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Shell Factory offers historic Parker carousel to city; staff asked to cost restoration and operations
Summary
Shell Factory has offered to donate a 1927 Parker carousel; staff presented appraisal and high‑level restoration/installation ranges and council asked for follow‑up on insurance, storage, operating costs and suitable downtown sites.
Staff presented a historic Parker carousel, manufactured in 1927, that the Shell Factory has offered to donate to the city. The consultant and staff outlined restoration tasks (horse touch‑ups, mechanical parts), site requirements (18‑inch concrete pad, electrical, lighting and security) and a preliminary restoration/move budget in the $75,000–$125,000 range, excluding site work and long‑term operating costs.
Presenter John (staff) described the carousel's history and a Shell Factory appraisal that staff recalled as roughly $75,000. He said restoration specialists estimated about $2,000–$3,000 per horse if full restoration is required and moving/assembly costs on the order of $5,000. "They said they had it appraised, and I think I recall it was about $75,000 in appraisal value," the presenter said.
Public comments supported accepting the donation for downtown, but council asked staff to return with projected insurance costs, daily operating models (staffing or outsourced operator), estimated site foundation and utility work, and proposed locations (including Centennial Park and the Calusa Nature Center). Staff will investigate long‑term operating and vandalism/security scenarios and bring a more detailed cost/benefit analysis back to council.
