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Gainesville commission unanimously approves local historic designation for Florida Theater on first reading
Summary
The Gainesville City Commission voted unanimously at a January 2025 meeting to place the Florida Theater at 233 West University Avenue on the local register of historic places, clearing the way for preservation incentives and grant eligibility as the owner seeks funding for a multi-million-dollar restoration.
The Gainesville City Commission voted unanimously at a January 2025 meeting to place the Florida Theater, at 233 West University Avenue, on the city's local register of historic places on first reading under Ordinance No. 2024-879.
The designation, presented by the city's historic preservation officer, was intended to make the property eligible for local and federal preservation grants, tax incentives and other program support that can be stacked to help finance a planned restoration to a live-music venue.
Kathleen Kaufman, the city's historic preservation officer, gave the commission a historical overview, noting the theater opened Sept. 10, 1928, originally seated about 800 people, and later housed the Great Southern Music Hall. Kaufman said the building retains much of its neoclassical exterior despite decades of alteration and periods of vacancy and heavy wear. She told commissioners the designation "is something very positive and very beautiful for the community," and that the nomination had already been reviewed by the Historic Preservation Board and the Plan Board.
Julie Carmine, speaking as a representative for owner Bill Bryson, told commissioners the full restoration cost to return the theater to operation as a live-music venue is "anywhere between 3 to $5,000,000." Carmine said local designation is required to qualify for the GCRA matching grant program at the maximum award tier and cited a $150,000 matching grant available through that program. She said the team also plans to apply for national-register recognition and pursue federal grant opportunities, community fundraising and pro bono or discounted construction support.
Commission discussion focused on the building's cultural value, the fund-raising and capital stack needed for rehabilitation, and the designation's effect on adjacent properties. Commissioners noted designation does not change zoning or permitted uses; Kaufman explained exterior alterations to designated properties are subject to Historic Preservation Board review to ensure historical appropriateness but that additions and alterations are possible. Kaufman also said designation can provide limited flexibility for some building-code requirements that apply to historically designated structures.
Several members of the public and local preservation advocates spoke in favor of the designation during general public comment, including Bill Warner, Michelle Hazen, Trey Asner and Donnie Favers, who described the theater's role in Gainesville's cultural history and urged the commission to approve the nomination.
Votes at a glance Ordinance No. 2024-879 (local historic designation, Florida Theater, 233 W. University Ave.) — Motion to approve on first reading by Commissioner Michelle Nuffin Walker, seconded (recorded as second). Roll-call vote recorded ayes from Commissioners Willett, Engel, Chestnut, Duncan Walker, Book and Mayor Pro Tem Eastman; Mayor Harvey Ward absent. Outcome: approved on first reading (unanimous among present commissioners).
Next steps: Kaufman said the ordinance must return for a second reading before the local designation becomes final. The owner and project team intend to use the local designation to pursue matching grants, national-register status, federal funding opportunities and community fundraising to support a multi-million-dollar restoration.
Why it matters: Local designation can unlock preservation funding and incentives that reduce the rehabilitation cost to private owners and help catalyze broader downtown revitalization. Commissioners described the Florida Theater as a mid-size performance venue that could fill gaps in Gainesville's live-entertainment infrastructure and potentially spur investment on the block.
Ending: With the first-reading approval, the nomination advances toward a second reading and final local designation; project proponents said they will proceed with grant applications and fundraising once local designation and additional historic-register steps are in place.
