Built in 1925 and home to Jean Cleveland, Punta Gorda's first female city clerk and her son Ulysses S. Cleveland. Cleveland died in 1991 at 100 years old.
In 2021 the city voted against funds contributing to the preservation of the home. Garrett Kizer, of Charlotte Harbor Construction and current house owner tried to save the home when he realized it wasn't fiscally feasible. So teaming up with City Council member Jaha Cummings and his mother, Martha Bireda, current director of the Blanchard House Museum, redoubled their efforts and in 2022 they received a grant of $480,000 for the renovation. The house will be moved from 415 E. Virginia Ave. as an extension to the Blanchard House Museum, 406 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. It is being used as an educational institution focused on the history, culture and contributions of African Americans in Southwest Florida. (Info from The Daily Sun, 6/19/22) It had significant damage from Hurricane Ian and is closed while under repair. (9/23)
