced plans to demolish the lodge and exchange it with 9 townhomes in Spring 2023.
Neighborhood members, preservationists, and the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation rallied to save lots of the Colson Lodge in early 2024 after JDMax improvement plans reached the Metropolis of Sarasota in April 2024. In September, after months of native pushback, Sarasota Metropolis commissioners unanimously denied Vollmer’s demolition allow, recognizing the constructing’s historic significance. This choice paved the way in which for collaborative acquisition efforts, permitting time for an enough answer to emerge.
The Colson Lodge was bought for a complete of $700,000 on Dec. 17.
The lodge’s location in Historic Overtown locations it on the coronary heart of Sarasota’s Black historical past. As soon as a thriving neighborhood, Overtown was systematically dismantled throughout mid-Twentieth century city renewal tasks, leaving just a few key constructions just like the Colson Lodge standing. The acquisition of the lodge supplies a chance to inform this story and restore delight in a group that performed a foundational function in Sarasota’s improvement.
4. Formation of Sarasota’s First Neighborhood Growth Company (CDC)
To supervise the restoration and future use of the Colson Lodge, Sarasota’s first Neighborhood Growth Company (CDC) was established. Comprising native leaders and preservationists, the CDC goals to make sure that the lodge’s restoration aligns with group objectives and preserves its historic significance. One in all its major goals is to safe a historic preservation easement to guard the constructing’s legacy in perpetuity.
The CDC consists of native leaders, together with Dave Baber, Tony Souza, Erin DiFazio, Tom McArdle, Lorrie Muldowney, Barry Preston, and Anand Pallegar. One in all its first objectives is to safe a historic preservation easement on the property, defending its legacy as a historic construction in perpetuity.
“This challenge represents extra than simply the preservation of a single landmark,” stated Barry Preston in a ready assertion. “It units a precedent for shielding different historic properties via progressive public-private partnerships.”
5. A Imaginative and prescient for Neighborhood and Fairness
The restoration of the Colson Lodge isn’t just about preserving historical past; it’s about making a group hub that fosters schooling, fairness, and alternative. Plans for restoration embody open group engagement boards that can maintain house for a myriad of makes use of that commemorate Sarasota’s Black heritage, creativity and companies DreamLarge founder Anand Pallegar says.
Neighborhood enter classes will start in 2025, permitting residents to share concepts, enterprise fashions, and inventive applications for the positioning’s future. The challenge fund, established via the Gulf Coast Neighborhood Basis, will assist the restoration and function a mannequin for related efforts statewide.
Wanting Forward
The Colson Lodge stands as a beacon of Sarasota’s African-American heritage. Its restoration represents a turning level for the town, mixing historic preservation with community-driven revitalization.
For extra info or to contribute to the restoration fund, visithttps://www.gulfcoastcf.org/savethecolson.
Samantha Gholar covers social justice information for USA As we speak Community-Florida. You possibly can join along with her through e mail at sgholar@gannett.com
