PRESERVING HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND NEIGHBORHOODS
Preservation Planning that Recognizes the Value of Historic Buildings to St. Augustine's Community and Heritage
Historic buildings have values beyond just financial. These values can be aesthetic, social, environmental, educational, and cultural; and they can be enjoyed by a larger group of beneficiaries than just the property owner. PlaceEconomics
Matching patterns proven across other historic cities, the property values of historic residential buildings in St. Augustine increase at a greater rate and suffer less during downtimes. While this is an economic benefit, there are multiple quality of life benefits achieved through historic preservation as well. The City recognizes these with policies and objectives implementing the Historic Preservation Comprehensive Plan's primary goal: to protect and preserve the historic resources of the city's built environment, to understand and enhance the City's historic integrity, and promote an authentic, livable community amid changing economic and environmental circumstances.
Balancing this goal also requires recognizing the fact that the share of designated historic properties and districts represent a minority of the land area and buildings in the city. The City's historic districts comprise 7% of the land mass and less than 25% of buildings in the city. Economically, however, historic districts have a larger share of property value. There is a burden and a benefit of historic preservation to a property owner which factors in to city regulations and incentive programs.
The city's historic districts are 7% of the city but represent 43% of property values.
Independent of property owners, heritage tourists also generate value for the city's historic resources:
The estimated value of the heritage resources in St. Augustine is: $2.9 Billion
Data by PlaceEconomics, published in "Resilient Heritage in the Nation's Oldest City"
Most designated historic buildings are associated with a historic district
There are 7 National Register Historic Districts and multiple buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Buildings that are designated as historically significant are buildings listed in the National Register, contributing buildings to a historic district, and local landmarks. As of 2021, there are 1,659 buildings that meet this designation criteria.
Zoom in and search the map to see these displayed but call the Planning Department for the most accurate information as these maps may change. These buildings are prioritized for preservation by city ordinance to reduce the loss of the city's historic integrity. A rigourous demolition review process discourages their demolition through public hearings of the Historic Architectural Review Board.
What about all the other 'historic' buildings in the city or county?
The Florida Master Site File is an inventory of historic resources recorded without a determination of significance. These are not necessarily historic by the city's definition. There are over 3,500 buildings recorded on this inventory within the area and it continues to grow as additional resources are surveyed over time. Buildings that are 50 years old or older and/or recorded on this inventory must be reviewed by the Historic Architectural Review Board prior to demolition, including partial demolition, to confirm that the demolition will not negatively affect the historic integrity of the city. Buildings that are not designated may have undiscovered history that is found to be significant during the review process. These may be may be recommended for historic designation by the HARB. Buildings without any historic significance may be easily approved for demolition.
Scroll around the map to learn more about buildings that are recorded on the inventory within St. Johns County including St. Augustine. Use the search tool on the upper right to type in an address, click on the blue buttons to learn more about a recorded property within St. Johns County. Note: map data requires updating and may not represent the most current information on file with the Florida Master Site File. Contact them at fmsfile@dos.myflorida.com
127 Oneida Street: A historic building in Lincolnville underwent a full rehabilitation with private funds and made use of the incentive in the local historic property tax exemption program. In this case, the taxable value of the property is reduced by $147,485 which was the investment value the owners made during the rehabilitation. This helps offset the property tax increase resulting from the improvements. The property owners restored as many original materials and features as possible and found matching materials and designs when features were too deteriorated to be reused.
Indeed, architecture's contribution to historical knowledge is measureless. Architecture manifests the resources of a community, the economic condition, talent, and needs of the people, their tastes, and often their ideals. And while it is sensitive to stress and change, at the same time it is often durable enough to preserve the very record of change. Albert Manucy, St. Augustine scholar
Media tour of select historic buildings in the city. This includes National Register landmarks and some Spanish Colonial buildings to provide a broad understanding of the types of historic buildings located in St. Augustine.
City of St. Augustine Vision Plan, 2014
St. Augustine will be livable, authentic, waterfront city that builds upon its rich history and environment to create a distinctive community character founded on a healthy and vibrant economy, a diverse mix of people and experiences and a valuing of its natural assets.
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Want to learn more about managing change of St. Augustine's designated historic buildings? See another story map called "Preserving the Historic Building Envelope."
