Council directs repairs for historic City Hall, seeks cost estimates and mitigation plan

City staff presented an update on the rehabilitation and potential limited expansion of Punta Gorda's historic City Hall, a 1927 Neoclassical building listed as a contributing structure in the Punta Gorda Historic District.

Urban design and building staff summarized past assessments and preliminary design work, noting earlier expenditures for assessment and architectural design. Staff described deficiencies that need attention, including mold remediation, lead paint and asbestos abatement, roof replacement (roof out to bid), HVAC and electrical work, exterior masonry stabilization and ADA-accessibility questions related to the second floor. A preliminary elevator concept and ADA restroom visuals were presented as examples; building code staff explained Florida's accessibility standards that apply to historic and existing buildings and noted exceptions that may apply to employee-only work areas.

Council members and staff discussed preservation value, maintenance needs, and the trade-offs between doing minimal repairs versus larger alterations or additions. Council expressed consensus to prioritize remediation, emergency repairs and cost estimates for restoring the building to safe and usable condition, with the first floor reused for public-facing city functions and the second floor retained for storage or staff use pending accessibility decisions. Staff noted the roof is out to bid and that FEMA/insurance and procurement considerations are in play for storm-related repairs. Council asked staff to return with more detailed cost estimates, maintenance planning and an implementation schedule before considering major expansions.