DreamLarge and the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation Join Forces to Save Historic Colson Hotel in Groundbreaking Partnership Deal
Community Engagement Process Will Guide Future Use
Sarasota, FL – Tuesday, December 17, 2024 – DreamLarge is proud to announce the successful acquisition of the historic Colson Hotel, marking a critical milestone in preserving Sarasota’s African-American heritage. This pivotal achievement follows a year of intensive collaboration, negotiation, and partnership with the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation, the City of Sarasota, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, and a newly established Community Development Corporation (CDC). Together, these efforts have created a model for safeguarding historical assets while ensuring community involvement and equity.
The Journey to Preservation
The acquisition of the Colson Hotel resulted from a year-plus-long negotiation process aimed at securing the critically important structure. DreamLarge worked closely with the owner/developer JDMax and the City of Sarasota to craft a purchase agreement to preserve this significant piece of Sarasota’s history while addressing key financial and land use considerations. Leaders of Sarasota’s African American community and the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation provided critical support before the City for the acquisition.
A Unified Effort
“Recognizing the importance of the Colson Hotel to Sarasota’s history, we pledged to secure this property as a community partnership, including the African American community, the historic preservation community, the Rosemary District, and all interested parties,” says Anand Pallegar, Founder of DreamLarge. “This initiative exemplifies our collective commitment to preservation, equity, and community engagement.”
The path to saving the Colson Hotel included presenting a bold vision to the Sarasota City Commission on September 3, 2024, showcasing how the site could be restored as a living tribute to its historical significance. Following the commission’s support, DreamLarge finalized the acquisition of the site, often cited as the "pink box," and partnered with the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation to chart a path forward.
A Community-Centered Vision
DreamLarge, alongside the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation (SAHP) and Gulf Coast Community Foundation, is committed to an inclusive process that prioritizes dialogue and collaboration. Building on principles successfully employed in projects like The Bay and Overtown Square, the effort aims to engage the community in shaping the Colson Hotel’s future.
“We see this as a turning point for Sarasota’s historic preservation efforts,” said Barry Preston of the CDC. “Our partnership not only aims to arrange for the restoration of the Colson Hotel and bring it back into the life of the community but also to set a foundation for preserving more historic properties in an equitable and sustainable way.”
“We are proud to support bold and proactive philanthropic initiatives that can be transformative across the community,” said Phillip Lanham, President and CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation. “Preserving the Colson Hotel is not only about protecting Sarasota’s rich cultural history but also about fostering community-driven solutions that ensure equity and opportunity for future generations.”
“Our goal is to create a space that reflects the spirit of Overtown while fostering education, curiosity, and opportunity,” added Pallegar. “The Colson Hotel will stand as a testament to the community that built Sarasota and as a bridge to its future.”
Establishing Sarasota’s First CDC
To ensure that the Colson Hotel’s preservation aligns with community goals, a new Community Development Corporation (CDC) was formed last month, which will oversee the Colson's restoration and convene the community to guide its future use and to ensure that it preserves and presents its important role in the history of Sarasota’s black community. It is composed of local leaders, including Dave Baber, Tony Souza, Erin DiFazio, Tom McArdle, Lorrie Muldowney, Barry Preston and Anand Pallegar. The CDC intends to secure a historic preservation easement on the property to ensure that it remains a historic structure in perpetuity.
This project represents more than just the preservation of a single landmark; it sets a precedent for protecting other historic properties through innovative public-private partnerships. The CDC, with its mission to bridge community needs with preservation efforts, will oversee this initiative and serve as a model for future collaborations.
Join the Movement
Visit www.savethecolson.org to learn more about the Colson Hotel’s history, the restoration plan, and how you can contribute. Donations to the restoration fund can be made through the Gulf Coast Community Foundation here: https://www.gulfcoastcf.org/savethecolson
About DreamLarge
DreamLarge is the first registered Benefit Corporation on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Located in the historic Rosemary District in Sarasota, Florida, DreamLarge is a community catalyst that exemplifies how businesses can embody service, responsibility, and kindness. DreamLarge's activities span a wide range of community-focused initiatives, from environmental sustainability projects and educational programs to support for local arts and entrepreneurship. By leveraging our business acumen and creative energy, and engaging in innovative projects and partnerships, DreamLarge not only contributes to the well-being of our community and sets a precedent for how businesses can be a force for good. For more information, visit www.DreamLarge.org
About Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation
The Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to "Preserve and Enhance our Historic Places through advocacy, education, technical and financial support, and celebration." SAHP was incorporated in 1985 in an attempt to save architect Dwight Baum's El Vernona Hotel in downtown Sarasota. The Alliance, a membership-driven organization, is comprised of more than 500 residents, business owners, visitors, artists, architects, engineers, historians, builders, archaeologists, Realtors, planners, designers, and writers working together to preserve and encourage others to preserve - not only the remaining significant landmarks - but also the contributing structures that define Sarasota County. For more information, visit www.PreserveSRQ.org
About Gulf Coast Community Foundation
Headquartered in Venice, Fla. and with a second office in downtown Sarasota, Fla., Gulf Coast Community Foundation has transformed the region through bold and proactive philanthropy for nearly 30 years. Serving the needs of the region as a partner in philanthropy and leader in community initiatives, Gulf Coast has surpassed granting over $570 million in the areas of: health and human services, civic and economic development, education, arts and culture, and the environment. Gulf Coast was named one of the “Best Nonprofits To Work For” nationally by The NonProfit Times in 2010, 2011, 2017, 2020, 2021, and 2023. To learn more visit www.GulfCoastCF.org and follow us on Facebook.