Historic Buildings/Art

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► Tour Locator Map Inside! (page 2)
► Tour Sites List (page 3)
► Tour Options (page 4)
► Book a More Detailed Guided Tour (page 4)
► A Brief History of Fort Myers (page 5)
► Public Art & Parks Tour Start (page 6)
► Historic Buildings Tour Start (page 23)
Tour Locator Map
Tour Sites List
Map Symbol
Page
Caloosahatchee Manuscripts…6
Map Symbol
9 2208 First Street …………………31
82nd Airborne Monument……8 11 Greystone Hotel…………………33
Scenic View & Historic
12 Lee County Bank Building ……34
Landmark Signs…………………9 13 Richards Building…………………35
Riverfront Basin & Educational
F
2nd Regiment Infantry, U.S.
G
Buckingham & Page Army
H
I
Uncommon Friends Fountain…13
14 Robb & Stucky Building…………36
Signs ……………………………10 15 Ryals Drug Store…………………37
16 Gwynne Institute…………………38
Colored Troops Monument…11 17 Edison Theater …………………39
18 McCrory's ………………………40
Air Fields Memorial……………12 19 First National Bank & Earnhardt
Atomic Clock & The Great
Buildings …………………………41
20 Langford & Bank of Fort Myers
Turtle Chase……………………14
Thanks to publication contributors: City of Fort Myers' Community Development Department/Historic Preservation (information, historic building
photos), Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (information,
modern photos, design), Fort Myers Public Art Committee (information),
Southwest Florida Museum of History (information, historic photos), and
TrueTours (information).
A Publication of:
Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency
1400 Jackson Street, Suite 102
Fort Myers, Florida 33901
(239) 321-7100 or www.cityftmyers.com/cra
© 2013 Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency and
City of Fort Myers, Florida
This booklet was produced in-house exclusively by the Fort Myers Community
Redevelopment Agency and the City of Fort Myers Copy Center
2
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
Page
Park of Palms……………………7 10 The Leon …………………………32
E
J
Site Name
Centennial Park & Fire Dance
Buildings……………………………42
21 Edison Regency House/Franklin
Sculpture………………………15
Arms Hotel…………………………43
The Florida Panther Fountain…16
22 Langford-Kingston Home………44
Robert E. Lee Bust……………17 23 Burroughs Home ………………45
Sun Gate………………………18 24 Whitehurst Federal Building…46
Parallel Park……………………19
25 Heitman Building…………………47
American Bald Eagle ………20
26 The Arcade Theatre……………48
Fort Myers: An Alternative
27 The Bradford Hotel Building……49
History……………………………21
28 Heitman-Evans Hardware
Patio de Leon Fountain ……22
Building .…………………………50
1 Patio de Leon…………………23 29 Leak Building ……………………51
2 39-41 Patio de Leon…………24 30 Dean Building..………………….52
3 Tonnelier Block ………………25 31 Fort Myers Realty Company
4 Old Lee County Courthouse…26
Building .…………………………53
5 Colquitt Building………………27 32 1412 Dean Street ………………54
6 Post Office Arcade …………28
33 Towles Building …………………55
7 Kress Building …………………29 34 16 Bayview Court ……………56
8 Franklin Hardware……………30
3
Tour Sites List
Tour Locator Map
A
B
C
D
Site Name
A Brief History of Fort Myers
► Public Art & Parks and Historic Buildings self-guided tours
may be followed one after another for a day-long walk
through the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.
► Originally established as a Seminole War Post in 1850
known as Fort Harvie, Fort Myers grew into a farming and
cattle community in the late 1860s and 1870s.
► Public Art & Parks or Historic Buildings self-guided tours
may be followed separately for a shorter walk―simply
start at these locations:
▪ Public Art & Parks tour begins at First Street between
Jackson and Lee streets (see page 6)
▪ Historic Buildings tour begins in the Patio de Leon with
entrances at First, Hendry, and Main streets (see page 23)
► By the mid-1880s, Fort Myers developed a commercial
core and also was nationally known for recreational fishing.
► For short tours of your immediate area, simply look at the
map on page 2 to discover Public Art & Parks or Historic
Buildings in your vicinity (Public Art & Parks are marked
by pink-circled letters, Historic Buildings are marked by
green-squared numbers). Match the letters or numbers
with the corresponding page to access information.
► Walking directions are in purple text in both tours.
Want a Guided Tour?
The self-guided tours in this booklet are "appetizers" of Fort
Myers' culture & history. For a more detailed tour, try:
►
►
Historical Walking Tours, Photo Tours
▪ True Tours (239) 945-0405, www.truetours.net (Year-round)
▪ Museum of History (239) 321-7430,
www.museumofhistory.org (Seasonal)
Haunted History Tours, Architecture/Public Art Tours,
Redevelopment Tours, Luncheon Tours
▪ True Tours (239) 945-0405, www.truetours.net (Year-round)
► Burroughs Home & Gardens Tour
▪ Burroughs Home, (239) 337-0706,
www.burroughshome.com (Year-round)
4
► Fort Myers incorporated its government in 1885.
► Following the 1904 opening of a rail line connecting Fort Myers to Punta Gorda, a series of building booms fostered many residential subdivisions beyond the downtown area, as well as spurring the replacement of original downtown wooden buildings with masonry and brick structures―many of which exist today.
► Like most cities in the country, suburbanization in the 1960s and 1970s drastically altered downtown Fort Myers;
but the City addressed the need for revitalization in 1988 by establishing the Fort Myers Community
Redevelopment Agency (Fort Myers CRA).
► Restored streetscape—the brick-lined streets, sidewalks,
and street decor you will see as you tour the Fort Myers
River District—is one of the Fort Myers CRA redevelop ment projects to renew the setting in which the historic buildings reside. The charming surroundings encourage owners of historic buildings to maintain their properties in the original style, and provide an inviting atmosphere
for visitors to dine, shop, stroll, and enjoy many special events held throughout the year.
► Keep in mind that this is sampling of public art and
historic buildings within walking distance of each other.
Other pieces of public art―such as Albert Paley's Naiad
sculpture in front of the Riviera and St. Tropez high rise
towers on East First Street―as well as additional historic
buildings―such as the Dean Park residential neighbor hood―exist throughout the Fort Myers River District.
