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FPRA adopts Old Saint Anastasia master plan to guide historic restoration and a vendor‑focused reuse
Summary
The Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency unanimously accepted a community-driven master plan for the Old Saint Anastasia site that preserves the historic building, adds an ADA‑compliant addition, and proposes a phased vendor hall and park-like site to activate Orange Avenue.
The Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency voted unanimously June 9 to accept the Old Saint Anastasia master plan, a community-guided vision that preserves the 1914 landmark while adding a contemporary, ADA‑compliant addition and site improvements geared toward arts, events and local vendors.
The plan, presented by consultants Kotler & Herring and RGG Architects, summarizes a multistep engagement process that drew more than 450 online survey responses and stakeholder interviews. "It was quite long, but we appreciated all of the feedback that we got from the community," the design lead said, crediting broad resident participation with shaping the preferred concept.
The adopted document describes three concept alternatives and distills the community's preference into a final plan that retains Saint Anastasia as the historic focal point and adds a subordinate addition to house elevators, restrooms and egress to meet code. Architect Brian Larr summarized the rehabilitation approach as balancing preservation and accessibility: "This project is about preserving history through use," he said, while explaining that placing ADA circulation in a compatible addition allows the main building's historic fabric to remain largely intact.
Key elements in the plan include a phased Peacock Arts District Vendor Hall (a multi‑vendor marketplace anchored by restaurants and a rooftop garden), expanded public gathering and event spaces, improved walkability and parking strategies that could include future structured parking, and programming aimed at arts, education and entrepreneurship. The consultants noted the vendor hall and parking could be phased to prioritize rehabilitation of the historic building first.
Staff also presented preliminary cost ranges and noted Cushman & Wakefield completed a market and feasibility study (no representative attended the meeting). The resolution the board approved accepts the master plan "with no implementation requirement," meaning specific capital projects, procurement steps or construction timelines will require separate approvals.
The board approved Resolution 26‑12 by roll call: Broderick, Zadofsky, Gaines, Johnson and Chairwoman Hudson all voted yes. Next steps identified by staff include following up on feasibility details and aligning any future procurement or development steps with the city's budgeting and RFP schedules.
