HELP THE DUNBAR OPEN OUR DOORS

The Dunbar Project is dedicated to revitalizing history and giving back to our community by transforming The Dunbar Hotel into an exceptional hospitality experience that honors the rich heritage and culture of Gainesville, Florida. Once a vibrant cultural hub for Black patrons during segregation, The Dunbar hosted legendary musicians and local workers alike. Today, we hope to be a cultural hub for local community members and artists and a respite to visitors looking for high quality service. Together, we can bring this historic landmark back to life, blending its powerful past with a promising future for our community.

THE HISTORY

In 1936, Jack and Sophronia Dunbar, a Black couple, opened The Dunbar Hotel on Fourth Street (now NW 4th Street) in Gainesville, Florida. It was the first and only hotel in Gainesville to accept Black guests during the Jim Crow era. Notable Black musicians like Duke Ellington, B.B. King, and Ella Fitzgerald stayed there, alongside everyday workers such as strawberry pickers and vegetable farmers. The hotel offered communal bathrooms and lounge areas on the second floor, fostering a sense of unity in a segregated society.

Located in the historic Pleasant Street neighborhood, The Dunbar served Black travelers from the 1930s to the 1950s as part of the Chitlin' Circuit, a network of venues in the South for Black entertainers during segregation. After desegregation, The Dunbar lost its clientele and eventually closed. In 1995, the City of Gainesville restored it and turned it into Pleasant Place, a home for pregnant teenagers, which operated until 2013. The building is now privately owned.

CONCEPT

The Dunbar Project will offer classic cocktails, curated music, and a vibrant community atmosphere. The space will combine exceptional service , live performances, and a rich display of history to shape an environment where the past and present meet . We’re not just restoring The Dunbar, we’re laying a foundation for community-care to be the corner-stone of hospitality. This transformation will happen in three phases:

Phase 1: Open the patio dining and backyard area, along with renovations to the restrooms and kitchen to serve guests.

Phase 2: Interior renovations for the downstairs bar and dining room.

Phase 3: Renovating the boutique hotel rooms.

Right now, our focus is on Phase 1, and your support will help us get the outdoor space ready to welcome guests and start creating the community hub we envision.

WHAT WE NEED

We are now seeking $40,000 to complete Phase 1 of our project—opening The Dunbar’s outdoor patio—and to jumpstart Phase 2. Thanks to your support, we've already made significant progress, and this next round of funding will help us cross the finish line on critical Phase 1 needs.

These funds will go toward essential costs like final permits and licensing, restroom renovations, landscaping, and key kitchen equipment. Once Phase 1 is complete, we’ll be able to open a functional and welcoming patio space for outdoor dining and community gatherings—setting the stage for Phase 2 and everything that comes next.

THE HEART BEHIND IT ALL

Jessica, born and raised in West Palm Beach, draws inspiration from her cultural roots, using design to create engaging environments that connect people to a space. After moving to Gainesville in 2017 to attend the University of Florida, she pursued a degree in Interior Design.

Jessica’s experience in hospitality led her to design and assist in the opening of Germain's Chicken Sandwich, now a local favorite. She is the niece of Germain and sister to Shelton, the owners of Germain's, and together they are embarking on this exciting collaborative project. Shelton brings branding and creative direction expertise to The Dunbar; While Germain contributes his renowned culinary skills—he’s the mastermind behind the beloved Germain’s brunches, which will be a focal point at The Dunbar.

Our team’s heart is in family and community. From the beginning we have centered on giving back. From our start as a pop-up at local farmers markets, to our growing food truck that has fed our community, and now in collaboration with our Grove Street Neighbors at our Germains storefront serving over 1500 plus free meals during our annual Friendsgiving event. We know that community is our foundation and we are growing with The Dunbar to serve the Pleasant Street Neighborhood and the greater Gainesville community.

Jessica and the Germain’s leadership team, alongside a passionate group of professionals, is committed to bringing The Dunbar back to life with an aim to pour into our community now more than ever. Our Team's expertise in hospitality, design, and marketing will ensure The Dunbar becomes a vibrant and valuable resource for our neighbors and so many more.

THE IMPACT

Visiting other hotels and restaurants over the years, we’ve seen firsthand how spaces like The Dunbar can bridge history and progress. This project is my way of giving back to Gainesville and fostering unity in the Pleasant Street neighborhood.

Your support will help us get The Dunbar up and running as a thriving community space. By revitalizing The Dunbar, we aim to:

Preserve a significant piece of Gainesville’s Black history.

Foster connections between long-time residents and newcomers, strengthening our neighborhood.

Offer affordable dining, a community library, and a food pantry to support local families.

Transform a vacant, deteriorating building into a vibrant community hub that uplifts and enriches the lives of residents.

Together, we can honor the past, support the present, and build a stronger, more connected future.

OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP

If you can’t make a donation, we completely understand—things can be challenging. But you can still help! Please share this campaign with anyone who might be interested and post it on social media.

We want this project to be rooted in community, just as The Dunbar was in the past, and we’d love for you to join us on this journey.

We can’t wait to have you at The Dunbar once we’re up and running.

Follow us on social media—find us on Instagram at @thedunbar_gnv.

We’ve poured our hearts, time, and resources into making this space something truly special, but we need your help to bring it to the finish line. If you believe in the power of small dreams, please consider donating. Thank you so much in advance for your support in making this dream a reality!

With Gratitude,

The Dunbar Team