5
A Brief History of Fort Myers
Tour Options
Tour Options
Caloosahatchee
Manuscripts
Location
First Street
between Jackson
& Lee streets, in
front of the Sidney
& Berne Davis Art
Center
Description
Lighted Word
Sculpture
Shining from 2
Bronze Cylinders,
Sun-Lit during Day,
Illuminated at
Night (also see
Steel Interpretive
Plaque)
Start at First Street between Jackson and Lee
streets in front of the Sidney & Berne Davis
Art Center. Two bronze, lantern-like cylinder
sculptures illuminate at night to sprinkle the Art
Center with words. The steel plaque near the
Center’s western side (Jackson Street) explains
the sculpture's text, including plant names used
in winter resident Thomas Edison’s experiments,
and the Native American Maskoki (Creek)
migration story. The sculpture of light was a gift
from the Florida Power & Light Company "as a
lasting tribute to the quality of life in the region."
B
Park of Palms
Location
Southeast Corner
of Lee Street &
Edwards Drive
Description
Palm Tree Park
with 47 Varieties of
Palms & Cycads
Organization
Fort Myers Garden
Club
From the Caloosahatchee Manuscripts, take
Lee Street north toward the river. At the corner
of Lee Street and Edwards Drive is the Park of
Palms. The Park of Palms is a palm arboretum
with 47 varieties of palms and cycads from
throughout the world. Benches are available
for seated viewing. The park, situated across
the street from the Fort Myers Yacht Basin and
the Caloosahatchee River, is a favorite spot
for gardeners and nature-lovers.
Established
1955
Artist
Jim Sanborn
Created
2001
6
7
Public Art & Parks
Public Art & Parks
A
82nd Airborne
Monument
Location
Park of Palms,
Edwards Drive at
Lee Street
Description
Bronze &
Concrete
Memorial
dedicated to all
U.S. Armed Forces
paratroopers/
glidermen
On the northwest corner of the Park of Palms is
the 82nd Airborne Monument. The monument
is a bronze and concrete memorial dedicated
to all U.S. Armed Forces paratroopers and glidermen. Note the bronze figure’s paratrooper
uniform and the stone eagles surrounding him.
Several plaques adorn the pedestal of the
monument with information about those who
served in the Armed Forces in the 82nd Airborne Division.
D
Scenic View & Historic
Landmark Signs
Location
Edwards Drive
between Hendry &
Fowler streets
Description
Scenic View of
Fort Myers, Lofton's
Island & the
Caloosahatchee
River
Landmark signs
of the Burroughs
Home, Edison &
Ford Winter Estates,
Yacht Basin, Historic Riverfront &
Pleasure Pier
Artist
Unknown
Created
1983
From the monument, cross Edwards Drive and
turn right (east), walking until you reach Fowler
Street. For a Scenic View of Fort Myers' skyline, use
the pedestrian walkway north on Fowler Street
up to the peak of the bridge. Note Lofton's Island,
created by Jesse Lofton in 1910 from river bottom
dirt his son dredged while deepening the river
channel. Return down the bridge, turn right (west)
and continue along the river. Along the way, you
will find five half-circle areas with Historic Landmark Signs. Each sign describes the historical
importance of an area or building in Fort Myers.
Artist
Unknown
Created
Unknown
8
9
Public Art & Parks
Public Art & Parks
C
Riverfront Basin &
Educational Signs
Location
Between Hendry
and Dean streets,
and between Bay
Street and the
Caloosahatchee
River
Description
1.4 Acre Riverfront
Water Feature
5 Signs Describing the Ecological
Benefits of the
Riverfront Basin
Continue right (west) along Edwards Drive,
crossing Hendry Street. On either side of you
is the Riverfront Basin; you can view its Educational Signs as you stroll around the Basin. The
1.4 acre Riverfront Basin improves the quality
of the water that flows from Fort Myers into the
Caloosahatchee River, which eventually makes
its way to the Gulf of Mexico. Surrounding the
Basin on the railings are 5 Educational Signs that
enlighten visitors concerning the ecological
needs of the area, as well as the benefits that
the Basin brings to Fort Myers and beyond.
Contractor
Wright Constuction
Group
F
2nd Regiment Infantry, U.S.
Colored Troops Monument
Location
Centennial Park
Description
Bronze, Granite &
Concrete
Military Monument
honoring the 2nd
Regiment Infantry,
U.S. Colored Troops
who defended
the Federal Post
against the
Confederate Army
at The Battle of Fort
Myers (February 20,
1865) during the
U.S. Civil War
From the final sign, head left (south) on Hendry
Street to Bay Street, right (west) on Bay Street
and right (north) on Dean Street to Edwards
Drive (during construction only). Continue left
(west) on Edwards Drive almost to Monroe
Street; turn right into the park for the monument, which faces west. The bronze figure
"Clayton" represents over 1,000 men freed from
slavery who enlisted in the Union Army to fight
against the attacking Confederate Calvary.
The wall with its gate emphasizes the theme of
the gateway to freedom from slavery.
Artist
D.J. Wilkins
Created
2012
Created
2000
10
11
Public Art & Parks
Public Art & Parks
E
Buckingham & Page
Army Air Fields Memorial
Location
Centennial Park
Description
Granite Military
Monument
honoring those
who served in
World War II at the
Fort Myers airbases
Artist
Unknown
From the 2nd Regiment monument, continue
northwest a short distance through the park
until you find a small grove of palm trees and
shrubs with a propeller and granite memorial (facing north along the sidewalk). The
Buckingham & Page Army Air Fields Memorial
commemorates these World War II air field
training bases and those who served in them.
The actual bases were not downtown; Buckingham was located in the Lehigh Acres area,
while Page Field was south of Colonial Boulevard on Cleveland Avenue (U.S. 41).
Created
1991
H
Uncommon Friends
Fountain
Location
Centennial Park
Description
Bronze & Stone
Statue-Based
Fountain
celebrating the
friendship of 20th
Century American
industrial fathers
Thomas Edison,
Henry Ford &
Harvey Firestone
In the park, continue south toward Monroe
Street to the large trees shading a bronze and
stone statue-based fountain. The Uncommon
Friends Fountain celebrates the friendship
of 20th Century American industrial fathers
Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone, and many native Florida water species,
including alligators, manatees, otters, frogs,
and fish. Edison and Ford were neighboring
winter residents a mile west of the fountain's
location; they were often joined on camping
trips by friend Harvey Firestone.
