Colson Hotel

Progress update: SAHP staff is compiling the baseline documentation files and research for the Historic Preservation Easement which will be recorded on the building prior to transferring it to the end user. This Easement will ensure that the Colson Hotel continues to share its story, and the story of the Overtown National Historic District, and the African American community that played a critical role in the creation of the Sarasota we know today.

In May, several of us volunteered to help clear out the volume of garbage and debris choking the building. It was messy, hard, and somewhat gross work. But you could almost hear the building's sigh of relief as we hauled away the last bag. Thank you to the brave souls who raised a shovel and a broom in the spirit of preservation!

With the generous collaboration of Architecture Sarasota, we were able to work with Mayrellis Perez to complete 3D scans of the building. The data generated from these scans will be used by the architect to create a complete set of as-built drawings from which to begin planning the building's restoration.

The fireplace with its grapevine mortar lines.

A wall plaque at the top of the stairs remains from an unknown date.

Use your imagination as you read this quoted description from the Sarasota Herald, December 15, 1926:

“On 14th street, just off Central avenue is the fine yellow stucco on hollow tile building that houses the new Colson hotel containing 28 rooms. 

Entering the lobby, one is impressed with the comfortable furnishings of this large room. To the right is a great fireplace, adding a warm hospitable air to the general scheme of things. Rugs cover the floors, curtains adorn the windows and draperies are hung here and there lending a ‘homey’ appearance.

The guest, wishing to make the Colson his home, steps into this lobby, up to the desk, where a regular clerk is in charge. After the formality of registering, the guest is taken to the second floor, along a wide airy hall to the room assigned him. 

Opening the door to this room, the guest sees a neatly furnished sleeping chamber, with a large comfortable bed, a dresser, clothes closet, and a rocking chair. Real linen sheets and pillow cases and woolen blankets add to the comfort of the bed.

Mr. Burns has supplied curtains for every room, rugs on the floor of each room, towels on a rack, and all that is necessary to the comfort of the guest of this new hotel. 

To the left of the main stairway, on the second floor, is a club room, with a fine dance floor, for the guests, fitted up as a combination club and lounging room. Four large bathrooms, with shower baths and hot and cold running water are conveniently located over the second floor to be within easy reach from any part of the house. 

On the ground floor of the hotel building is a number of shops, including a sanitary barber shop, and a soft drink parlor.”

Stay tuned for future chapters of the Colson Hotel's history...