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Historic board says Andrews House relocation still under study; Magnuson House may host coffee shop
Summary
City staff told the Boynton Beach Historic Preservation Board on a regularly scheduled meeting that Public Works is still studying options to relocate the Andrews House and is gathering cost estimates, while outreach showed interest in a commercial tenant who would preserve the Magnuson House structure.
City staff told the Boynton Beach Historic Preservation Board on a regularly scheduled meeting that Public Works is still studying options to relocate the Andrews House and is gathering cost estimates, while separate outreach has shown interest in a commercial tenant that would preserve the Magnuson House structure.
The updates came during the board’s discussion of communications and announcements. A staff member said the city’s Public Works Department “is still working on it” for the Andrews House and is compiling locations and cost estimates. The same staff member said Public Works staffer Reit Hoffmann has been involved and “came and spoke to us about what he thought the costs were gonna be.”
Board members and commenters pressed for more transparency and firm timelines. Resident Ben Lauer asked that the board chair receive “weekly updates on what’s going on with the Magnuson House and also Dave Andrews House,” saying the relocation is time‑sensitive given development plans. Susan Oyer, a Boynton Beach resident, called the lack of a planner and the slow pace “embarrassing to our city” and urged the board to pursue outside help and funding.
Tom Winke, a local historian and volunteer with the Delray Beach Historical Society, said the Andrews House move is feasible and reported that an assistant city manager told him “yes, it will fit” next to the Magnuson House property if moved. Winke urged the board to adopt a formal resolution requesting that the city commission include a historic preservation planner in the upcoming budget.
The board did not take formal action on relocation options or commit city funds during the meeting. Staff said the move and any associated costs would require coordination among Public Works, Planning and Zoning, and the City Commission and would likely be subject to budget approval.
Members asked staff to contact the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and to report back. The board also asked staff to confirm whether private developers or outside partners (commenters referenced outreach to a Delray contact, Chris Brown) are prepared to contribute funds or support for relocation and rehabilitation.
The board scheduled follow‑up work for its next meeting; staff said it expects more information on brochures and signs by August.