Artist
D.J. Wilkins
Created
1988
12
13
Public Art & Parks
Public Art & Parks
G
Atomic Clock &
The Great Turtle Chase
Location
Edwards Drive &
Monroe Street at
the entrance to
Centennial Park
Description
Decorative Metal
Pedestal Clock
White Cast Marble
Statue of Baby
pursuing Turtle
From the fountain, continue south to Edwards
Drive. You will see the Atomic Clock on your
right, to the east of the park’s entrance. It not
only keeps time, but has separate dials measuring temperature and humidity. Just below
the Centennial Park sign is The Great Turtle
Chase, installed after the completion of the
park, showing a crawling baby overtaking an
adult turtle.
J
Centennial Park &
Fire Dance Sculpture
Location
Centennial Park
Description
Public Park along
the river, crossing
under the U.S. 41
Caloosahatchee
Bridge
Red Aluminum
Modern Sculpture
Artist
Park - City of Fort
Myers, Developer/
Builder; Sculpture David Black
Artist
Statue - D.J. Wilkins
Created
Statue - 1990
You are at the entrance to Centennial Park,
having explored its eastern end. Continue under
the bridge for the western end. The 10.5 acre
park, named for the City's centennial year in
1985, expands west along the river to a pavilion, a playground, and on Thursdays from 7am
to 1pm, the River District Farmers' Market. The
park is a favorite spot for concerts, festivals and
watching sunsets. The sculpture Fire Dance, also
known as Whirlwind, is in the park's Edison Plaza.
Its red, curving aluminum represents the park's
energy and vitality during community events.
Created
Park - 1985-88
Sculpture - 2012
14
15
Public Art & Parks
Public Art & Parks
I
The Florida Panther
Fountain
Location
Monroe Street
Median between
Edwards Drive &
Bay Street
Description
Bronze & Concrete
Statue-Based
Fountain with a
Family of Native
Cats
Artist
D.J. Wilkins
After exploring the park, return to the entrance
and cross Edwards Drive south on Monroe
Street. To access The Florida Panther Fountain,
use the corner crosswalk spanning Monroe
Street and enter the median when halfway
across. The median contains the statue-based
fountain featuring a family of native cats
keeping watch between two square water
features. A long garden planter spans the
length between. Notice the panthers' watchful faces and curvilinear tails, particularly how
the cub eyes the frog.
Created
1988
L
Robert E. Lee Bust
Location
Monroe Street
Median
Description
Bronze Bust of the
U.S. Civil War
Confederacy
General atop a
Granite Pedestal
Artist
Bust - Aldo Pero;
Pedestal - Crone
Monument
Company
Exit The Florida Panther Fountain median the
same way you entered, then continue south
crossing First Street. To access the Robert
E. Lee Bust, use the corner crosswalk spanning Monroe Street and enter the median
halfway across. The 10.5 foot tall bronze bust
on a granite pedestal is of Robert E. Lee, the
U.S. Confederacy General during the United
States Civil War (1861-65), who is also the
namesake of Lee County, Florida, where Fort
Myers is located. The base contains Civil War
artifacts as a time capsule of the era.
Created
1966
16
17
Public Art & Parks
Public Art & Parks
K
Sun Gate
Location
Main Street at
Monroe
Description
Abstract Granite
Sculpture also
known as Wheel
of Life; View from
North to South
Artist
Robert Sindorf
Exit the Robert E. Lee Bust median using the corner crosswalk spanning Monroe Street, crossing
to the west side of Monroe. Continue south on
Monroe to Main Street, turning right (west) onto
Main. Halfway between Monroe and Heitman
streets is the Sun Gate, also known as Wheel of
Life, a 10-ton stone circle carved from a single
block of Vermont granite. Originally it was intended to be viewed from north to south (from
the parking lot toward the street) with sunlight
streaming through the center; however, tall
buildings currently block the sun.
Created
1998
N
Parallel Park
Location
Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. Boulevard
at Monroe Street
Description
Modern Color
Image on 23
Kevlar-Fiberglass
Fabric Panels
attached to all
sides of the Lee
County Justice
Center Parking
Garage
Return east to Monroe Street, then turn right
(south) to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Boulevard. Cross at the light at the corner of Monroe
Street & Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Boulevard
to view Parallel Park. Parallel Park's 23 images wrap around the garage, incorporating
shapes that express the essence of automobiles―circular shapes echoing tires, steering
wheels, headlights, and dashboard instruments; and linear shapes reflecting the roads,
ramps, directional and parking designations
that drivers encounter while using their cars.
Artist
Marilyn Dintenfass
Created
2010
18
19
Public Art & Parks
Public Art & Parks
M
American Bald Eagle
Return east to Monroe Street, then north to Main
Street, crossing Monroe along Main. Continue
along Main to the southwest corner of Main Street
Description
and Broadway, to see American Bald Eagle in
Soaring Eagle
front of the Old Courthouse. Local chainsaw artist
Woodcarving from
the Trunk of a dying Martin Miller volunteered to sculpt an American
Bald Eagle from a decaying Live Oak as a way to
235-year-old Live
honor the beloved local landmark tree, averting
Oak tree
the tree's total removal. He also reused over two
Artist
tons of wood removed during carving to create
Marlin Miller
fountain pens and bowls that Lee County may
use for ceremonial awards for years to come.
Location
2120 Main Street
Created
2011
P
Fort Myers:
An Alternative History
Location
U.S. Federal
Courthouse
Courtyard,
First Street
Description
Sepia-tone Digital
Print Ceramic Tile
Mosaic Mural of
Fort Myers History
Artist
Barbara Jo Revelle
Cross Main Street and go north on Broadway
until you reach First Street. Continue left (west)
along the south side of First Street to a courtyard halfway between Monroe and Broadway. The large ceramic tile mural is on your
right. The mosaic mural depicts the history of
Fort Myers, from the Second Seminole War in
1825 through construction of the railroad in
1904. Some of the images include the area's
original Native Americans, cattle ranching in
Fort Myers, and the railroad bridge across the
Caloosahatchee River.
