I’m concerned the dream is dead

Commissioner Nancy Sikes-Kline’s comment appeared to reflect the commission’s concern that the Spanish colonial building style unique to St. Augustine is giving way to construction representing other eras in our city’s long history.

The Bishop’s Building style proposed for a building at St. George Street and Cathedral Place “is what Palatka, Tallahassee, and cities throughout South Georgia are preserving,” attorney and lifelong resident Charles Pellicer noted, while our city’s historic preservation district code supports Spanish colonial style.

HARB will meet May 21 to consider a required certificate of appropriateness. That meeting will likely involve more than minor design details, based on Monday’s hearing. The commission tabled the matter at last night’s meeting pending final action by the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB).

Commissioner Don Crichlow, architect for the project, recused himself from Monday’s hearing.