The centerpiece of the meeting was the approval of a request for a certificate of appropriateness for the residence on Kirkland Street, located in Palatka’s South historic district. This frame vernacular house, built between 1892 and 1897, displays Victorian architectural influences with prominent steep gables and an irregular plan. The house, in need of repairs due to marginal maintenance, was the subject of a comprehensive restoration proposal by the new owner, Warren Barry.

Barry, who recently relocated from St. Augustine, outlined his plans to restore the property, expressing a personal aspiration to own and rejuvenate an old house. His proposal included replacing compromised siding with treated wood painted extra white, installing a wooden front door, and painting the porch ceiling and soffits in eucalyptus wreath green. Additional plans involved updating the trim and accents with rooftop garden green, replacing the existing fence with a wood stained cordovan brown, and refinishing both front and back porches in the same wood stain.

During the meeting, board members engaged in a discussion about the proposed enhancements, focusing particularly on the design of the columns and the choice of front door materials. Barry was urged to consider local architectural resources to ensure the new door matched the original style of the house. Larry Beaton, a historian associated with the Putnam County Historical Society, provided valuable historical insights, noting that the house originally served as a duplex with an internal wall, remodeled into a single-family home in 1915. He emphasized the property’s significance to the South historic district and assured further historical documentation would be shared with city staff.

Following the discussion, the board approved the restoration plans unanimously, with the stipulation that the front door be a wooden option.

Another highlight of the meeting was the acknowledgment of Larry Beaton for his extensive service to the community. Beaton, who served as an honorary City historian, was recognized for his 21-year dedication to documenting and preserving Palatka’s history. Chair Van Rensburg presented Beaton with a plaque, citing his commitment and vision in historical preservation. Beaton expressed gratitude for the recognition and offered his ongoing support to the board for future historical inquiries.

The meeting also touched on community engagement, with Allegra Kitchens announcing the annual Christmas tours of homes set for December 14, 2024. The tour, a staple event in Palatka, will feature seven homes this year, fewer than the previous 13, with tickets priced at $25. Kitchens highlighted the logistical details and opportunities for residents to purchase tickets at various local venues or on the day of the tour. Her announcement was interspersed with personal remarks about Beaton, humorously suggesting that his vast knowledge could fill an encyclopedia.

During the board members’ comments, the topic of a newly printed brochure outlining the board’s activities was raised. It was confirmed that the brochure was indeed published and available for distribution to local real estate companies and title agencies.