The Historic Leonard Reid House

Built in 1926, this historic home was originally located in Overtown (also known today as the Rosemary District), Sarasota’s earliest African American neighborhood, which Leonard Reid helped to establish. In October 2002, the Leonard Reid House was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

In 2020, the historic structure was gifted to the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, Inc. (SAACC) by the city of Sarasota, and was relocated from Overtown to Newtown in 2022. In February 2026, SAACC and members of the Newtown community gathered to celebrate the Reid House centennial, honoring 100 years of the historic house.

Today, the house serves as the headquarters for the SAACC, preserving the legacy of one of Sarasota's prominent African American pioneers. SAACC is one of the premier cultural establishments in Newtown—featuring the art and goods of local residents, celebrating African American art and cultural traditions, and hosting a variety of events and workshops throughout the year.

Learn More & Visit the Leonard Reid House: thesaacc.org

Photo from Visit Sarasota