ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Flagler College has won a 2012 Florida Trust for Historic Preservation award for it renovation of the Florida East Coast Railroad buildings.
This past fall, Flagler College completed adaptive use of the trio of 1920s commercial-style buildings transforming them from office use to student residence halls. The buildings were given to Flagler College by FEC through a $7.5 million gift-of-equity as a means to preserve them.
"Flagler College is pleased to be recognized with this Preservation Award from the Florida Trust," said Flagler College President William T. Abare Jr. "The College is committed to the preservation of the historic buildings on campus and, simultaneously, providing economically viable uses for them. Reuse of the FEC Buildings as residence halls fulfills both of those requirements and reinforces the connection that Flagler College has with Henry Flagler's legacy."
The public announcement of this project inspired additional development of surrounding properties with compatible uses such as restaurants and shops that enhance the neighborhood and have assisted the tax base. The trio of former railroad buildings continues to anchor the western edge of downtown St. Augustine at the corner of King and Malaga Streets.
The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation's mission is to promote the preservation of the architectural, historical and archaeological heritage of Florida through advocacy, education and historic property stewardship.