LET’S TALK: “Historic Colson Hotel Saved from Demolition”
The historic Colson Hotel, once slated for demolition, is now poised for a major renovation and community repurposing, thanks to the collaborative efforts of a group of local philanthropists, Dream Large Organization, the Alliance for Historic Preservation, the City of Sarasota, and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.
The journey to save the Colson Hotel began in 2024 when developer Maximilian Vollmer of JD Max Develops, purchased the property with plans to raze the structure and build (27) three-story townhomes. However, the Sarasota City Commissioners denied the demolition permit, recognizing the historical significance of the building. Their decision was further validated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which selected the Colson Hotel as a key initiative for preservation. This recognition led to the hotel being listed on the National Register of Historic Places and its inclusion in the Alliance for Historic Preservation’s “Six to Save” list, underscoring its national importance.
The hotel was a vision of Edwin Oscar Burns, who built the 28-room hotel between 1925 and 1926 at a cost of $35,000, during the Jim Crow era for African American travelers and workers. Located at 1425 Eighth St. in the Rosemary District, the hotel was named in honor of Lewis (Louis) Colson, an early African American land surveyor renowned for purchasing land to build the first Baptist church in the city of Sarasota in 1897, Bethlehem Baptist Church.
The Colson Hotel held a vital place in the lives of African Americans, offering safe and welcoming lodging. It was listed in the Green Book, a crucial guidebook used by African American travelers to navigate a segregated nation. During its vibrant heyday, the hotel became a haven for entertainers on the chitlin circuit and prominent athletes, including Sarasota’s own baseball legend, Buck O’Neil. Over time, the building transitioned into a rooming house and eventually fell into disrepair.
In its prime stepping inside the Colson Hotel visitors were greeted by comfortable furnishings in a spacious room, complete with a grand fireplace. Rugs adorned the floors, and curtains and draperies lent a homey ambiance. The second floor housed the sleeping quarters, along with a club room and lounge area large enough for dancing. Notably, the second floor also featured four large bathrooms with the then modern convenience of hot and cold running water. The ground floor bustled with an assortment of shops, including a barbershop and a soft drink shop.
The estimated cost for the extensive renovations is $2 million. The ongoing discussions about the Colson Hotel’s renovation are currently focused on exploring and gathering ideas for how the building will be repurposed for the community. Ideas being discussed is a jazz club, or a library and gathering space fostering creativity and social innovation with shared workspaces for local artists, or a unique venue for night markets and events.
The preservation and revitalization of the Colson Hotel marks a significant victory in preserving Sarasota’s African American history and it is a powerful step towards honoring and celebrating the contributions African Americans made to the community. This collaborative effort promises to transform a once-neglected landmark into a vibrant hub for future generations.