Created
1999
20
21
Public Art & Parks
Public Art & Parks
O
Patio de Leon Fountain
From the mural, return to First Street, walking
right (east) across Broadway. In the middle of
the block, turn right (south) into the Patio de
Leon. At the center of the courtyard is the Patio
Description
de Leon Fountain, an octagon-shaped bowl
Granite & Stained
Concrete Fountain crawling with stone alligators and topped by a
with Central Sphere sphere. The gators recall the early days of the
Patio, when small, live alligators were kept in the
& Stone Alligators
original fountain as a tourist attraction. At the
Artist
First Street and Main Street entrances to the PaAqualit Topstone
tio, two smaller fountains celebrate another aniCompany
mal, lions, after which the courtyard is named.
Location
Patio de Leon,
First Street
Created
2000
1
Patio de Leon
Location
Block between
First, Hendry,
Broadway &
Main; Enter via
First Street, Hendry
Street, or Main
Street
Description
Brick-lined
Courtyard
surrounded by
Historic Buildings
Builder/Developer
Peter Tonnelier,
Builder; George R.
Sims, Remodeler
Begin the historic buildings self-guided tour
in the Patio de Leon. Originally, Patio de Leon
was known as Tonnelier Court after its builder,
Peter Tonnelier. Small, live alligators kept in
the courtyard's original fountain were an early
tourist attraction. In 1924, the courtyard was
sold to George R. Sims, who renamed it Patio
de Leon (note the "leon"/lion motif throughout). The Patio has been a popular gathering
place since its creation, hosting a vast array
of stores, restaurants, services, entertainment,
and offices. The main draw for decades was
the Omar Theatre, shown in the historic photo,
which was built in the Moorish Revival style.
Although the theatre no longer exists, plenty
of entertainment and community gatherings
are still held in the Patio today.
Built
1913-1915
22
23
Historic Buildings
Public Art & Parks
Q
39-41 Patio de Leon
Location
39-41 Patio de
Leon
Description
Oriental/MoorishRevival Style
Single-Story
Building
Builder/Developer
Unknown
Built
1926
Remain in the Patio, but turn toward the First
Street entrance. On your left (west) is the 39-41
Patio de Leon building. Although little is known
of the 39-41 Patio de Leon building located
inside the Patio de Leon, it was built around
1926 and is unique in the area for its Oriental/Moorish stylistic influences. The building
was designed with a symmetrical three-bay
elevation, Moorish-influenced turned columns,
decorative plastered horizontal banding, and
a prominent central arch. It is suspected that
the building may have been commissioned
by George Sims, one of Fort Myers' prominent
developers who oversaw the construction of
several buildings around the same time period. Today it houses an art gallery and bar.
24
3
Tonnelier Block
Location
2219 Main Street
Description
Commercial
2-Story Building
with Large Plate
Glass Windows on
the Ground Floor
Builder/Developer
Peter Tonnelier,
Builder
Built
1915
Still remaining in the Patio de Leon, turn
around to face the Main Street entrance to
your south. On the left (east) of the entrance
is the Tonnelier Block building. Peter Tonnelier,
who built the Patio de Leon, also constructed
the Tonnelier Block building at its southeast
corner. He designed the edifice with large
plate glass windows on the ground floor so
that the businesses on that level could entice
visitors to enter their shops by showcasing
their merchandise and services through large
displays. The second floor was designed to be
used either for office space, or as an annex
to the adjacent hotel. Today, a nightclub and
small restaurant are located in one corner of
the first floor, while the remainder of the building undergoes restoration.
25
Historic Buildings
Historic Buildings
2
Old Lee County
Courthouse
Location
2115 Main Street
Description
Neo-Classical
Revival Style
2-Story Public
Building
Builder/Developer
Francis J. Kennard,
Designer
Built
1915, with a 1926
addition in the
same style
Exit the Patio de Leon through the Main Street
entrance. Turn right onto Main Street; walk 1/2
block to Broadway. Cross Broadway, then
Main Street, to the Old Lee County Courthouse.
Building the Courthouse was a hot topic―some
locals wanted to keep the original wooden
court since the new building would cost $85,000,
while others wanted a new building due to the
growing town's needs. When those opposing
the project left town to get a court order to
keep the old building, project supporters tore
down the wooden building overnight while Lee
County Commission Chairman William "Wild
Bill" Towles guarded their efforts with a shotgun.
Eleven years later, an addition in the same style
expanded the building. No longer used as a
court, it now houses county offices.
26
5
Colquitt Building
Location
1528 Broadway
Description
Spanish-Mission
Style Stuccoed
Single-Story
Commercial
Building
Builder/Developer
Henry Colquitt,
Developer
Built
1925
From the Courthouse, turn around and cross
Main Street, heading north on Broadway. At
the corner on your left is the Colquitt Building.
Developer Henry Colquitt of Detroit, Michigan,
constructed his namesake Colquitt Building In
1925. He later sold it to W.H. Reynolds, Sr., for
use as one of Fort Myers' many 1920s boom
time real estate offices. Although modernized
several times since then, the façade retains
the character of th Spanish-Mission style prevalent during the Florida boom years, particularly in the plaster details between the top of
the first floor and the roof. Today it holds an art
gallery, offices, and several service businesses.
27
Historic Buildings
Historic Buildings
4
Post Office Arcade
Location
1520 Broadway
Description
Mediterranean
Revival Style
Enclosed Arcade,
originally Open Air
Builder/Developer
George R. Sims;
Arcade is also
known as the
Collier Arcade
after Barron
G. Collier, who
bought it in 1934
Built
1925
Continue north on Broadway to the middle of
the block. On your left is the Post Office Arcade. Originally built as an open-air, L-shaped
space with entrances on both Broadway and
First Street, developer George R. Sims cunningly
leased a large space to the U.S. Post Office for
only $1 per year―that way, with guaranteed
postal visitors, he could charge other tenants
high rates. The Post Office moved to the Whitehurst Building in 1933, but other stores remained,
like the popular eatery The Snack House. A
scene for the movie Just Cause, starring Sean
Connery and Laurence Fishburne, was filmed
in the Arcade in 1994 just before the First Street
half was demolished to make way for the Federal Courthouse. Today, the Post Office Arcade
is enclosed and holds a salon and restaurants.
