Windermere leaders discuss Town Hall enhancements

The town of Windermere hosted the second virtual public information workshop regarding Town Hall enhancements Wednesday, Aug. 16.

Public Works Director Tonya Elliott-Moore said renovations to Town Hall are necessary to ensure the protection of the establishment now and in the future. 

At the first virtual public information workshop, residents expressed concerns as to how the changes would impact the property’s historical designation. 

“I have had discussions with staff members at the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, and (they) stated in writing to me that (because) no federal or state funds are involved at this time, their role in this project would be extremely limited,” Elliott-Moore said. “However, they are happy to serve in an advisory capacity as needed. So, if Healthy West Orange funds can be used for this project, then potentially there will be no need for state or federal funds.” 

Elliott-Moore said she will continue to have discussions with the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation as the town moves forward in the process. 

PROJECT PLANNING
Resident Brandi Haines still has concerns about the historic designation because of the significant modifications being made to the property. 

“It says significant modifications may result in removal from the (National Register of Historic Places), and based on the experience I’ve had with projects in the past, changing roof lines (and) adding extensions, is what they consider to be a significant modification, which would in fact then remove it,” she said. “So, if no drawings have been looked at or anything like that, I’m not sure we really have the full answer on that part of it.”

Elliott-Moore said the town sent the organization the full presentation and plans. At least three four staff members, including the head of the division, said the designation would not be affected. 

“We are running parallel right now, so we want to make sure the residents are OK with the modifications, while at the same time, Tonya and I are working directly with the state and federal government relative to ensuring we do not lose the historic preservation of the building,” Town Consultant John Fitzgibbon said. “We are still walking step-by-step with them. … We understand that is an important aspect of this project, and we will make sure that whatever we do, we won’t lose that designation.”

Haines asked if one of the money sources being considered is the Healthy West Orange funds not used for the pavilion project. 

Town Manager Robert Smith plans to meet with HWO to discuss the funds to see if the money can be utilized, but the town currently is not looking at any state or federal grant dollars. 

“Would there still be a plan to potentially build just bathrooms?” Haines asked. “It’s my understanding that the main project got kiboshed, and we would be directly working with Healthy West Orange — not going through Rotary anymore. Is that still the case?”

Smith said the town needs to work with HWO and potentially Rotary Inc. The funds would go toward the Town Hall enhancement project if it qualified and the organizations agreed to it. 

Haines asked if the town was trying to extend Town Hall as a wedding venue with the addition of the bridal suite in the plans. 

Council Member Tom Stroup said he was also concerned about the space being a wedding destination spot. He said his priorities with the Town Hall enhancements are the historic designation and an ordinance on the events hosted at the venue.

“Then, we’re back to square one with some of the same issues we’re trying to avoid with the pavilion,” he said. “The biggest problems I’ve had so far — complaints from the neighbors where I live — has been from the weddings that are going on there. … We just need to make sure that maybe at some point, maybe hand-in-hand with this, we come up with an effective noise ordinance that would let people enjoy their weddings but also let us enjoy our quality of life here on these back streets over here.”

Smith said the space is not a revenue-generator and would serve as a multipurpose room. 

The town planned to discuss the Town Hall enhancements, as well as town-sponsored events, at a Town Council workshop Tuesday, Aug. 22, after press time.

BACKGROUND
The Town Council consented previously to engage Tom Price, a historical architect who has renovated and revitalized historical facilities in downtown Orlando, for the project. 

Elliott-Moore said Price was tasked with looking at Town Hall and developing a draft plan based on three categories: Safety, accessibility and functionality; historical aesthetic improvements; and additional enhancements. 

Fitzgibbon discussed the specifics of the changes under the three categories and walked residents through the proposed floor plans. 

Fitzgibbon said the conceptual plans have been reviewed by the Historic Preservation Board to gather feedback. He said the board loved the plans. 

In terms of safety, accessibility and functionality, Fitzgibbon said staff looked at where foundation enhancements were needed — especially for the porch columns. 

Staff looked also at disabled accessibility relative to the proximity of the parking, improving stage access and adding a handicapped lift, looking at new exits at the west stage area and the back of the kitchen area at the east side, looking at guardrails at the main entry landing, removing the steps at the northeast corner of Town Hall, and providing access from the multipurpose room to the porch.

As far as historical aesthetic improvements, Fitzgibbon said the town is looking at improved roof enhancements; renovating the porch columns, stairs and rails with Hardie board; replacing the rotted wood; and adding a new metal roof for the entire facility.

Fitzgibbon said the town is exploring a full hip roof design to eliminate the current flat roof. 

To address additional enhancements, the town gathered feedback from residents, the HPB and past users of Town Hall.

The items include adding a new multipurpose room, conducting a restroom expansion, adding more family restrooms, creating exterior access to the Town Hall restrooms and looking at new kitchen equipment.