The historic building that houses The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers has been vandalized.
Provided by The Sidney & Berne D
USA TODAY Network, Reuters
The historic Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center has been vandalized.
In a Facebook post on Oct. 31, the Fort Myers nonprofit art center shared that it was “saddened to discover that someone recently vandalized the exterior columns.”
“Our historic buildings deserve better,” the post exclaimed.
Built in the 1930s, the building that’s now home to the art center has been a part of downtown Fort Myers for more than 90 years. The city-owned building was constructed as a US Post Office and dedicated in December 1933.
In the Facebook post, the center wrote: “Preserving this beautiful landmark is a responsibility we take seriously, and incidents like this create additional challenges and expenses in caring for a building that belongs to our community’s shared history.”
The post explained that while graffiti “may seem like a minor act of vandalism, the damage to a historic building can be far more significant.”
In explaining the problematic situation further, the center wrote: “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 center is working with the city to determine who is responsible for the vandalism and consulting with professionals on the best ways to clean and restore the damaged building.
In replies to the Facebook post, one supporter called the vandalism heartbreaking, while another described it as unbelievable. Others chimed in, sharing their own thoughts, including Fort Myers resident Pam Murray.
“That is sad news … I hope they find the criminal(s) and that they are charged!” she said. “Downtown is such a special place.”
The mission of the art center, run by Florida Arts Inc., a 501(c)(3) charity based in Fort Myers, is to bring world-class arts events to Southwest Florida. Events include concerts, art exhibits, galas and lectures.
The center has operated in the historic building for almost 20 years under a long-term lease.
The building, located at 2301 First Street, once operated as a federal courthouse.
After the courthouse moved elsewhere in 1998, the building sat vacant for a while.
In 2003, Florida Arts acquired a 99-year lease from the city to restore the building. Following major interior stabilization and restoration, it reopened on Sept. 10, 2008.
Laura Layden is a senior business and government reporter. Reach her by email at laura.layden@naplesnews.com.
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This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Historic Fort Myers building that houses art center suffers vandalism
Reporting by Laura Layden, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect
This story was originally published October 31, 2026 at 5:17 PM.