ARC recommends ad valorem tax exemption for Hotel Flor rehabilitation, conditions canopy and signage completion

The Architectural Review Commission on June 1 voted to recommend that City Council grant an ad valorem tax exemption for the rehabilitation of the Hotel Flor (905 North Florida Avenue), a designated local landmark formerly known as the Floridian Hotel.

Commissioner Tim Jones moved that the commission recommend approval of the tax-exemption application (ARC TAX-26-000002) with conditions that the canopy, signage and roofing work be completed to previously approved standards before the matter proceeds to City Council. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Chris Eastman, representing Eastman Construction Management for the property owner, described extensive exterior and interior rehabilitation work that included masonry repointing and terracotta replacement, steel and canopy repairs, storefront and entrance restoration, window rehabilitation and modernization of mechanical systems and life-safety features. Eastman said the goal of the project was to "preserve and restore the historic character of this 1926 landmark while upgrading the building to support continued hotel operations and long-term preservation."

Staff (Heather Bonds) informed the commission that while the canopy work is currently in permitting and some elements remain under repair, staff found the project consistent with the Secretary of the Interior standards for rehabilitation and recommended forwarding the ad valorem application to City Council with the stated conditions. The commission placed those completion items as conditions of its recommendation to ensure the work is finished to the approved standard before Council consideration.