A big thanks to all our supporters!
Welcome
Together, We Can Save the Bank of Everglades Building!
Help us achieve our goals!
Who We Are
The Everglades Society for Historic Preservation (ESHP), a Florida 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation, aims to raise awareness of the unique history and wealth of historic buildings in our small southeast corner of of beautiful Collier County Florida.
ESHP’s mission is to preserve historic sites, structures, documents, artifacts and memories within the Everglades area.
The Society was founded in 2004. Our territory of interest includes Everglades City, Plantation Island, Chokoloskee, Ochopee, Copeland & Lee Cypress, and Jerome.
Our Goal
Our goal is to restore the Bank of Everglades building so that it can be enjoyed today and preserved for future generations.
Bank of Everglades Building History
The Bank of Everglades building was built in 1927 for Barron Gift Collier who envisioned an iconic landmark building as the home for the Bank of Everglades.
The Bank of Everglades remained in the building until 1962 when the business relocated to Immokalee. The building was then used as a rooming house.
In 1979, the building was purchased by Reba "Rusty" Rupsis who published the Everglades Echo newspaper in the building until 1990. After that, it was a Bed & Breakfast by several succeeding owners until it closed in 2017. The building has remained vacant since that time.
Damages from Hurricane Irma and erosion from time has taken its toll, but there is hope! A comprehensive structural analysis has been completed and we are on our way to finalizing the architectural plans that will guide us through the extensive renovation process.
When the building is restored, it will serve as the permanent location for the Everglades Area Visitor Center and have affordable rental spaces on the second floor for local entrepreneurs, artists, and shops.
SIGN OUR PETITION BELOW TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!
download the BOE building presentation and brochure
Help Us Preserve History for Future Generations to Enjoy
Your support and contributions will enable us to make real progress! Every little bit counts!
Copyright © 2022, Everglades Society for historic preservation, inc.
- All Rights Reserved