4688 Consideration of Landmark Designation for the Sanford Civic CenterOrdinance No. 2022-4688
An ordinance of the City of Sanford, Florida relating to historic
preservation and designating the Sanford Civic Center located in the
historic City of Sanford downtown as a historic landmark; providing
for legislative findings and intent; providing for designation and
signage; providing for implementing administrative actions and
responsibility for implementation; providing for a savings provision;
providing for conflicts; providing for severability; providing for
codification and the correction of scrivener's errors and providing for
an effective date.
Whereas, Schedule "S" of the Land Development Regulations of the City of
Sanford sets forth the criteria and procedures for designating local historic landmarks and
all of the criteria have been abundantly met with regard to the Sanford Civic Center; and
Whereas, overlooking scenic Lake Monroe, the Sanford Civic Center, which
was constructed in 1958 was "believed to be unique in the country" and architect John
A. Burton's design was praised by the press as the "most modern structure of its kind in
the country and as the most versatile," being featured on the front page of Southern
Building Magazine; and
Whereas, Burton was a skilled architect in prominent Sanford architect Elton
Moughton's office; and
Whereas, the original construction of the Civic Center included 1.8 acres of
building and covered walkways, constructed by Carroll Daniel Construction for $279,000
with the main feature being an auditorium of 1,000 square feet roofed with a series of Glu-
Lam beams, anchored at one end at the top of a large stage and extending in a wide arc
above the public spaces, reaching to the ground on the far end; and
Whereas, the dramatic open space is enclosed with fixed glass windows on
either side of the arc and a honey —combed aluminum screen was designed to prevent
P
C
sun glare through the massive, fixed glass windows on the east and west facades with
the center featuring a fully air-conditioned interior while the youth recreation area was
housed in a long curving wing extending away from the auditorium; and
Whereas, almost immediately after the building was opened in 1958, the City
found it difficult to afford the heating and cooling costs and made alterations in response
that were effective, but which detracted somewhat from the strength of the design; and
Whereas, to address utility costs, the clear span window walls were covered
and natural wood surfaces were painted over in some areas-, and
Whereas, in 1990, the distinctive honeycomb ornamentation was removed and
a major interior and exterior renovation was completed, adding stucco acoustical panels
on the east and west sides of the auditorium building and removing the original glass; and
Whereas, to further the Civic Center's relationship with renown architects, Nils
Schweizer (1925-1988), a celebrated Central Florida architect who studied in the
prestigious Taliesin Fellowship program and maintained a working relationship with Frank
Lloyd Wright, designed the renovation constructed by Wharton Smith; and
Whereas, Florida's Mid -Century Modem Architecture (1945-1975), published
by the by the University of Florida Press in 2019 named the Sanford Civic Center one of
50 Flagship structures located in the State of Florida thus seeing the Civic Center placed
on a shortlist of architecturally significant buildings that define the range of modern design
in mid -twentieth century Florida; and
Whereas, the shortlist of well -and lesser -known buildings were chosen based
on the following criteria:
(1). Must be an architect -designed work.
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; and
(2), Must retains architectural and design integrity.
(3), The building and site exhibit characteristics that define a
distinct adaptation of modernism.
(4). Must have been a ground breaking utilization of materials to
forward the science of design and construction.
(5). The design must be an outstanding representation of larger
cultural or design context that impacted buildings at mid-century,
such as tourism, education, or housing.
(6), Must be an "outlier" or inventive site significant for size, scale,
materials, planning and function, representing alternative,
progressive or exuberant approaches to design.
Whereas, these flagship properties are eligible for the National Register of
Historic Places (NR), and should be further researched, documented and considered for
landmark designation, which is the elite NR status; and
Whereas, since opening in 1958, the Sanford Civic Center has been the focus
for community events: the naval academy's graduations, high school proms, weddings,
local service club meetings and luncheons, political rallies, and recreational activities for
children and senior citizens and for about the first 10 years of its operation, the African
American community was denied the freedom to participate in events in this public facility;
and
Whereas, In 1960, black teenagers belonging to the Young Men's Social Club
at Crooms Academy attempted to attend at dance at the Civic Center and organized a
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protest downtown to allow access to the facility and, although these brave young men
were not successful, they persisted and in the next year, 38 African American Sanford
residents signed a petition drawn up by the Florida NAACP requesting to "abolish forever
the practice of racial segregation in the use of all parks, playgrounds and recreational
facilities in the City... No citizen of the City shall be denied the use of any place or
recreation facility because of race or color;" and
Whereas, for the past 50 years, the Civic Center has been open to all citizens
regardless of race, creed or color and this sad segregated history is now seen as a
valuable, though regrettable, part of the building's story; and
Whereas, in 2012 the Civic Center was the backdrop for a peaceful rally by
20,000 people protesting the Trayvon Martin tragic killing, sparking hundreds of rallies
across the United States and the World; and
Whereas, the Sanford Civic Center symbolizes a local connection to
movements for social justice and preservation of the building benefits minorities and
everyone in the community; and
Whereas, grant funded condition assessment was completed in 2021 by
