Bank of Everglades Building Update

The Everglades Society for Historic Preservation is pleased to report that the Bank of Everglades Building project has made great progress during the past few months. This photo shows the rear of the building with the completion of the back stairs (with the planter on the right side), the ramp and the outside wall wrapping around the vault and the elevator shaft. In the next few weeks, the side stairs facing the Rod and Gun Club and the balcony over the vault will be done which will complete Phase I. The next steps will include installing the new floor joists as well as work on the interior (steel for the new staircase and overhead beam), as well as the new windows, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, etc. All of this will be included in Phase II. We are still in need of additional funding to move forward on this next phase. We are very disappointed that our request for funding did not pass the House and Senate this year; nor were funds allocated to the Division of Historic Resources, where we had been approved for matching funds. We will now be relying on individuals and foundations who share our vision to honor Barron Collier's legacy, restore this iconic building to its original grandeur, and be a resource not only for our visitors but also for our entire community. For more information, visit our website www.eshp.org or call me at 239-719-0020 to learn how you can be a part of this endeavor.