28
7
Kress Building
Location
1514 First Street
Description
Artistically-Inspired
3-Story
Commercial
Vernacular BuffColored Brick
Building
Builder/Developer
L.C. Cutwright,
Frank C. Alderman
& John M. Dean,
Financiers
Built
1928
Exiting the Post Office Arcade on the Broadway
entrance, turn left (north) and continue to the
Kress Building, on your left, at the southwest
corner of First Street and Broadway. One of the
River District’s showcase buildings, the Kress
Building opened in 1928 at a cost of $136,000.
It held S.H. Kress & Company, a five-and-dime
store with over 250 locations across the nation
in 28 additional states. Nearly 6,000 people
came from far and wide for the Fort Myers
store's grand opening. Founder and art collector Samuel Kress prided himself in creating
beautiful buildings, evident in the Fort Myers
location. Note that the Kress name remains at
the top of the building even though the fiveand-dime empire is long gone. Today it hosts
restaurants, galleries, and offices.
29
Historic Buildings
Historic Buildings
6
Franklin Hardware
Location
2200 First Street
Description
Art-Deco Style
2-Story
Commercial
Building
Builder/Developer
Unknown
Built
1937
From the Kress Building, cross Broadway. On
your right (south) is the Franklin Hardware
building. The Franklin Hardware building was
constructed in 1937 as a new home for the
Franklin Hardware Store that had been located in the Bradford Building. It was considered
very modern when it was built, and is one
of the few structures in Fort Myers with clear
Art Deco features. It is particularly unique to
downtown for the vitrolite (Carrara Glass) on
its front façade, that looks similar to marble.
The glassblock transom windows and a metalclad overhang are also notable features.
Today's function is as a unique, single store
hosting department-style eclectic boutiques
and art galleries.
30
9
2208 First Street
Location
2208 First Street
Description
2 Mediterranean
Revival-Style,
2-Story
Commercial
Buildings with a
Single Façade
Builder/Developer
Unknown
Built
1900, with 1927
Modernization
Continue east along First Street. Next door to
the Franklin Hardware building and to your
right is 2208 First Street. 2208 First Street stands
out as one of downtown's early buildings, having been built in 1900. Although the exterior
looks like a single structure, it is actually a
single front for two buildings. Originally, the
front façades of the buildings were wooden,
with a second-floor sleeping porch covered
by a shed roof and a simple wooden railing.
What we see today―a Mediterranean Revival
style single-front façade―is the result of a 1927
modernization effort that was much in demand at the time.
31
Historic Buildings
Historic Buildings
8
The Leon
From 2208 First Street, continue walking east
along First Street to the corner of First and Hendry
streets. On your right is The Leon building. The
Description
Leon was built in 1905 and was initially known as
Exotic-Revival
the Stone Block building. The first floor has been
(Mediterranean,
home to the First National Bank, several shops
Egyptian,
Moroccan) 2-Story and drug stores, and a men's clothing store.
Originally, the second story operated as The Leon
Commercial &
Residential Building Hotel, where guests enjoyed open-air balconies
along Hendry and First streets. Peter Tonnelier,
Builder/Developer
who built Tonnelier Court/Patio de Leon, purDr. Benjamin P.
chased The Leon building in 1912 and changed it
Matheson, Builder; significantly to its current Exotic-Revival style. The
Peter Tonnelier,
Leon's name both reflects its history as a hotel,
Remodeler
as well as the decorative lions adorning its upper
façade today. These days, restaurants and clubs
Built
inhabit the street level, with residences above.
1905; Remodeled
Location
2236 First Street
11
Greystone Hotel
Location
1526 Hendry Street
Description
Brick & Painted
Simulated-Block
3-Story
Commercial
Building
Builder/Developer
Peter Tonnelier
Built
1916
From The Leon building, turn right (south) onto
Hendry Street. Walk halfway down Hendry
Street to the mid-block entrance of the Patio
de Leon; just south of the entrance is the Greystone Hotel. The Greystone Hotel was built by
powerhouse developer Peter Tonnelier, who
constructed 3 other hotels, several commercial buildings, and Tonnelier Court―rechristened Patio de Leon―at whose entrance this
former hotel sits. It was built in 1916 to replace
the former Michigan Hotel that had been
destroyed by fire two years earlier. When it
opened for business, the Greystone Hotel's
upper floors were used as a hotel, while the
first floor had a variety of uses, including the
original location of the Lee County Bank.
in 1912
32
33
Historic Buildings
Historic Buildings
10
Lee County Bank
Building
Location
2229 Main Street
Description
Neo-Classical
Revival Style
2-Story
Commercial
Building
Builder/Developer
James A. Hendry
Built
1911, with Exterior
Stucco in 1927
Continue south along Hendry Street to the corner of Hendry and Main streets. On your right,
at the northeast corner, is the Lee County Bank
Building. The Lee County Bank Building was
built by pineapple farming explorer James A.
“Pineapple Jim” Hendry in 1911 as a general
store and post office. The exterior was stuccoed in 1927 when the Lee County Bank, Title
and Trust Company relocated into the building. In July 1932, the bank closed when unable
to meet depositor demands during the Great
Depression, but it was reopened the following
March as the Lee County Bank, where that
banking institution remained until 1965. An antique mall is the building’s current resident.
34
13
Richards Building
Location
1615-1617 Hendry
Street
Description
Italianate
Commercial Style
4-Story Building
Builder/Developer
Albertus A.
Gardner,
Developer
Built
1924
From the Lee County Bank Building, cross Hendry, then Main streets. Turn south; the Richards
Building is midway down the block on your left
(east). The Richards Building was built in 1924
for $150,000. Its style, Italianate Commercial,
was popular in the late 1800s, so the building
conveyed an air of tradition compared to more
progressive styles of the time (note the richlydecorated fourth floor cornice). Originally known
as the Pythian Building since it was home to the
Royal Palm Lodge, Knights of Pythias, the name
changed to Richards Professional Building when
R.Q. Richards bought it in 1945. He opened
Richards Pharmacy on the first floor. The building supposedly had the first elevator in town.
Nowadays, shops and a deli/market are on the
ground floor, with law firms upstairs.
