Facilities Planning & Construction

In 2007, Chapter 267.1735 F.S. was enacted to provide for contracting with the University of Florida to assume management responsibilities for certain historic properties located in St. Augustine, Florida.  The goal of this action was “to ensure long-term preservation and interpretation of state-owned historic properties in St. Augustine while facilitating an educational program at the University of Florida that will be responsive to the state’s needs for professionals in historic preservation, archaeology, cultural resource management, cultural tourism, and museum administration and will help meet needs of St. Augustine and the state through educational internships and practicum.” 

The University of Florida submitted a 2008-2009 Legislative Budget Request for funds to prepare a historic preservation management plan and to perform necessary building repairs and rehabilitation.  Due to the current economic conditions, the State was only able to provide a portion of the funds requested for the management plan and none of the building rehabilitation funds.  Still, the University is forging ahead with the planning effort as the first step toward realizing the goal set by the legislature in 2007.  The effort will result in a Strategic Plan that lays the foundation for property use, visitor experience, interpretive exhibits, educational programs and coordinated planning with the City of St. Augustine and other stakeholders.  On behalf of the St. Augustine community and the State of Florida, the University intends that this Strategic Plan will represent a consensus of the community and garner the support necessary to move forward with building rehabilitation and implementation of a strategic plan vision.