orlando Florida history - african american

Nicholson-Colyer Building

27-35 West Church Street

Constructed: 1911

Original Owners: J. A. Colyer and J. E. Nicholson

Style: 20th Century Commercial Style - red brick

Businesses: Colyer was an African-American landowner who had a tailor shop with Charles D. Williams and Nicholson had a bakery. This building also contained the office of Dr. J. B. Callahan, an African-American physician and the barbershop of J. B. Harris who was also African-American.

Current owner: Brian Mulvaney

Modifications: Renovated in 1989 - Currently houses several bars.

Notes: Orlando Historic Landmark

Photos above Nicholson-Colyer Building, 2001

LEFT: Nicholson and Colyer were justifiably proud of their building and put their names at the top of the building.

Hunt-Brannon Building

23-25 West Church Street

Constructed: 1911

Original Owners: L. T. Hunt and T. C. Brannon

There is a discrepancy as to whether the name is Brannon or Branson - All of the printed information I have seen says that the name was Branson, but the sign at the top of the building says "Hunt-Brannon." (See image below) Eve Bacon's book, Orlando - A Centennial History does not mention the building as far as I can see, so I'm not sure where the others received their information.

Style: 20th Century Commercial Style - red brick - The building incorporates an earlier one-story building.

Businesses: Once home to Archie McDowell's candy store and it currently houses Amigos Restaurant.

Current owner: Kenneth Mulvaney

Hunt and Brannon were also proud of their building and here's the proof that the name was Brannon and not Branson, 2001

Hunt-Brannon Building, 2001

Hunt Brannon Building - second floor balcony, 2001