Board approves demolition permit for contributing house at 103 24th Ave. with 30‑day stay as relocation is explored

The St. Pete Beach Historic Preservation Board voted Nov. 6 to approve a certificate of appropriateness to demolish a contributing Colonial Revival residence at 103 24th Ave. (case 25135) but attached a 30‑day stay to the demolition permit to allow time to pursue relocation of the structure.

Gil Martinez, senior planner, presented the application and staff findings: the circa‑1940 house had been evaluated for flood vulnerability and the owners said rehabilitation was not feasible. Staff recommended approval on balance of preservation and resiliency objectives. The owners told the board they had explored relocation options without success but indicated willingness to donate the house to a city effort to relocate it.

Chair Bill Lowery described conversations with community members and the city commission about moving the house to replace the Shuffleboard Clubhouse at 900 Passagrille Way. Owner representatives told the board they were prepared to delay demolition and to donate the building if a feasible move could be arranged.

A motion to approve the demolition certificate with a 30‑day stay was made and carried by unanimous roll call. During the discussion the board asked staff and the city attorney to clarify sequencing (title/quick‑claim deed if needed, local historic designation steps, and the engineering/footing plan the mover would require) and to present a package to the City Commission so it could decide whether to pursue the relocation. At the meeting’s end the board formally moved, seconded and unanimously recommended the City Commission consider relocating the building to the Shuffleboard Clubhouse site at 900 Passagrille Way.

Provenance: Staff presentation, owner testimony and motions (topicintro: 00:30:48; topfinish: 00:47:58).