Commission approves $125,175 authorization for master planning of Old St. Anastasia site

The Fort Pierce City Commission on May 19 approved a professional‑services authorization not to exceed $125,175 to create a master plan for the Old St. Anastasia building and adjacent City‑owned parcels in the downtown gateway.

City staff described the contract as a master planning and feasibility study to determine long‑term uses for the property — including a historic preservation assessment, community engagement, a conceptual master plan for the building and surrounding lots, and documentation needed to pursue grants or design phases. The authorization will be issued to a continuing‑services consultant group selected through the city’s continuing services procurement process; staff cited the vendor’s prior experience on similar projects and the need for subconsultants such as historic‑preservation architects.

Commission discussion focused on the condition of the building’s interior and the potential scale and cost of any future interior renovation. Commissioner Arnold Broderick told colleagues he had toured the building and described extensive interior damage from an earlier tenant, saying the structure’s exterior restoration had been “gorgeous” but that interior work could cost “millions.” Several commissioners said the city already had invested in exterior restoration and needed a plan to guide use, grant pursuit and any eventual requests for private development or RFPs.

Staff and commissioners framed the authorization as an early, necessary step in a longer effort to plan the “corner” and align any grant‑pursuit with a realistic development program. Staff emphasized the difference between the exterior restoration (already completed) and the much more expensive interior and mechanical work — including ADA, elevator, HVAC and plumbing requirements — that any reuse would require.

Commissioners voiced both caution about future costs and support for creating a community‑engaged master plan that could clarify options such as green space, a museum or mixed uses, and help the city assemble grant applications. The Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency (FPRA) had already reviewed the specific authorization at its prior meeting and recommended approval.

A motion to approve the specific authorization passed on a roll call vote: Commissioner Broderick — yes; Commissioner Gaines — yes; Commissioner Johnson — yes; Commissioner Taylor — yes; Mayor Linda Hudson — yes.

Next steps: Staff will execute the specific authorization with the named continuing‑services consultant, begin the community‑engagement and historic‑assessment work, and return findings to the FPRA/city commission as planning and grant opportunities are identified.