J. W. Wright Building
Restoration & Revitalization Project
Panel Discussion - Tuesday, February 18, 2020 7 pm
Conrad Educational & Research Center
137 W Michigan Avenue, DeLand, FL
Free and open to the public
Panelists:
Mario Davis, Executive Director of the Greater Union Life Center, and driving force of the project
Mark
Shuttleworth, owner of Florida Victorian Architectural Antiques, and restoration
project manager
Belinda
Williams-Collins, Senior Planner and Historic Preservation Officer for the City
of DeLand
Learn more about the vision and leadership of J. W. Wright
and the inspiration and creative process for this project. And why the preservation
of this building and the revitalization of this entrepreneurial community will
lead to significant economic development, through the collaboration of the City
of DeLand, the Greater Union Life Center, Stetson University, nonprofit
innovation organizations and committed individuals - working together to
restore Mr. Wright’s business, arts and entertainment incubator.
Completed in 1920, this stately red brick building, located
at the corner of W. Voorhis and S. Clara Avenues in DeLand was the anchor of
the bustling African American business & cultural district. Originally
owned James Washington Wright, Sr., early African American landowner and
entrepreneur, and pioneer for black-owned businesses, the impressive building
served as a grocery and general store with spaces for small black-owned
businesses and the offices of Dr. and
Dr. Starke.
This project is spearheaded by the nonprofit Greater Union
Life Center, the charitable arm of Greater Union First Baptist Church, working
to promote healthier living, economic stability and community engagement in
Spring Hill. It has received grants from
the prestigious National Trust for Historic Preservation through its African
American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, the Downtown DeLand Community
Redevelopment Agency, and other generous donors.
