Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Preservation Zora House topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Foundation and Conservation Fund outline plan to stabilize Zora Neale Hurston house; ask city for partnership on acquisition repayment and activation
Summary
The Zora Neale Hurston Florida Education Foundation and the Conservation Fund reported they acquired the historic Zora house, outlined three phases to repay acquisition, complete infrastructure, and develop creative programming, and asked the city to consider partnership and grant-seeking help while they pursue other funding sources.
Representatives of the Zora Neale Hurston Florida Education Foundation and the Conservation Fund told the Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency Jan. 14 that the Conservation Fund purchased the Zora Neale Hurston house and three lots and entered an MOU with the foundation to steward the property and plan a long-term preservation and public-use strategy.
Matt Sexton of the Conservation Fund said the organization uses a revolving fund to acquire and hold historic and environmental properties until long-term stewards are in place. The foundation’s president, Marina Santos, described a three-phase plan: (1) repay acquisition and conservation fund costs by Dec. 2027, (2) deliver infrastructure and restoration work (target Feb–Dec 2026) to bring utilities and code compliance, and (3) develop creative programming and an artist residency program (planned 2027–2028). Santos said phase 1 includes an estimated payoff amount and that the foundation is pursuing fundraising and partner contributions.
The foundation estimated the immediate restoration budget at approximately $235,000. Commissioners asked whether the foundation had funds on hand or was seeking city funding; Santos said the foundation is seeking partners and additional organizations to assist with acquisition and renovations and will continue fundraising; the Conservation Fund does not plan to retain ownership permanently.
Commissioners emphasized the need for a formal written request listing deliverables, timelines, and grant-seeking strategies so staff and legal can determine what support the city could provide without assuming sole funding responsibility. Commissioner Broderick requested specific construction estimates and a clear list of grants the foundation plans to pursue. The foundation said it will provide more detailed documentation and welcomed collaboration on activation and community programming.
Next steps: the foundation will continue fundraising, prepare detailed deliverables and cost estimates, and follow up with staff; the board did not commit city funding at this meeting.
