Pleasure Palace
The Pleasure Palace, situated at the end of the Pleasure Pier, was the hub of social and political functions for the city of Fort Myers from 1927 to 1943. Thomas Edison celebrated all of his accomplishments and birthdays in the grand ballroom of the Moorish-style building. Reaching several hundred yards out into the Caloosahatchee, the Pleasure Palace with its numerous French doors that opened wide to allow in ample breezes made gatherings a wondrous experience. Elder residents still recall coming together under the high roof of the two-story building to sample a piece of birthday cake for the area’s most famous resident, Thomas Edison. Henry Ford would join in the celebrations as would Harvey Firestone. In 1943, the pier had taken its share of beatings from the fast running Caloosahatchee and several tropical storms. Fearing the Pleasure Palace would fall into the river and be swept away the city dismantled the structure saving only the top center portion of the Palace. It was put on a barge and floated 200 yards up the river where it came to rest on Edwards Drive next to the Works Progress Administration constructed marina. At its new location it served as the USO for Buckingham and Paige Field soldiers during the war. Residents still flocked to the building to bring home-made treats and dance with the soldiers. At the end of the war, the building was used as the city’s Visitors Center and provided luxurious space for the Holiday of Lights Pageant, wedding receptions, and numerous city functions. Retaining the original wood floor, stage, velvet curtain, exposed wooden rafters; the interior holds all the splendor and beauty of its glory days. The exterior has been abused with additions and their subsequent removal. Currently the building sits empty but a make-shift air conditioning system still breaths life into this 85 year-old gem. Located between the Caloosahatchee and the heart of the downtown historic district, it is also in the way of the city’s plan for new development. With limited funds to restore or relocate the building, it is in immediate danger of being razed. The city has approved plans to develop the land on which it sits and is only awaiting additional funding before the destruction can begin. It is only a matter of time before what remains of the Pleasure Palace is lost forever if funding can not be secured. With the help of Dwell and Sub-Zero, this small building that has a large place in the hearts of Fort Myers residents can be saved. Winning this contest would be the spring board, publicity, and funding needed to launch the Pleasure Palace into a new light and be saved. Thank you for your consideration.
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