St Augustine Council Approves Certificate for 24 Cathedral Place Redevelopment Plans

In a recent meeting of the St. Augustine Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB), significant discussions centered around two key items: the approval of a seawall project and the redevelopment of a prominent downtown site at 24 Cathedral Place.

The meeting commenced with a motion to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for a seawall project at 50 Castillo Drive. The motion was supported by a unanimous vote from board members, highlighting the project's compliance with the Secretary of the Interior Standards, as confirmed by the Florida State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). This approval reflects the board's commitment to maintaining the integrity of St. Augustine's historic waterfront while addressing necessary infrastructure improvements.

Following a brief recess, the board turned its attention to the redevelopment project at 24 Cathedral Place, a site of historical significance as the tallest building in downtown St. Augustine, constructed in 1924. The discussion focused on the landscape and hardscape design surrounding the new commercial buildings planned for the area. The project aims to enhance the streetscape along Charlotte and Treasury Streets, incorporating elements from the city’s streetscape guidelines adopted in 2013.

The proposed design includes raised sidewalks, new lighting, benches, and landscaping elements that will create inviting courtyards fronting the streets. The board emphasized the importance of using native and Florida-friendly plants in the landscaping, aligning with the city’s environmental goals. The redevelopment is positioned within a sensitive archaeological zone and is adjacent to the historic Plaza De La Constitucion, underscoring the need for careful consideration of the site’s historical context.

Overall, the meeting underscored HARB's role in balancing development with the preservation of St. Augustine's rich architectural heritage. As the city continues to evolve, these discussions will shape the future of its historic landscape, ensuring that new projects respect and enhance the character of this iconic destination. The board's next steps will involve further review of the detailed plans presented by the applicants, as they work towards finalizing the redevelopment project.