A new mural by artist Egypt Hagan has been added to the property.
Built in 1925 by Black businessman Elder Jordan, the venue was originally known as the Jordan Dance Hall and served as a major entertainment centre for the city’s African American community.
St Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch said the renovated building is intended to serve different groups in the community. It hosted live dance music on weekends and gospel performances on Sundays. The building also became a venue for proms, graduations, pageants, parties and conferences. Its upstairs music hall later became known for performances by some of the biggest names in American music. Louis Armstrong and his band performed there three times. Other musicians who appeared at the venue included the Count Basie Orchestra, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles , B B King, Little Richard, Etta James, Sam Cooke, Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley and Otis Redding. The building became especially active during the 1940s and 1950s. Along with visiting performers, it had its own house band, while jazz and swing groups from other parts of the country regularly played for community dances. Louis Armstrong and his band performed there three times at the venue. The second-floor music hall and ballroom, where many of the famous performers once appeared, also received upgrades. The floors were refinished, the ceiling was raised and new drapery was installed. A new mural by artist Egypt Hagan has also been added to the property, giving the renovated building a new visual feature while retaining its connection with its past.
