- November 27, 2024
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An architectural firm has begun assessing the MacDonald House, 38 E. Granada Blvd., and a series of workshops, open to the public, will lead to a City Commission decision on whether the 1903 building is worth the cost of restoration.
Bender and Associates Architects, of Key West, has set out to determine the building’s historic significance and whether or not it is sound and recoverable.
Early reports sound good for history fans.
“It’s not in dire straits,” said Bert Bender, president. “We’ve restored buildings in much worse shape.”
There is some termite damage but it can be fixed, he said. The attic beams were made with pine, which had resin that has repelled termites.
The company has researched the building’s history and called it a significant historic building that means a lot to the community.
The first workshop was held Jan. 23, where company representatives made a presentation to the Historic Landmark Preservation Board. The next workshop will be for stakeholders at 7 p.m., Feb. 8, at The Casements. Stakeholders will be businesses, neighbors, or anyone interested, said Laureen Kornel, planner for the city who is coordinating the project.
All of the workshops are open to the public, including the final one with the City Commission at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 21 in the City Commission meeting room on the first floor in City Hall.
The next step after the workshops will be a review and possible decision by the City Commission in a regular meeting.
The house was constructed in 1903 by Margaret Stout, one of the first snowbirds from New York. At various times, it was a boarding house, curio shop and library. Stout was close friends with pioneers John Anderson and Joseph Price.
After her death in 1933, the building was sold to Elizabeth and William MacDonald, founders of Billy’s Tap Room. It passed through other owners until being purchased by the city in 1979.
The decision to purchase the building, and also to restore it in 1997, was important, said Shannon Julien, member of the board.
“We’ve made a commitment to make sure the building did not deteriorate,” she said.
The Ormond Beach Historical Society has promoted the idea of using the building as a museum.
Bender said the building would be eligible for state grants for restoration.
“It’s up to the community to decide what their legacy should be,” he said.
Unknown at this point is the cost of any restoration. Bender said his company will have estimates for each state of renovation, starting with stabilization.
Meanwhile, local businessman Lewis Heaster, owner of Gaslamp Shoppes, located just east of the MacDonald House, has offered to purchase the land under the MacDonald House for $273,000, and suggests the city use the money to restore the building and move it to the adjacent tennis court area.
