Freeman House restoration: board, city and nonprofit discuss contract, uses and fundraising

Punta Gorda’s Historic Preservation Advisory Board discussed possible post-restoration uses of the AC Freeman House on Oct. 5 as city staff and community members reported progress toward finalizing a contract and raised fundraising, management and program ideas.

City staff and CDBIA representatives said a restoration contract had been reviewed by the city attorney and sent to the CDBIA; TJ Thornberry said he expected the signed contract back to the city by late that week or early next week so the city could execute it and proceed with permitting and construction scheduling. "The contract has been received back from our attorney. I have reviewed it. It's been sent to Donna at the BIA ... we should have that back and back to the city in the city's hands," Thornberry said.

Board members described prior planning work: David Perry, who served on a 2023 task force, said a Freeman House use plan was submitted to the city on June 15, 2023, which recommended a nonprofit operate and manage the building to raise revenue and cover upkeep. Members discussed nonprofit models used elsewhere in Punta Gorda, such as the History Park and the Women's Club, and suggested the Punta Gorda Historical Society could lead programming and rental management.

Board members and some council members framed possible uses around small events, meeting and limited office space and tourism tie-ins with cruise-visitor marketing. Janine Polk noted the building is "just about 2,000 square feet," and said prior annual maintenance cost to the city had been about $26,000. Several members argued for building a revenue stream — rentals, tours and events — to cover upkeep after restoration.

Cost and scope figures were discussed in broad terms. Speakers referenced prior restoration cost estimates that ranged from an initial $2.1 million to a later "mothball" figure near $1.1 million, and conversation included a community-reported figure of about $400,000 cited as a reduction reached by volunteer contractors and donations; the board did not adopt or verify any specific price at the meeting.

Next steps and outlook: board members asked staff to reengage the task force members from 2023 and to circulate the previously submitted Freeman House future-use plan to new HPAB members. David Perry said he would provide a copy to city staff. TJ Thornberry and staff said they would pursue permit and contracting steps once the signed contract returns to the city; no new formal vote or contract execution occurred on Oct. 5.

Ending: Board members urged continued community involvement, nonprofit partnership and planning to ensure the restored Freeman House has a sustainable operating model and regular programming.