DeLand board approves local plaque program, selects properties for Favorite 5 campaign and hears survey update

The DeLand Historic Preservation Board on March 1 directed staff to proceed with a local-register plaque program, agreed to a cost-share policy for initial markers, approved a list of properties for this year’s Favorite 5 social-media campaign, and heard an update on a citywide historic resources survey by consultant Terracon.

Emily, City of DeLand historic preservation staff, said the city budget has allocated $2,000 for plaque costs in fiscal year 2024–25. She presented three bronze plaque design options (quotes from American Bronze Foundry ranged from about $477 to $614 per plaque) and asked the board for direction on design choice, selection criteria and funding after the initial allocation is exhausted. “The actual number is $2,000 that the City budget has allocated for fiscal year 2024–25 towards the cost of the plaques,” Emily said.

After discussion the board selected the rectangular (middle) design consistent with existing plaques around City Hall and directed staff to offer the initial plaques on a chronological basis (oldest registry listing first), with a cost-share of 50/50 between the city and the property owner and property owners responsible for reimbursing the city for installation fees. The board asked staff to draft an application/criteria, an owner agreement specifying placement and permanence of the plaque, and outreach materials to notify the 27 properties currently on the local register.

On social-media outreach, the board approved participation in the Orlando AIA “Favorite 5” campaign for National Historic Preservation Month in May and selected properties to highlight. The board agreed to include Stetson Hall (Stetson University), the Masonic Lodge, the Artisan Hotel, the Stetson Mansion, DeLand Hospital (former hospital building), and the Henry DeLand House in the city’s entries; staff will collate photos and short historical facts for the campaign. The board member who seconded the Favorite 5 motion identified Scott Price as the seconder of that motion on the record.

Staff also reported that Terracon was selected via request for proposals to carry out a historic resource survey; fieldwork took place January 28–30 and the consultant is compiling Florida Master Site File forms with a projected completion date of June 30. Emily said the preliminary survey map suggests potential expansion of the Historic Garden District and the Northwest Residential District and that a final report will include findings and recommendations for any district boundary expansions.

Ending: Staff will return with the plaque application/criteria, a draft owner agreement and outreach materials; the board will supply property-specific facts for the Favorite 5 entries and staff will include the Terracon report for board review when complete.