The History of SBDAC
1865
The land where the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is built has a long history and, therefore, has become part of the local heritage. The site was originally a Native American Calusa settlement hundreds of years ago. In the mid-1800s, it became home to the original fort of Fort Myers, which also housed soldiers.
1880 – 1930
From 1880 – 1930, Fort Myers experienced subtle growth and expansion, mostly because of the area’s abundance of recreational fishing. Like most American cities, Downtown Fort Myers saw its first skyscraper go up in the 1920s. Such architecture paved the way for the development of a city center.
1933
Then, in 1933 a 23,000 square foot United States Post Office was built to replace the fort.The Post Office, designed by prominent Florida architect Nat Gaillard Walker, opened on the site. A rare masterpiece of Neoclassic Revival architecture in Florida, the building’s massive columns were made of limestone from the Florida Keys. Plus, the walls were embedded with coral formations and sea shells.
1945
The Post Office on 1st Street will always be memorable for lifetime Fort Myers residents. It was a local landmark used by Edison, Ford, and Firestone, as well as many average citizens in the area. Until it’s renovation, the Post Office served the community for decades.
1960
The building, later known as the George Whitehurst Federal Building, was converted into a Federal Courthouse in the 1960s. Judges, lawyers, defendants, and plaintiffs passed through the rooms and hallways on a regular basis. Much of the original 1930s architecture remained intact, which allowed eventual renovations to preserve the site’s history.
1998
The building was abandoned after a new courthouse was built nearby. The vacant building suffered deterioration from water infiltration, adding to the great wear from public use and deferred maintenance it sustained while it served the community. The building fell into disrepair and much of the original fixtures were removed or destroyed.
2003
In 2003, Jim Griffith and Florida Arts, Inc. (a 501c3 not-for-profit organization) acquired a 99-year lease from the City of Fort Myers on the building. Florida Arts, Inc. agreed to meld the past with the future by restoring the building to its original magnificence, while creating a modern arts facility.
2007
In 2007, Berne Davis pledged $1 million to Florida Arts, Inc. for the building’s restoration. In honor of the Davis family contribution, the building was renamed the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. Matching funds came from individual and corporate donors and the City of Fort Myers to begin renovations on the first floor.
2008
Phase 1 was completed June 2008, with the exception of the original door openings in the front loggia area, the first floor air conditioning, and the granite flooring. Completion of these three remaining items was at budget and ahead of schedule, so the building opened to the public September 10, 2008. By the end 2008, 10,000 square feet of the building had been restored.
2012
SBDAC is granted a Cultural Facilities grant for $650,000 to continue the restoration of the mezzanine and upper floors. The elevator was installed, and the building’s second floor was renovated to include the Capital Gallery, and classrooms for the arts program. In addition, the gorgeous artist green room was completed on the mezzanine level. Renovations were completed Summer 2014.
2013
In 2013, SBDAC was awarded a second Cultural Facilities grant for $328,000 to create a rooftop sculpture garden and reception area. By the end of 2014, the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center had revitalized a once dilapidated classic Florida structure, and the downtown River District along with it. Work is scheduled to be completed in 2017.