35
Historic Buildings
Historic Buildings
12
Robb & Stucky Building
Location
1625 Hendry Street
Description
Chicago-Style
4-Story
Commercial
Building
Builder/Developer
Unknown
Built
1925
Continuing south on Hendry Street, the Robb &
Stucky Building is a 4-story commercial building next door to the Richards Building. In 1925,
the Robb & Stucky Building was built to be
a showroom and warehouse for Virgil Robb
and Harry Stucky's home furnishings firm, the
Robb & Stucky Furniture Company. As a way
to keep shoppers cooler during hot Florida
summers as well as to create an impressive
furniture gallery, the interior featured very
high ceilings and a balcony overlooking the
furniture display on the first floor. Visitors were
also treated to free bottles of Coca Cola
dispensed from the store's very own vending
machine. Today, attorney offices are located
in the building.
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15
Ryals Drug Store
Location
1631 Hendry Street
Description
Masonry
Vernacular SingleStory Commercial
Building
Builder/Developer
Earnest Hollis,
Owner
Built
1925
South of and next door to the Robb & Stucky
Building is Ryals Drug Store. The Ryals Drug
Store building, constructed in 1925, was
owned and operated under its best-known
use as a drug store by Earnest Hollis. Between
1957 and 1994, it became Parker Book Store.
In 1995, Thomas Evan made a major renovation to the structure, connecting the original
building fronting Hendry Street to a block
building at the rear of the property, resulting
in a large space housing Mama Bella's Restaurant. It was occupied by a series of restaurants until 2005, when the current owners
completely restored the building to its 1925
appearance. Today, a printer and a planning
services business are located in the building.
37
Historic Buildings
Historic Buildings
14
Gwynne Institute
Location
2266 Second Street
Description
Spanish Mission
Style 2-Story Red
Brick Educational
Institution
Builder/Developer
W.A. Edward,
Architect
Built
1911
From Ryals Drug Store, walk south along Hendry
Street to Second Street. Cross Second Street;
turn left (east) along Second Street and continue to the corner of Second and Jackson
streets. On your right (south) will be the Gwynne
Institute. The Gwynne Institute is named after
wealthy Tennessee cotton broker, grocer, and
American Civil War Colonel Andrew D. Gwynne, a Fort Myers winter resident who insisted
that the quickly-growing city needed a better
school building. After Gwynne's death in 1909,
the Institute was built for $45,000 with an $8,000
donation from his estate, plus matching community funds, a bond issue, and other fund
sources. Today, the Foundation for Lee County
Public Schools operates on the first floor, while
the second floor remains empty.
38
17
Edison Theater
Location
1533 Hendry Street
Description
Art Deco Style
Movie Theater
Builder/Developer
Florida State
Theaters, Inc.
Built
1940-41
From the Gwynne Institute, turn around, cross
Second Street, and head north on Jackson
Street. Cross Main Street; turn left (west) and
walk to the corner of Main and Hendry streets.
On your right will be the Edison Theater. The
Edison Theater was built in the early 1940s
when its modified Art Deco style was in vogue.
Erected by the Florida State Theaters, Inc.,
chain, the Edison Theater was the most modern
theater in town in its day. Its interior contained
an elegantly-decorated lobby, restrooms, and
a balcony―features that exemplified these
traditional American destinations of the era. It
was a favorite meeting spot on Saturday nights
for many local residents. Currently, it houses the
offices of several attorneys.
39
Historic Buildings
Historic Buildings
16
McCrory’s
Location
1525 Hendry Street
Description
Art Deco 2-Story
Concrete
Commercial
Building
Builder/Developer
Unknown
Built
1936
Continue north on Hendry Street until you
reach mid-block. On your right will be McCrory's 2-story building. Originally, Fort Myers'
McCrory's Store, part of a well-known national
chain of five and dime stores, was located in
the Earnhardt Building since 1914. In 1936, this
McCrory's location was built as one of the few
downtown buildings with an Art Deco flair.
Typical five and dime stores of the period sold
clothing and shoes, fabric, household items,
toys, cosmetics, penny candy, and usually
included a lunch counter or snack bar. Today,
the exterior of the McCrory's building remains
virtually identical to its original condition.
19
First National Bank &
Earnhardt Buildings
Location
2248 First Street
Description
Bank - NeoClassical Revival
2-Story Building;
Earnhardt Commercial
Vernacular Style
2-Story Building
with Buff-Color
Brick
Builder/Developer
Bank - Walter G.
Langford;
Earnhardt - Harvie
E. Heitman
From McCrory's, walk north to the southeast
corner of First and Hendry streets to the First National Bank Building; the Earnhardt Building is the
next building over on First Street. These buildings
resulted from a feud between the Bank of Fort
Myers (one block away) Bank Director Harvie E.
Heitman, and First National Bank of Fort Myers
Founder Walter G. Langford. When the Bank
of Fort Myers erected a new building in 1911,
First National built a more majestic building in
response. The Earnhardt Building was a jab back
at Langford by Heitman, who built the Earnhardt
a remarkable 200 feet length along First Street.
Today, the Bank building houses a law firm that
has lovingly restored its interior; the Earnhardt
originally held a pharmacy, and today is home
to restaurants and retail stores.
Built
Both Buildings in
1914
40
41
Historic Buildings
Historic Buildings
18
Langford & Bank of
Fort Myers Buildings
Location
Langford - 2278
First Street;
Bank - 2282 First
Street
Description
Langford - Painted
2-Story Brick
Building;
Bank - 3-Story Red
Brick Building
Builder/Developer
Langford - Taff O.
Langford, Builder;
Bank - Harvie Heitman, Financer
Built
Both Buildings in
1911
From the Earnhardt Building, continue east
along First Street to The Langford Building, next
door, and the Bank of Fort Myers Building, at the
corner of First and Jackson streets. The Langford
Building was erected between the new Bank of
Fort Myers Building and the old livery stable. In
later years, it was also known as The Grand Theatre, the first downtown movie theater. Eventually, it housed the JC Penney store, in direct
competition to rival Sears & Roebuck across First
Street. Today, a restaurant inhabits the first floor.
Financing for the The Bank of Fort Myers Building
was led by Bank Director Harvie Heitman, setting
off a construction competition along First Street
(see the First National Bank of Fort Myers, page
39). Current tenants include a restaurant, nail
salon, and offices upstairs.
