Full steam ahead: Placida Bunkhouse restoration recommended 

Restoration plans and estimated costs for the Placida Bunkhouse were released from the consultant at the beginning of this week. Included are drawings of what the restoration will look like as well as general recommendations.

“This is a step in the process, not the final deliverables,” wrote Charlotte Deputy County Administrator Emily Lewis in an email to the commissioners. “We are working hard to get the contracted information from the consultant, who has requested a time extension on the detail plan set and opinion of probable cost.”

The plan from CA3, C. Alan Anderson Architect PC, calls for the building to stay at its current location at the head of the Pioneer Trail, but the architect recommends new paths to the bunkhouse. Included in the general recommendations are an electrical system replacement and new windows, as well as fire protection and security measures.

The pricing is estimated at an average of $158,775, with the low end at $131,225 and the high end coming out to $158,775.

Preserving historic elements of the bunkhouse is also written into the recommendations, including architectural elements and other artifacts.

The building will be stabilized and maintained. Weed trimming, mowing and relocation or removal of iguanas and bee nests are part of the ongoing preservation work.

Local resident John Valickas, who had raised the issue with the county, said he was optomistic.

“It is encouraging that the architect report indicates that the structure is historically significant and that the restoration is ‘viable and readily achievable,’” Valickas said. “It is crucial that the Placida/Boca Grande community supports Charlotte County’s efforts to restore one of the last remaining railroad structures in the region.”

Valickas appreciated the county’s support in the process of deciding what to do, and commissioning the study.

“Charlotte County Commissioner Joseph Tiseo has proven to be an advocate for the restoration efforts and continues to be transparent in communicating to the public the ongoing discussions about the bunkhouse’s ultimate fate,” Valickas said.

Two options for restoration are presented: Option one would restore the exterior of the building to its original material and finish, and option two would restore the exterior as well as a portion of the first-floor interior. Included in both plans is roof replacement, structural repairs, weather-treatment of wood components, accessible paths, debris removal and a mounted bunkhouse history display.

After restoration, the bunkhouse will require ongoing maintenance and preservation. In the report, it is recommended that educational sessions should be periodically conducted for employees to inform them of the historic features of the building.