New details on Community Center for Preservation Board
On Wednesday, July 10, the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board will meet to discuss several proposed construction plans. The Board will discuss the plan for the improved Boca Grande Community Center, requested by the Friends of Boca Grande, detailed in the meeting agenda released last Friday.
The Community Center property has three structures that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: the Teacherage, the Community House (Crowninshield House) and the Community Center itself. The property is within the Historic District; however, all the other structures are considered historically “non-contributing.”
Specific changes sought by the applicant include:
• Construction of a deck to connect the three structures located on the northwest corner of the site (Teacherage, Dishong Bowen House, Crowninshield House)
• Construction of an addition to the Crowninshield House for a 240 sq. ft. kitchen
• Construction of a bathroom on the east side of the Dishong Bowen House
• Demolition of the multipurpose building that was constructed in 1995
• Construction of a 9,200 sq. ft. auditorium to replace the existing auditorium
• Construction of a 2,630 sq. ft. addition to The Island School
• Repurposing and interior remodeling of the existing Community Center building
The most notable change to the campus is the proposed auditorium, which will be complimentary to the architecture of the Island School with the use of arcaded walkways, lightly textured stucco, and a mix of flat roof and s-style clay roofing tiles. The north facade which faces the interior of the Community Center campus, will utilize blind arches and the west facade, will be designed with an arcaded walkway to ensure architectural compatibility with the remainder of the building.
The addition to The Island School will incorporate the architectural characteristics of the existing school, and the additions to the other historic structures will be minor in nature and will retain the architectural character of their respective buildings.
Other site related improvements to the campus include landscaping and the provision of additional parking areas, according to the request. New landscaping will incorporate traditional planting patterns and species.
No building heights will be taller than the tallest point of the existing community center; all proposed structures will reflect the traditional patterns and setbacks of the buildings in the surrounding area.
Also on the meeting docket July 10, is remodels and additions to 371 Lee Ave., including additions to the west and south facades, enlarging of the pool deck, replacing the awning windows and changing sliding.
Additionally, 446 4th St. E., the building where Newlin’s Mainely Gourmet is located, is on the agenda for post-Hurricane Ian restoration of and the addition of a balcony.
Below is a link to get the electronic hi-res version of the agenda packet for the meeting; a link is also available at BocaBeacon.com:
leegov.com/dcd/Documents/Agendas/BGHPB/2024/JUL102024.pdf
