St. Augustine committee approves preliminary design for new fire station at 500 Anastasia Boulevard

The City of Saint Augustine Corridor Review Committee on Dec. 4 approved the preliminary design review for HP 2025-0071, a proposal to build a new fire station and an adjoining public-use training facility at 500 Anastasia Boulevard, subject to conditions and required follow-up approvals.

Staff told the committee the site lies within the Anastasia Boulevard entry corridor and highlighted areas that need committee action or referral: the project proposes up to six exterior colors (the design standard limits four), a dry retention pond sited near the front setback, building frontage short of the corridor requirement, glazing calculations that must be confirmed, and a retaining wall whose height and appearance need clearer drawings. Staff said some elements—frontage variances and any demolition of an approximately 1971 building—may require Planning and Zoning Board or historic architectural review before construction permits are issued.

“My recommendation is to either continue to allow the applicant time to submit scale drawings, lighting and glazing details and retaining-wall renderings, or to approve the design as amended if you find it meets the criteria in section 3.3.2,” the planning staff member told the committee during…