Historic Black hotel in Sarasota saved from demolition [Video]

SARASOTA, Fla. — After a year-long clash between a Tampa Bay developer and community groups championing preservation, local leaders in Sarasota have reached a deal to save the historic Colson hotel from being demolished to make way for condominiums.

A coalition led by the owner of DreamLarge in collaboration with the city of Sarasota, and local groups like, the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation reached an agreement Tuesday.

Under the name Community Development Corporation, the coalition was formed specifically to purchase the segregation-era hotel located at 1425 8th Street and coalesce efforts to give it a new lease on life.

“Not surprising that it happened, but I knew it was going to be challenging but when you keep your head in …