Historic Preservation Board updates watch list, confirms awards ceremony and welcomes new member

The Lakeland Historic Preservation Board met March 27 and took several noncontroversial administrative actions: adding an identified deteriorated church on Massachusetts to the board's watch list, noting the 2025 Historic Preservation Awards nominees and confirming an awards ceremony at the Polk Theater on May 7, 2025 at 5:30 p.m., and welcoming Marlena Alvarez as a newly appointed board member.

At the start of the meeting staff explained the board and the design review committee meet monthly to review proposals affecting the city's seven historic districts and local landmarks under Article 11 of the Land Development Code. During the watch-list discussion a board member raised concern about a church on Massachusetts Avenue that has had missing tar paper and roof deterioration for two to three years; the chair said he would add the property to the watch list and inform Historic Lakeland Incorporated. The board recorded no other substantive changes to the existing watch list.

Board members reviewed the 2025 Historic Preservation Awards nominee list as suggested by Historic Lakeland Incorporated and noted a ceremony on May 7 at Polk Theater. Staff said nominees were shared by email and one member asked that a recently nominated building be added to the consideration list.

Board members also asked staff to follow up and report by email on the status of 701 North Florida Avenue after hearing that the property, once slated for demolition, may have closed escrow; Emily said she would check permitting records and follow up with the board by email. The board agreed to hold a workshop after the design review committee meeting that morning to gather suggestions for new historic-district planning and potential nominations.

Ending: The board adjourned and the Design Review Committee convened for its agenda items and public hearings.