Bank of Everglades
The Historic Bank of Everglades Building
Preserving history for future generations.
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 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.
Preservation
Damages from Hurricane Irma and erosion from time have taken their toll, but there is hope!
In 2020 Bob Flick donated the building to ESHP. 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 Trail Town Headquarters.
PAST
PRESENT
FUTURE
15 for 15 Windows Sponsors
We need 15 supportive donors to sponsor 15 new windows in the historic Bank of Everglades Building.
As a sponsor, your name will be on a plaque under the window, and you will be recognized on our website. You will also receive a complimentary annual membership in ESHP and a framed certificate.
The new windows will be a replica of the original 1927 design but with impact glass to protect the building in our hurricane climate. It is part of our effort to renovate this dignified landmark so it can be used as a Welcome Center and community gathering facility with exhibit/lecture rooms upstairs.
Sponsorship per window is $15,000. We are a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, so your donation qualifies for a tax deduction. However, businesses may treat the cost as an advertising expense.
If you are 70 ½ or older, you can make a charitable gift directly from your IRA. This Qualified Charitable Distribution can satisfy part of your RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) while supporting the Bank project. Turn your RMD into a gift that preserves our history and the legacy of Barron Gift Collier.
The choice of which window you sponsor is on a “first come, first served” basis and we already have commitments for five of them.
For info about our project, call Patty at (239) 719-0020.
The Historic Bank of Everglades Building
Preserving history for future generations.
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 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.
PAST
PRESENT
FUTURE
Preservation
Damages from Hurricane Irma and erosion from time have taken their toll, but there is hope!
In 2020 Bob Flick donated the building to ESHP. 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 Trail Town Headquarters.
PAST
PRESENT
FUTURE
The Historic Bank of Everglades Building
Preserving history for future generations.
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 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.
Preservation
Damages from Hurricane Irma and erosion from time have taken their toll, but there is hope!
In 2020 Bob Flick donated the building to ESHP. 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 Trail Town Headquarters.
Media
Saving History, Coastal Breeze
Historic Collier County Bank, Naples Daily News
Historic Everglades Bank Building, Naples Daily News
Everglades City Music Festival, Coastal Breeze News
Coastal Breeze Reviews Killing Mr. Watson Play, Coastal Breeze News
ESHP Gets Historic Collier Bank, Naples Daily News
The Bank of Everglades-Growing up in Everglades City by Savannah Oglesby, Coastal Breeze News
Take Home a Piece of History, Coastal Breeze
Restoring the Bank of Everglades Building, Naples Illustrated
Historic Homes Shine, Naples Florida Weekly
Best Small Towns to Visit, Smithsonian Magazine
