Board says Cathedral Place plan needs more work, continues major hotel review after hours of public comment

The St. Augustine Historic Architecture Review Board continued its review of the proposed PUD at 24 Cathedral Place on Sept. 18 after an extended public hearing that centered on the project’s massing, streetscape relationship and rooftop design. The applicant team said the plan would convert the Exchange Bank tower to a hotel, build three‑story infill buildings and a parking garage, and deliver public benefits including streetscape improvements and a refrigerated trash compactor.

The applicant’s attorney, Ellen Avery Smith, represented the development team; project architect Mike Kopenafer described the infill as “a 3 story building all the way across” and said the design draws from Mediterranean and Spanish revival influences to relate to the landmark tower. Kopenafer said the project would replace a surface lot with a parking deck and add hotel rooms and streetscape work intended…