Milzarch, LLC (Jerry Mills, AIA) with recommendations and cost estimates to maintain the
building, bring up to current building code, and restore the building to its original
appearance; and
Whereas, the Sanford Civic Center, and many other prominent examples of
"modern" architecture, are at a point in their life cycle where intervention is required,
whether due to deterioration, neglect, misguided modifications, or failure to adapt to meet
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new functional needs and, fortunately, nationally and locally, general interest and
appreciation for mid-century modern architecture is increasing; and
Whereas, a weekday lunchtime presentation sponsored by the Florida Trust for
Historic Preservation held at the Civic Center in 2019 drew a group of 50 participants from
the Central Florida area and the growing appreciation for this "Flagship" building has
inspired the City's Historic Preservation Board and the community to request local
designation for the building, and sparked interest to shift the period of historical
significance for the City's preservation program to include structures from this era; and
Whereas, some of the most enthusiastic local supporters of the Sanford Civic
Center are members of the millennial generation, and their interest hopefully will bring
new diversity and energy to the historic preservation community; and
Whereas, the City of Sanford , the State of Florida and the U.S. Department of
the Interior all maintain their own separate lists of historic resources and, although similar,
each agency also maintains its own eligibility criteria for landmark designation; and
Whereas, a resource listed as a historic landmark on one agency's list does not
necessarily mean it is listed on the others; and
Whereas, the City of Sanford Historic Preservation Board and the Historic
Preservation Office of the City have recommended that the historic Sanford Civic Center
be designated a historic landmark;
Now, Therefore, Be It Enacted By The People Of The City Of Sanford, Florida:
Section 1. Legislative findings and intent.
(a). The City Commission of the City of Sanford hereby adopts and incorporates
into this Ordinance the City staff report and City Commission agenda memorandum
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relating to this Ordinance and accepts and appreciates the recommendation of the
Historic Preservation Board and the fine work accomplished by that body and its members
throughout the years.
(b). The provisions of this Ordinance are enacted pursuant to the statutory and
home rule powers of the City to establish and maintain the appropriate operations of the
City.
(c). The City of Sanford has complied with all requirements and procedures of
Florida law in processing and advertising this Ordinance.
(d). The intent of this Ordinance is to maintain the policy of the City, in keeping
with the vitality and historic ambiance for which the City is highly recognized, to enhance
and expand public experience and exposure to culture through various art forms, to
enhance the appearance of public facilities and places and improve the artistic and
cultural environment of the City for its citizens, property owners, businesses and visitors.
Section 2. Local Landmark Designation/Historical Signage Designation.
(a). The historic Sanford Civic Center is hereby designated as a local historic
landmark within the City of Sanford.
(b). A suitable historical marker, as approved by the Historic Preservation
Board, shall be located nearing close proximity to the historic Sanford Civic Center
indicating that the structure has been designated an historic landmark by the City.
Section 3. Repair and Refurbishment.
(a). The repair and refurbishment of the historic Sanford Civic Center shall be
completed by the City and the City Manager, or designee, who is delegated authority to
take all actions necessary to implement that process and those actions and activities.
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(b). The Historic Preservation Officer of the City shall certify compliance with the
provisions of this Ordinance.
Section 4. Implementing Administrative Actions.
Without limiting in any way the provisions of Section 3 of this Ordinance, the
Historic Preservation Officer of the City and the City Attorney are hereby authorized and
directed to implement the provisions of this Ordinance and to take any and all necessary
administrative actions to bring into effect the provisions of this Ordinance.
Section 5. Savings.
The prior actions of the City of Sanford relating to historic preservation and all
similar or related matters are hereby ratified and affirmed.
Section 6. Severability.
If any section or portion of a section of this Ordinance proves to be invalid, unlawful
or unconstitutional, it shall not be held to impair the validity, force or effect of any other
section or part of this Ordinance.
Section 7. Conflicts.
All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this Ordinance are hereby
repealed.
Section 8. Codification; Scrivener's Errors.
(a). The provisions of this Ordinance shall be codified as determined to be
appropriate by the Code codifier in consultation with the Historic Preservation Officer of
the City.
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(b). The sections of this Ordinance may be renumbered or relettered and the
words of this Ordinance may be changed to section, article or -some other appropriate
word or phrase to accomplish codification.
(c). The divisions and provisions of this may be renumbered or relettered in the
absolute discretion of the Code codifier.
(d). Typographical errors and other matters of a similar nature that do not affect
the intent of this Ordinance, as determined by the City Clerk and City Attorney, may be
corrected with the authorization of the City Manager, or designee, without the need for a
public hearing.
Section 9. Effective Date.
This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its passage and adoption.
Passed and adopted this 25th day of April, 2022.
City Commission of the City of
Sanford, Florida
Seminole County. Florida
Em
Attest:
ell, It7�
&(VLQUA
Traci Houchin, MMC, FCRM
City Clerk
Approved as to form and
Legality:
William L. Colbert, Esquire
City Attorney
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CITY OF
WS— RM X
SkNFORD
FLORIDA Item No.
