The Inn was one of Sarasota’s earliest and most adaptive buildings, with a career spanning over a century and several uses over the years.

Origins 1885

The building was constructed in 1885 by Hamlin Whitaker. It was a livery stable named Whitaker and Smith Livery Stable. It was located on the corner of Main Street and Palm Avenue. According to memoirs of Alex Browning, who arrived in the area from Scotland in 1885 the structure served as livery stable for houses.

When the front portion was converted into a pool hall, it became a social spot where young men played by kerosene light and young women watched from the balcolny

Transititon to a rooming house

In 1890’s, Elijah Grantham purchased the property for $125. He added a second story with 9 bedrooms, a living room, dining room, kitchen and a porch. This marked its shift from a livery stable to a rooming facility. The downstairs was also used a general store, with “E.B.Grantham, General Merchandise” visible above the front door on early photos.

Other uses

After the Granthams sold it, the Inn continued as a rooming house, operating alongside the Watrous Hotel across Palm Avenue. In the mid -1920’s, Frank Higel rented its furnished its rooms

To make way for the Sarasota’s skyscraper-the Sarasota Hotel-the building was moved over 2 lots to what is now Fruitville Road. It was then known as the Crescent Apartments. The building was eventually demolished in 1994 due to its deteriorating condition