A Symbol of Resilience: Zora Neale Hurston’s St. Augustine Home Restored into a Museum and Rental Property
The historic home of celebrated author and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston in St. Augustine, Florida, once on the brink of demolition, has been meticulously saved and restored. As of late September 2025, the property at 791 West King Street stands reborn as a vibrant museum and a unique short-term rental, embodying a powerful narrative of resilience, community dedication, and the enduring significance of preserving cultural heritage. This transformation offers a tangible connection to Hurston’s life and work, ensuring her legacy continues to inspire future generations.
The Historic Resonance of the St. Augustine Residence
Zora Neale Hurston, a pivotal figure of the Harlem Renaissance and a masterful storyteller, maintained a significant connection with St. Augustine throughout her life. While she lived in various places, her time in St. Augustine during the 1940s holds particular literary importance. It was within the walls of the house on West King Street that Hurston rented a room and completed her poignant autobiography, Dust Tracks on a Road, a seminal work that detailed her life and experiences. The house also served as a boarding house for female students attending the nearby Florida Normal and Industrial Institute, underscoring its role in supporting Black education and community life during a critical period in American history. Hurston’s earlier marriage in St. Augustine in the 1920s further solidifies the city’s place in her personal history.
From Threat of Demolition to a Beacon of Hope
The fate of Zora Neale Hurston’s St. Augustine residence hung precariously in the balance for years. After the passing of its long-time owner, Ms. Pasco, who lived in the home until she was 100 years old, the property was put up for sale. With the house in a state of disrepair, it faced the serious threat of demolition, with potential buyers viewing it primarily as undeveloped land. This situation spurred concern among historians and preservationists, including local historian David Nolan, who recognized the irreplaceable cultural value of the property. Nolan actively advocated for its preservation, drawing parallels to other preserved literary homes like Ernest Hemingway’s in Key West and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ in Cross Creek, envisioning a similar future for Hurston’s St. Augustine home.
A Transformative Restoration: The Vision of the Andersons
In 2023, a beacon of hope emerged when Lavardis and Dwala Anderson, a local St. Augustine couple, purchased the historic home. Recognizing the urgent need for preservation and possessing a clear vision for its future, they embarked on an ambitious restoration project that spanned over a year. The house, described as needing “a lot of TLC” and experiencing significant structural issues—with one account noting they “started almost falling through the floor”—was painstakingly brought back to its former glory. The restoration process was not just about structural repair but also about community engagement. Lavardis Anderson emphasized his commitment to utilizing local talent, providing opportunities for individuals within the community who possessed the necessary skill sets to contribute to the building’s revival. This collaborative effort culminated in the successful completion of the restoration by September 2025, a testament to their dedication and belief in the project’s importance.
A Dual Purpose: Museum, Cultural Hub, and Short-Term Rental
The restored Zora Neale Hurston home now serves a dual and vital purpose. The first floor has been thoughtfully converted into a museum and cultural hub. This space is dedicated to celebrating Zora Neale Hurston’s profound connection to St. Augustine, highlighting her life, literary achievements, and contributions to American culture. The museum also pays tribute to “other foot soldiers,” recognizing the broader historical context and the individuals who shaped the community. Among the displayed artifacts is Hurston’s marriage certificate, a significant find that further validates her deep ties to the area.
Complementing the museum, the second floor has been ingeniously transformed into four distinct short-term rental suites, including a specially designed “Zora Suite.” These accommodations offer visitors a unique opportunity to stay within a piece of literary history. Crucially, the revenue generated from these rentals is earmarked to support the ongoing operations of the museum and its associated outreach programs. The Andersons’ vision extends beyond mere preservation; they aim to create a sustainable model where heritage tourism directly fuels cultural enrichment and community development.
Phoenix Rising Network Inc.: Cultivating Community and Opportunity
Integral to the mission of the restored Hurston home is the establishment of the Phoenix Rising Network Inc., a nonprofit organization founded by Lavardis and Dwala Anderson. This organization is poised to leverage the historic property as a platform for vital community programming. Plans include hosting a range of workshops and initiatives designed to empower local residents. These programs will focus on critical areas such as homeownership education, financial literacy, workforce training, and mentorship for young people. By offering these resources, the Andersons aim to foster economic growth and personal development within the community, creating a lasting positive impact that echoes Hurston’s own spirit of striving and achievement.
While the museum and rental suites are nearing full public accessibility, the Andersons continue their efforts to raise funds to fully complete the museum’s offerings and officially open its doors. Their dedication is evident in their aspiration to have visitors depart with a sense of wonder, reflecting on the “miracle” they believe they have achieved in saving and revitalizing this significant landmark.
Honoring a Legacy for Generations to Come
The successful preservation and adaptive reuse of Zora Neale Hurston’s St. Augustine home represent a significant triumph for cultural heritage and community revitalization. In an era where historical sites are often threatened by neglect or redevelopment, this project stands as a powerful example of how private initiative, guided by historical significance and community vision, can safeguard invaluable links to America’s past. The home now serves not only as a memorial to an iconic writer but also as a dynamic center for education, inspiration, and economic opportunity. It is a place where stories of resilience, artistic brilliance, and the enduring strength of the human spirit are not just remembered but actively lived and shared, ensuring that Zora Neale Hurston’s voice and vision continue to illuminate the path for those who follow.