Daytona Beach CRA approves purchase of Campbell Hotel parcels for Midtown redevelopment

The Daytona Beach Community Redevelopment Agency on Oct. 16 approved a resolution to purchase parcels that include the former Campbell Hotel (also known as the Ingram Building) at the southwest corner of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard and Walnut Street, enabling a proposed mixed-use redevelopment.

Michelle Tolliver, redevelopment project manager for Midtown, told commissioners that the Campbell Hotel was an important lodging and cultural venue for African American visitors during the Jim Crow era and is part of the city’s Black Heritage Trail. Tolliver presented two conceptual redevelopment options — both mixed-use with retail on the ground floor and residential units above — and said the building’s condition led staff to propose demolition followed by a new, smaller-footprint structure with retail and studio, one- and two-bedroom units.

During public comment, John Nicholson of 413 North Granbury Avenue said he was torn about losing a historic building but urged rapid redevelopment to bring residents and customers to Midtown. “Midtown needs bodies,” Nicholson said, adding the CRA should pursue large-scale redevelopment while the agency still has funding authority. Sandy Murphy of 136 Park Avenue urged preserving historic elements and incorporating a mural commemorating musicians and performers who worked at the hotel; she also asked that the neon sign be saved for reuse in the renovation.

Several commissioners expressed support for retaining and displaying the neon sign and for public art to highlight the site’s cultural history. The commission approved the resolution authorizing the purchase and direction for staff to execute the necessary documents and proceed with due diligence; the motion carried and was recorded in the meeting minutes as approved.

Next steps described by staff included moving toward procurement and design concepts and seeking developer proposals if commissioners wish to proceed. Tolliver said the demolition recommendation is based on the building’s current condition and that conceptual plans will be refined as design and procurement proceed.

The purchase was presented as part of the Midtown master-plan goals to assemble property for redevelopment, increase regional investment, and collaborate with private partners. The CRA meeting record notes the vote passed and that the city will proceed with required contracts and closings.