City launches historic resource survey with Terracon for potential district expansions

During the recent meeting of the City of DeLand Historic Preservation Board on March 6, 2025, significant progress was reported regarding the ongoing historic resource survey conducted by Terracon, a consulting firm hired through a request for proposal. This survey is crucial for identifying and documenting historic properties within the city, which may lead to potential expansions of existing historic district boundaries.

City staff and Terracon representatives held a kickoff meeting in December 2024 to outline the survey's scope. Fieldwork was conducted from January 28 to January 30, 2025, during which Terracon gathered essential data. The project is on track for completion by June 30, 2025, at which point the Board will receive copies of the Florida Master Site File forms and a comprehensive final report.

A preliminary map presented during the meeting highlighted the properties surveyed and indicated potential new site files. The Board may consider expanding the Historic Garden District and the Northwest Residential District based on the updated findings. The teal areas on the map suggest possible expansions, while the existing district is marked in black.

Although no formal motion was required during this meeting, the information shared is pivotal for the Board's future decisions regarding historic preservation efforts in DeLand. The finalized report will provide further insights into the proposed expansions, allowing the Board to make informed decisions that could enhance the city's historic landscape.