FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—Someone spray-painted the exterior columns of the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, damaging part of a historic Downtown Fort Myers landmark Friday according to a Facebook post by the Art Center.
The art center said that it discovered the vandalism on the building’s exterior columns. It said the damage involved spray paint on the historic property.
“We were saddened to discover that someone recently vandalized the exterior columns of the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center with spray paint,” the art center said.
The center said the damage went beyond what might seem like minor graffiti. It said the columns are made of historic limestone and require specialized care.
“While graffiti may seem like a minor act of vandalism, the damage to a historic building can be far more significant,” the art center said.
“Our columns are made of delicate historic limestone that cannot simply be painted over or cleaned with conventional methods. Removing the paint requires specialized care to avoid permanently damaging the stone,” the art center said.
Built in 1933, the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center has been part of Downtown Fort Myers for more than 90 years. The center said preserving the landmark remained a serious responsibility because the building is part of the community’s shared history.
“We are working with the city to determine who is responsible and are consulting with professionals to determine the best methods to clean and restore the damages,” the art center said.
The center said the vandalism created added challenges and expenses as it cared for the building. It thanked people who helped preserve and protect the Fort Myers landmark.