42
21
Edison Regency House/
Franklin Arms Hotel
Location
2310 First Street
Description
Mediterranean
Revival Style
3-Story Hotel with
7-Story Addition
Builder/Developer
W.P. Franklin,
Owner
Built
1889, with Addition
in 1924
Cross Jackson Street and continue east on First
Street to the southwest corner of First and Lee
streets; the Edison Regency House/Franklin
Arms Hotel building is on your right. In 1889,
the Edison Regency House/Franklin Arms Hotel
building began as the Hill House, a small boarding house operated by Mary F. Hill. It gradually
expanded to become one of Fort Myers’ leading hotels. W.P Franklin purchased it in 1918 and
renamed it the Franklin Arms Hotel. In 1924, a
7-story addition containing 84 rooms―including
a rooftop restaurant―created the city’s first
skyscraper. According to old hotel postcards,
"...each room [had a] private bath and steam
heat. Spacious Lobby, Veranda, Dining Room,
Cocktail Bar, News-Stand. Sun Deck on Roof".
Today it contains an office and residences.
43
Historic Buildings
Historic Buildings
20
Langford-Kingston
Home
Location
2500 First Street
Description
Prairie-School Style
2-Story Red Brick
& White Masonry
Bungalow
Builder/Developer
Walter Langford,
Builder
Built
1919
Cross Lee Street, proceeding east 2 blocks
and using the Fowler crosswalk to arrive at
the Langford-Kingston Home on the southeast
corner of Fowler Street. Prominent businessman
Walter Langford built the home in 1919, living
there until his death the following year. In 1925,
George Kingston purchased the home from
Langford’s estate. Kingston’s claim to fame
was the Kingston Carburetor, used by Henry
Ford in manufacturing cars. The LangfordKingston Home was originally located on the
other side of Fowler Street, but was moved to
its current spot in 2003 to accommodate new
construction. Nowadays, it is an historic house
maintained by City government and is decorated for the December holidays each year by
the Fort Myers Woman's Community Club.
44
23
Burroughs Home
Location
2505 First Street
Description
Georgian
Revival Style
3-Story Residence
(Listed on the
National Register
of Historic Places)
Builder/Developer
John T. Murphy,
Owner
Built
1901
Return to the corner of First and Fowler streets
and use the crosswalk to cross First Street to the
Burroughs Home, (a.k.a. the Murphy-Burroughs
Home). Constructed in 1901 for wealthy Montana cattleman and businessman John T. Murphy, the stately home includes a wraparound
porch, a multi-dormered attic, and a widow's
walk (the railed rooftop platform used to observe ships in the Caloosahatchee River). Following Murphy's death in 1914, the house was sold
multiple times until 1919, when Nelson Thomas
Burroughs purchased it as a winter retreat. Today
it is the home of the Uncommon Friends Foundation, where visitors may book guided tours
of the house and gardens. It is also a featured,
decorated home in December along with the
Langford-Kingston Home across the street.
45
Historic Buildings
Historic Buildings
22
Whitehurst Federal
Building
Location
2301 First Street
Description
Neo-Classical
Revival Style
2-Story
Government
Building, Limestone
with Coral
Formations
Builder/Developer
Works Projects
Administration,
U. S. Government;
Nat Gaillard
Walker, Architect
Built
1933
Use the crosswalk to proceed west across Fowler
Street, continuing 2 blocks to the northwest
corner of Lee and First streets to the Whitehurst
Federal Building. The Whitehurst Federal Building
is a Works Projects Administration (WPA) project from the Great Depression. It was built with
Florida Key limestone embedded with coral formations, now an environmentally-protected rock
no longer available for use. As a Post Office, users
had 24-hour outdoor access to their post office
boxes. When the Post Office moved in 1967, it
became a Federal Courthouse. The Courthouse
remained here until 1998, then the building was
empty until Florida Arts, Inc., began restoration
in 2003. Renamed the Sidney & Berne Davis Art
Center, today it hosts performing arts, art gallery
shows, fundraisers, and private banquets.
46
25
Heitman Building
Location
2285 First Street
Description
Masonry
Vernacular
Commercial
2-Story Painted
Brick Building
Builder/Developer
Gilmer & Harvie
Heitman, Builders
Built
1898
Continue west along First Street, crossing Jackson Street. The Heitman Building is on your right
(north) at the corner of First and Jackson streets.
As Fort Myers' first brick building, the Heitman
Building was a successful, modern grocery
store for more than three decades. The first floor
was a general store, and the second floor had
offices. After the grocer closed, it was used as
telephone company headquarters, a Western
Union office, a Sears & Roebuck store, and a
ladies clothing shop. Today, it is inhabited by
shops and offices. In addition, the historic photo
on the right shows the river originally coming to
Bay Street, with north/south streets extending
into the river on piers. Today's environmentallyfriendly detention basin at Hendry Street symbolically restores the river to its original shoreline.
47
Historic Buildings
Historic Buildings
24
The Arcade Theatre
Location
2267 First Street
Description
Theater Building
and Pedestrian
Arcade enclosing
Walkway to Shops
and Theater,
originally an
Open-Air Walkway
Builder/Developer
Gilmer & Harvie
Heitman
Built
1915
Continue west along First Street to halfway
between Jackson and Hendry streets. The
Arcade Theatre will be on your right (north).
The Arcade Theatre was built as part of the
Bradford block in 1915 by Harvie and Gilmer
Heitman. It was one of three movie theaters
in Fort Myers at the time; the first one was The
Grand Theatre across First Street, and in 1913,
a theater was built in Tonnelier Court, now
known as Patio de Leon. In the early days of
film, silent movies were shown, as well as live
performances. Just like today, the pedestrian
Arcade housed shops and a theater, although
originally it provided open air access between
First and Bay streets. Nowadays, the nationally-acclaimed Florida Repertory Theatre company performs several plays each season.
48
27
The Bradford Hotel
Building
Exit the Arcade and continue west along
First Street to the northeast corner of First and
Hendry streets. The Bradford Hotel Building
Description
on your right (north). Prominent Fort Myers
Italian Renaissance
developer Harvie E. Heitman built The BradStyle 3-Story
ford Hotel Building in 1905, financed by Tootie
Commercial
McGregor. The hotel was named after Tootie’s
Building
deceased son, Bradford, whose health issues
were the catalyst for the family settling in Fort
Builder/Developer
Harvie E. Heitman,
Myers. When the hotel opened, it offered 41
Developer
rooms on the 2nd and 3rd floors to guests. By
1914, the hotel area of the building expanded
Built
to include the ground floor. It now features of1905
fices and retail businesses on the first floor, and
private residences on the upper floors.
