Martin County approves $1.79 million award, funds restoration of House of Refuge despite some commissioners' reservations

Martin County commissioners voted 3to2 on April 22 to accept staffrecommendations and fund a major restoration project for the House of Refuge, approving award of a $1,792,011 contract to the Tradesman Group and directing county staff to execute related documents.

The vote follows a presentation from Christy Brotherton, chief procurement officer, and Sean Donahue, general services director, who described the project and the recommended sole responsive proposer. "Staff is recommending that the board award the contract to the sole responsive and responsible proposer, which is the tradesman group, in the amount of $1,792,011," Brotherton told commissioners.

The CountyHistoric House is managed on a daytoday basis by the Historical Society of Martin County under a longstanding partnership with the county. Catherine Larson, who identified herself as "keeper of the house," told the board the structure is vulnerable and needs immediate work. "She's a little old lady with her stockings falling down and she needs some help," Larson said, urging prompt action. Rob Steele, president and CEO of the Historical Society of Martin County, said the Society has managed the building for seven decades and intends to help fund and support the project. "We will partner with the county as we have for 70 years," Steele said.

Commissioners split along budget and prioritization lines during their debate. Chair Heather Hurd emphasized the househeritage value and moved to accept staffrecommendation; Commissioner Hetherington seconded. Commissioner Vargas pressed for additional documentation, fundraising plans and the nonprofitstatus of the Historical Society before committing county funds, saying she could not support the large request without more specificity on fundraising and phasing. Commissioners Joseph Capps and Tim Campey (senior commissioners) supported the restoration, citing longterm cultural and tourist value.

Brotherton told the board the county had previously secured a $231,000 grant in 2023 for roof work and that the project as proposed adheres to historic restoration standards needed to retain grant eligibility. Sean Donahue and representatives from REG Architects also explained that preserving the houseinkind materials can be more costly but is required to maintain historic designation and access to certain grants.

The motion to accept staffrecommendation and fund the project passed 3to2. The board recorded the tally as yes 3, no 2; Commissioner Vargas was named among the dissenting votes; the second "no" was recorded without a named vote in the transcript.

The board authorized the county administrator or designee to execute all documents related to the contract award and the revised capital improvement plan sheet to fund the project. No construction schedule or final effective date for the restoration was set at the meeting.