863-04 Land Use Amendment for Jeter Property

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910 FG 146 OR BK 5 18 of 25 Introduction The cultural and economic benefits of protecting the historic resources of a community are a relatively new phenomenon. The realization of this program led the City of Zephyrhills to develop a comprehensive program in preservation that has been developing over the last ten years. Beginning in the late 1960s and throughout the early 1990s, Zephyrhills lost several of its most prominent historic buildings. As was the case around much of the United States, "progress" was giving way to wholesale destruction of the historic fabric of many downtowns. Zephyrhills was also susceptible and lost its first major building when the downtown Seaboard Coastline Railroad Depot was torn down in 1968. The Hotel Zephyr constructed in 1913 and one of 5th Avenue's most prominent building was demolished in 1973 for the 7-11 convenience store. That next year, the Atlantic Coast Line(ACL) Depot was closed and threatened with demolition. In 1985, the 1923 water tower was removed. City's Intervention The Zephyrhills Historical Association joined the City's Historical Preservation Advisory Committee in fighting to save the ACL Depot. The City initially spent$40,000 to relocate the Depot in 1989 and a state grant for$45,000 paid for a new platform,roof and concrete work. Fundraising efforts included the Historical Home Tour Guide produced by the Zephyrhills Historical Association. This renewed awareness along with the loss of the historic "Aunt Dora" Marsh House in 1993 moved the community to take steps toward establishing a historic preservation program. In 1991, the dilapidated Jeffries' House was purchased,restored, and was the first property to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. The City continued its efforts in the preservation of the ACL Depot by procuring a grant from the Florida Department of Transportation which gave the city$42,000 to purchase the property between the depot and the railroad track for a park. In 1996, grant money from the the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA)was used to restore the depot. The City continued to apply for and receive grant money from the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources Grant Program including$6,600 to refurbish the GAR Building and$35,000 to move and restore the World War II Barracks building. The main commercial corridor, 5th Avenue,has recently undergone street improvements including the planting of mature palm trees in the median. Included in the work are drainage improvements,placement of historical streetlighting,landscaping,brick sidewalks and crosswalks, and the closing of one alley to pedestrian traffic only. Care has been taken to match the streetlighting with those depicted in historic photographs. Additionally,trees in the median existing during the period of significance but were removed in the early 1950s. The addition of brick sidewalks and crosswalks is in the spirit of the original brick street pavers. • Main Street Zephyrhills, Inc. The City also spearheaded the Main Street program in the City and applied for grants in 1994 and 1996 to establish and organize the program. Main Street Zephyrhills, Inc. was accepted into the Florida program in 1994 and is one of 40+ communities in the state devoted to encouraging the revitalization of the downtown. The Main Street approach encourages economic development within the context of historic preservation. Its goals include the following: • Work with the Downtown Urban Design plan and develop/implement long range funding for this project. • Create festivals which will promote the location and atmosphere of Zephyrhills. • Establish a low interest loan pool with local banks for downtown merchants and building owners. • Creation of additional historic districts where feasible. • Sponsor musical events at Times Square • Continue to provide design assistance by acting as a referral center for building owners interested in rehabilitating their buildings. • Continue on-going fund raising and membership drive to help the organization achieve its goals. 12