Developers

Anand Pallegar, the founder of Dream Large, which aims to drive social change in communities, says a coalition of groups is working to buy and revitalize the century-old structure.

Known originally as the Colson Hotel for Negroes, the building at 1425 Eighth St. was one of the few places in southwest Florida where Black people could stay during the Jim Crow era.

More than 450 acres is covered by wetlands, making development permits difficult to obtain, the report commissioned by USF said.

Most of the plans include building apartments, hotels, and restaurants, but one hopes to preserve the land entirely.

With Hillsborough County in the midst of an affordable housing crunch, developers continue building luxury homes and apartments, especially in Tampa's…