Colvin House

Completed in 1920, the Colvin House is one of the first residences built by African American pioneers in Lake Wales. Built for Donnie and Anna Colvin, Gullah Geechee settlers from North Carolina, the Colvin House is also one of the oldest surviving structures in the Northwest community.

Settled in the early 20th century by naval stores and citrus industry laborers, the Northwest section of Lake Wales was the only neighborhood in the city where African Americans could own property prior to desegregation.

Once anchored by a vibrant business district, the Northwest community has lost much of its original building stock over time to incremental demolition and redevelopment.

Now in deterioration, the nominator seeks to raise awareness to protect and restore this bungalow structure, which is representative of the Northwest community’s original built environment and historically significant story.

For more information, contact: Home | Florida Trust For Historic Preservation