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Historic board clears demolition of Shuffleboard Court clubhouse; staff eyes reconstruction grant
Summary
The board approved a certificate of appropriateness to demolish the storm‑damaged Shuffleboard Court Clubhouse at 101 9th Avenue and discussed potential grant funding to rebuild a historically sympathetic structure.
The St. Pete Beach Historic Preservation Board on Jan. 9 approved a certificate of appropriateness to demolish the Shuffleboard Court Clubhouse at 101 9th Avenue after staff said the building was severely damaged during recent storms and had moved off its foundation.
Staff presentation: Brandon, a city planner, reviewed pre‑storm and post‑storm photos and said the structure had shifted and suffered foundation scour. Because the building had been altered over time and enclosed from an original open pavilion form, staff recommended approval of demolition without imposing a stay, noting the structure’s primary value was recreational scale rather than distinctive architectural detail.
Grant and reconstruction options: Brandon told the board the city would explore a special‑category reconstruction grant in the next cycle that could provide up to $500,000 in matching funds for eligible historic resources and that FEMA had inspected the site. Staff said reconstruction with a look similar to the pre‑storm building would likely be feasible because the clubhouse sits outside the coastal A zone; flood‑proofing and venting requirements would apply.
Board and public remarks: Board members asked whether the city could rebuild the clubhouse to closely match its prior appearance; staff said exterior elements could look ‘‘relatively close’’ but that flood‑resistant materials and venting would be required. One board member noted the shuffleboard courts themselves were in active use and that demolition would not affect play.
Museum and artifacts: A board member said the Gulf Beaches Historic Museum offered to accept artifacts or remnants from the clubhouse and to curate them if the city decided to demolish the structure.
Next steps: Staff will pursue grant application opportunities by the May application deadline, coordinate with FEMA for any further inspections, and bring design options back to the board if reconstruction is pursued.
