June 4, 2026 Historic Preservation Board Agenda Packet

Historic Preservation Board · 2026-06-04 · agenda_packet

[635 Bert Fish Drive; case HPB26-085] The Historic Preservation Board reviewed the demolition of a commercial structure built prior to 1950 at 635 Bert Fish Drive. Stetson University is the applicant/owner. The building, constructed in 1945, is currently vacant and not located within a designated Historic District, but rather the Downtown Historic Support District. The applicant intends for the site to be maintained as informal green space with no immediate redevelopment plans. Staff recommended approval of the demolition request, noting the building's poor condition, lack of significant historic or architectural value, and that it does not contribute to a historic district. The demolition is estimated to cost $15,000, including asbestos abatement, with an anticipated start and completion in summer 2026. [338 South Clake Street; case HPB26-047] The Historic Preservation Board reviewed the demolition of a residential structure built prior to 1950 at 338 South Clake Street. Scenic View Design & Construction LLC is the applicant, and Voorhis Investment Partners, LLC is the owner. The building, constructed in 1949, is vacant and located in the Downtown Historic Support District and the Historic Support District. The property owner purchased the property in November 2025 and has no definitive plans for reuse or future development. Staff analysis noted that without documentation regarding structural integrity or viability of rehabbing the building, and pursuant to LDR Section 33-35(b)(5), demolition of historic buildings without definitive plans for redevelopment is discouraged, therefore staff was unable to support the demolition request. The building has a Florida Master Site File (VO10961) and distinguishing features include multiple rooflines, an enclosed porch, rough stucco exterior, and an asymmetrical façade. [112 W. Georgia Avenue; case HPB26-081] The Historic Preservation Board reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior alteration of a commercial building at 112 W. Georgia Avenue. Empire Custom Builders, Inc. is the applicant, and Café DaVinci, LLC is the owner. Staff expressed concern regarding the expansion of door and window openings on the west elevation due to the soft sandstone brick, recommending that openings be enlarged by cutting along mortar joints rather than through bricks to preserve material. Staff also recommended that all removed historic sandstone brick be carefully salvaged for reuse. The property owner, Dan Reed, provided a presentation. The Board approved the Certificate of Appropriateness as presented. [338 South Clake Street; case HBP26-047] Demolition of a single-family residence at 338 South Clake Street, DeLand, FL, built in 1949. The structure is masonry vernacular style, in deteriorated condition with safety concerns and potential liability. The owner purchased the property in November 2025 and has no definitive plans for reuse or future development. Demolition is proposed to take one week using an excavator. The Historic Preservation Board staff is unable to support the demolition request without documentation demonstrating structural integrity or rehabilitation viability, and demolition of historic buildings without redevelopment plans is discouraged. The demolition requires Historic Preservation Board and City Commission action due to the structure's age (pre-1950).