Location
2247 First Street
49
Historic Buildings
Historic Buildings
26
Heitman-Evans
Hardware Building
Location
2235 First Street
Description
Pressed-Brick
2-Story
Commercial
Building
Builder/Developer
Harvie E. Heitman,
Builder;
Edward L. Evans,
Store Manager
Built
1914
Walking west on First Street, cross Hendry
Street. At your right (north), the HeitmanEvans Hardware Building is on the northwest
corner. In 1914, Harvie E. Heitman tore down
a rickety, 40-year-old wooden structure to
build what he promoted as one of the most
modern hardware and sporting good stores
in the country, Heitman-Evans Hardware.
Spending between $35,000-$40,000 for
construction, building perks included a large
electric elevator and the latest modern
fixtures. Since Fort Myers was a growing city
in a popular sports fishing area, the business
thrived. In the decades following its original
use, the Heitman-Evans Hardware Building has held a department store, Heritage
Square, school board offices, and a law firm.
50
29
Leak Building
From the Heitman-Evans Hardware Building,
continue west along First Street past Bayview
Court to a two-story building at the western
Description
corner of Bayview Court and First Street. This is
Mediterranean
the Leak Building, on your right (north). Built in
Revival & Chicago
1925 at an estimated cost of $30,000, the Leak
Industrial Style
2-Story Commercial Building has a blend of Mediterranean Revival
style and post-classic Chicago Industrial style,
Building
both popular in the 1920s. Although the overBuilder/Developer
all building design was geared toward retail or
Unknown
offices on the ground floor and offices, hotel
rooms, or meeting space on the second floor,
Built
ironically, one of the first documented uses
1925
for the building was as a Chinese restaurant.
The Leak Building has most recently been occupied by a bank. The restored building now
looks much as it originally did.
Location
2225 First Street
51
Historic Buildings
Historic Buildings
28
Dean Building
Location
2207 First Street
Description
Mediterranean
Revivalist 3-Story
Commercial
Building
Builder/Developer
John Morgan
Dean, Builder
Built
1924
Continue walking west to the northeast corner
of First and Dean streets; on your right is the
Dean Building. Built by the developer of the
Fort Myers Dean Park residential neighborhood,
the Dean Building opened as the Morgan
Hotel in 1924. Initially, 22 rooms were available
to weary travelers, but the next year 70 more
rooms were added to keep up with demand.
Dean Street was constructed as a direct result
of the hotel, to give the hotel entrances on
both Dean and First streets. In the 1930s, hotel guests were invited to tea dances on the
building's rooftop solarium. Over the years, the
first floor was home to a shoe store, a children's
clothing shop, real estate office, and restaurants. The first floor currently contains a restaurant, with office suites on the upper floors.
52
31
Fort Myers Realty
Company Building
Location
2145-2147 First
Street
Description
Mediterranean
Revival 2-Story
Commercial
Building
Builder/Developer
Unknown
Built
1926
The Fort Myers Realty Company Building is
directly across Dean Street from the Dean
Building. In its decades of existence, the Fort
Myers Realty Company Building has been
home to several real estate companies, including its namesake Fort Myers Realty Company from 1927 through the early 1930s. At the
same time, the first floor featured H.B. Hoyer
Grocery Company along First Street, although
generally it held professionally-oriented such
as attorneys and insurance companies. In the
1940s, however, the Elephant Restaurant operated in the former grocery spot and offered
patrons food and a cold beer. Today, it once
again features realty and attorney offices.
53
Historic Buildings
Historic Buildings
30
1412 Dean Street
Location
1412 Dean Street
Description
Commercial
Vernacular Style
3-Story Brick Building with Attached
1-Story Façade
Fronting an
Enclosed Courtyard
Builder/Developer
Unknown
Built
1924
Head north on Dean Street until you are near Bay
Street. On your left (west) is 1412 Dean Street.
Originally built as a series of 1-story brick buildings,
the engineering owner of Davison, Ransom &
Barton, Inc., added the 2nd and 3rd floors in 1926
using structural clay tile. For nearly 70 years, the
building had many types of tenants. In 1999, the
firm of Flanders Architecture, Inc., restored the
3-story structure and converted the 1-story portion
into an entry courtyard, Dean Street Court. This
design preserved the historic Dean Street façade,
and allowed the entry courtyard to serve both
the restored historic building and newly-constructed modern office building. Notice the structural
brick and clay tile walls in the courtyard. Currently, a real estate company, an architectural firm,
and an insurance company reside in the building.
54
33
Towles Building
Location
2224 Bay Street
Description
Commercial
Vernacular Style
3-Story Brick
Commercial
Building
Builder/Developer
Unknown
Built
1925
Continue north on Dean Street to Bay Street.
Turn right (east) and walk along Bay Street just
past Bayview Court. At the southeast corner
of Bay Street and Bayview Court, you will find
the Towles Building to your right (south). Built
in 1925 when the river reached to Bay Street,
the Towles Building was used as a fish house
and processing facility. Following a vacant
period, it was occupied again in 1946 as the
Dew-Drop Inn Restaurant. Since then, the
building has been used for several restaurant
and entertainment venues. It is particularly
valued for its rooftop restaurant/bar space
with a spectacular 360° view of the river and
the surrounding city.
55
Historic Buildings
Historic Buildings
32
Historic Buildings
34
16 Bayview Court
Location
1411 Bayview
Court
Description
Stuccoed 2-Story
Commercial
Building
Builder/Developer
Unknown
Built
Prior to 1926
From the Towles Building on Bay Street, walk
south into Bayview Court and proceed halfway through the Court to the 16 Bayview
Court building on your left (east), renumbered
1411 Bayview Court in modern times. This is
the final building on your self-guided Historic
Buildings tour. Constructed prior to 1926, the
16 Bayview Court building was designed with
a single, ground floor retail storefront and a
separate exterior door providing direct access
to the second floor, presumably for office use.
The building is particularly interesting as it is a
near mirror image to the building seen across
Bayview Court from it. It is currently occupied
by attorneys.
56