Alderman Mansion

The Alderman Mansion is a Mediterranean Revival built in 1924 by acclaimed architect, Addison Mizner for the Alderman Family. The over 3,800 sqft. mansion boasts 5 bedrooms on over one acre of land complete with a guest cottage (the former car garage) located in the rear of the property. The current estate now serves as both a wedding venue and a bed and breakfast. 

Fig. 1: Antique postcard depicting the Alderman Mansion at its height of grandeur and living, c. 1925. 

Mediterranean Revival, a subtype off Spanish Colonial Revival, was developed by Addison Mizner and August Geiger, principal architects who brought this new architectural style into the 1920s and popularized it. Typically, the style is largely restrained with little ornamentation and emanates “stucco or brick, often painted white to contrast with the brightly colored roof tiles. Roofs are low pitched gable….hipped….or flat.”[1]

Structures in this style also boast a front porch or arcade entrance. Window casements usually have some sort of wrought iron details incorporated with a small inset of second story balconies called “balconets.” Mediterranean Revival can be attributed by three main features: plainer surfaces, few jutting out projections, and heavily tiled roofs.[2] 

The checkered tiled floors are done in a mezzanine style leading to an open-air loggia that is flanked by four Mediterranean spiraled columns connected by Roman archways. The walls are finished in stucco that balance the red clay tile roof. The second story possesses large floor-to-ceiling arched windows with wrought iron balconets, giving it a Spanish aesthetic with the plain, textured walls and reserved details. 

Fig. 2: Close up shot of the inner courtyard exposing the mezzanine floors, spiraled columns, Roman archways, and stucco walls, 2021. 

Fig. 3: East frontal elevation of the Alderman Mansion, displaying the two story wing complete with balconets. 

Fig. 4: West frontal elevation of the Alderman Mansion displaying the single story wing that houses the elaborate dining room. The exterior showcases the reserved face of the residence with small decorations, such as the semi-circular medallions, spiraled columns, and Roman archways with a flat roof line.  

The Alderman Mansion was built for Frank C. Alderman Sr. Born in 1879 from Batavia, NY, he grew up with modest means, obtaining a public education and attending the University of Buffalo for a law degree. After earning a senior clerk position in the Buffalo Law Firm of Moot, Smoot & Lewis, he became ill and took a leave of absence. He travelled to South Florida, as so many did, due to its natural wilds and brush surroundings that were a prime destination for recuperation. Lured by the natural beauty of the area, and with the sudden death of his father up north, Frank decided to stay in Fort Myers, eventually opening his own law office. 

His knack for philanthropic works and business pursuits allowed him opportunities to invest in various fields. “He was president of the Fort Myers Southern Railroad between Fort Myers and Naples, was vice-president of the Seminole Lumber Company, and a director of the Lee County Packing Company.”[3] He also dabbled in realty companies, a founder of the Fort Myers Country Club, and a financial backer of the Dean Park suburb located near First Street. 

Through his financial means, he was named President of Fort Myers First National Bank in 1921 (See below, right) after the previous long-serving President, Walter G. Langford, owner of the Langford-Kingston Mansion, died. Once a banker, he built his lavish residence, the Alderman Mansion on First Street. According to the Fort Myers News Press in January 1925, “[t]he beautiful new home of Frank C. Alderman…is nearing completion. Thomas R. Martin, the Sarasota-Fort Myers architect, is here superintending the interior decorations. The plans were made by the Martin-Hosmer Studios, Inc. The lawn has been graded and leveled, trees and shrubbery set out and Mr. Alderman will have one of the finest homes.”[4]There, he, his wife Rossie Lewis Evans, and their son Frank C. Alderman Jr. altogether enjoyed a life of luxury. Frank was especially gifted in dealing with tough situations. It was his reorganizational strategies that helped save the Bank from failure amidst the panic of the Great Depression of the early Thirties. He helped finance the erection and renovation of several downtown buildings, helping the commercial district grow. Frank would serve in his capacity as a successfully astute banker until his death in 1946.[5]He was survived by his second wife, Jennie Alderman (nee Burgard) of Buffalo and his son, Frank Jr. 

Fig. 5: Professional photograph of Frank C. Alderman Sr.

Fig. 6: Front elevation of the First National Bank of Fort Myers, where Alderman served as President after Walter G. Langford's passing, and served in that role until his death.