Historic McCollum Hall in Fort Myers could reopen as restaurant, community hub and more

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

Fort Myers leaders are moving forward with new plans for the future of McCollum Hall after Wednesday's town meeting.

The building currently sits along Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Fort Myers. City leaders say the project is long overdue.

A motion was approved to move ahead with the two-story design. The plan would preserve the building's historic front, while adding modern upgrades to the inside.

McCollum Hall was once the heart of the Dunbar community in the 1930s. It was a place for business and entertainment for some of the biggest stars. Musicians like Duke Ellington, B.B. King, Count Basie, and Louis Armstrong would perform on the second floor as part of the Chitlin Circuit. During WWII, it also served as a U.S.O. for Black servicemen.

"We don't want to have these types of facilities around falling apart. It's a shame that it's a historical building, and it should be fixed up for everybody's benefit," said Fort Myers resident Joseph Geronimo.

Residents like Joseph Geronimo are eager to see the building revitalized.

"I think any improvement to the existing facility would be fantastic for Fort Myers, especially if it's a multi-use situation," said Geronimo.

There is talk of adding a 160-seat restaurant, a business center, a rehearsal space for community activities, and an outdoor porch and courtyard.

During Wednesday's meeting, they talked about making this project phaseable, starting with one story and then eventually adding a second one. However, the developer says it may not be practical to do it this way.

City leaders and residents are excited about the project, hoping it will bring business and entertainment to the community.

"As far as multi-use, that's fine... Whether it be theater, shops, stores, or restaurants, I would enjoy," said Geronimo.

Now, council members recommended that developers look at the overall finances and have a financial backup plan.

McCollum Hall was also named to the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places on April 18, 2022.

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