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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter from Kori Benton, 3701 Okeechobee Road Demolition Request - Reduced Size February 19, 2020 Owner / Applicant Unico Air Conditioning Company 25 SW Cabana Point CIR Stuart, FL 34994-4802 Historic Status Non-Designated Structure Eligible for Local Designation Applicant Request Demolition for Redevelop- ment as a Commercial Busi- ness Office & Warehouse Staff Request & Recommendation Evaluate the historic signifi- cance and condition of the subject structure, and consid- er whether to pursue designa- tion of the structure as histor- ic or release of the request for demolition. Staff Kori Benton, AICP Historic Preservation Officer S t . L u c i e C o u n t y H i s t o r i c a l C o m m i s s i o n H i s t o r y c. 1928 Date of construction per Florida Master Site File (8SL1448) Home Renovated S t r u c t u r e O v e r v i e w Historical Significance: This wood frame structure is associated with the Boom Times in Fort Pierce, constructed in the mid - 1920s. Architectural Significance: This single-story wood frame residential building is located at 3701 Okeechobee Road. It simplistic styling expressed by a rectangular plan, drop siding, and gable roof with composition shingles, and simple-exposed rafter tails. A hipped addition on the rear is present. Exterior wall fabric consists primarily of drop siding, with 1 over 1 sash windows. Building modified are estimated in the 1950s and 1980s. Request: The applicant is seeking demolition of the structure, to provide for redevelopment with a 4,800 sq. ft. office building and warehouse space for the air -conditioning contracting busi- ness. Originally, the applicant sought to incorporate the 1,076 sq. ft. office (converted residence), however after structural evaluation the request is to demolish this structure. Agenda Item 3. New Business 1. Location 3701 Okeechobee Road Parcel ID 2417-704-0063-000-6 Planning and Development Services Department Historic Preservation 3701 Okeechobee Road —Fort Pierce, FL Zoning CG, Commercial General Subject site 35th Street 2 Photo Date 2018 Photo Date Unknown 3 The applicant has provided an Inspection Report, prepared by Michael Seal, Architect, dated January 7, 2020, for the Commissi on’s review. The Report includes a photo collection to display the structures condition. S t a f f R e c o m m e n d a t i o n Staff recommends the Commission evaluate the historic significance and current condition of the subject structure, and consid er wheth- er to pursue designation of the structure as historic or release the request for demolition. Attachments Architect’s Inspection Report—January 7, 2020 & Photos Florida Master Site File 8SL1448 Demolition Request Highlights Is the structure of such interest or quality that it would reasonably meet national, state, or local criteria for designation as a significant historic or architectural site or structure? The subject structure generally meets the local criteria for designation as significant historic, for Architectural Significance, context of devel- opment during the Boom Times.  LDC Section 4.11.06. Criteria 1. Is the structure of such design, craftsmanship or material that it could be reproduced only with great difficulty or expense? The structure displays a Wood Frame Vernacular styling expressed by a by a rectangular plan, drop siding, and gable roof with composition shingles, and simple-exposed rafter tails. The structural condition has not been well documented prior to the current assseement provided by the applicant’s design professional. A remote site visit performed in January 2020 revealed the structure is in poor condition with limited maintenance. Is the structure one of the last remaining exam- ples of its kind in the county or region? This structure displays an architectural style that is commonly found throughout South Florida and it exhibits some modification modifica- tions (roof, porch, rear addition). Would retention of the structure promote the general welfare of the County by providing an opportunity for study of local history, architec- ture and design or by developing an understand- ing of the importance and value of a particular culture and heritage? The structure reflects typical development in “west” Fort Pierce in the 1920s, as this extension of Okeechobee Road was beginning to see some residential home development. The architecture and design is limited, however the development pattern and context may be of val- ue. Are there definite plans for re-use of the property if the proposed demolition is carried out, and what will be the effect of those plans on the char- acter of the surrounding area The applicant has presented preliminary plans for redevelopment. A copy of the August 1, 2019 Pre-application Report for the proposed redevelopment is attached for review. As the site is located within the CG, Commercial General District, the County’s Community Archi- tectural Standards contained in Land Development Code (LDC) Sec- tion Section 7.10.24 would apply to any new development. The guide- lines require review of conceptual design drawings, which include a site plan, architectural elevations of front and sides of the proposed building(s), sign plan and elevation, and exterior lighting locations and standards. Evaluation includes but is not limited to roof form, win- dows, doors, materials/colors, and all other architectural details and elements. S t a f f A n a l y s i s --------- 8SL 1448 3701 Okeechobee Road Fort Pierce G.V. St. Lucie County Historic Resources Survey Susan Daniel, Aileen Delatorre, Ashley Flynt, photographer 10/2002 Janus Research, St. Petersburg, Florida Roll 2254, #385, Facing SE