CITY COMMISSION MEMORANDUM 22-121
APRIL 25,2022 AGENDA
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
PREPARED BY: Julie Adams Scofield, AICP, Historic Preservation PlaWz�
SUBMMED BY: Norton N. Bonaparte, Jr., ICMA-CM, City r
SUBJECT: Second Reading and City Com . ion Cons* ration of Landmark
Designation for Sanford Civic Center; Ordina No. 4688
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:
R Unify Downtown & the Waterfront
Z Promote the City's Distinct Culture
Update Regulatory Framework
Redevelop and Revitalize Disadvantaged Communities
SYNOPSIS:
Adoption of Ordinance No. 4688, for Landmark Designation of the Sanford Civic Center located
at 401 E. Seminole Boulevard has been requested.
BACKGROUND:
The Historic Preservation Board has recommended approval for landmark designation of the Sanford
Civic Center, built in 1958, and located at 401 E. Seminole Boulevard.
Schedule S, Historic Preservation, City of Sanford Land Development Regulations states:
(S-1 7)-Properties may qualify, if in the judgement of the HPB, a property is at least 50
years old and is of exceptional significance based on the following criteria:
1. Historical, architectural andlor cultural significance;
2. Suitability for preservation or restoration
3. Educational value
On March 16, 2022, the Historic Preservation Board determined that the Sanford Civic Center is
eligible for landmark designation based on the following:
Historical, Architectural and/or Cultural Si,-niflcance
Overlooking scenic Lake Monroe, the Sanford Civic Center, built in 1958, was "believed to be
unique in the country." Architect John A. Burton's design was praised by the press as the "most
modem structure of its kind in the country and as the most versatile," and was featured on the front
page of Southern Building Magazine. Burton was an architect in prominent Sanford architect Elton
Moughton's office.
The original construction included 1.8 acres of building and covered walkways, constructed by
Carroll Daniel Construction for $279,000. The main feature is an auditorium which is 1,000 square
feet in size, and which is roofed with a series of Glu-Lam beams, anchored at one end at the top
of a large stage and extending in a wide arc above the public spaces, reaching to the ground on the
far end. The dramatic open space is enclosed with fixed glass windows on either side of the arc. A
honeycombed aluminum screen was designed to prevent sun glare through the massive, fixed glass
windows on the east and west facades. The youth recreation area was housed in a long curving
wing extending away from the auditorium.
Almost immediately after the building was opened (1958), the City found it difficult to afford the
heating and cooling costs and made alterations in response that were effective, but detracted
somewhat from the strength of the design. The clear span window walls were covered and natural
wood surfaces were painted over in some areas. The distinctive honeycomb ornamentation was
removed. In 1990 a major interior and exterior renovation was completed, adding stucco acoustical
panels on the east and west sides of the auditorium building and removing the original glass. Nils
Schweizer (1925-1988), a celebrated Central Florida architect who studied in the prestigious
Taliesin Fellowship program and maintained a working relationship with Frank Lloyd Wright,
designed the renovation constructed by Wharton Smith.
Florida's Mid -Century Modern Architecture (1945-1975) by the University of Florida (2019)
named the Sanford Civic Center one of 50 Flagship structures. This is a shortlist of architecturally
significant buildings that define the range of modem design in mid -twentieth century Florida.
These well -and lesser -known buildings were chosen based on the following criteria:
• Must be an architect -designed work.
• Retains architectural and design integrity.
• Building and site exhibit characteristics that define a distinct adaptation of modernism.
• Ground breaking utilization of materials to forward the science of design and construction.
• Design is an outstanding representation of larger cultural or design context that impacted
buildings at mid-century, such as tourism, education, or housing.
• "Outlier" or inventive sites significant for size, scale, materials, planning and function,
representing alternative, progressive or exuberant approaches to design.
These flagship properties are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
Since opening in 1958, the Sanford Civic Center has been the focus for community events: the
naval academy's graduations, high school proms, weddings, local service club meetings and
luncheons, political rallies, and recreational activities for children and senior citizens. For the first
10 or so years, the African American community was denied the freedom to participate in events
in this public facility. In 1960, Black teenagers belonging to the Young Men's Social Club at
Crooms Academy attempted to attend at dance at the Civic Center and organized a protest
downtown to allow access to the facility. They were not successful but persisted. The next year,
38 African American Sanford residents signed a petition drawn up by the Florida NAACP
requesting to "abolish forever the practice of racial segregation in the use of all parks, playgrounds
and recreational facilities in the city... No citizen of the city shall be denied the use of any place
or recreation facility because of race or color." For the past 50 years, the Civic Center has been
open to all. This segregated history is now seen as a valuable, though regrettable part of the
building's story, and links the building to social justice movements.
Suitability for Preservation or Restoration
A grant funded condition assessment was completed in 2021 by Milzarch, LLC (Jerry Mills, AIA)
with recommendations and cost estimates to maintain the building, bring up to current building
code, and restore the building to its original appearance.
Educational Value
The Civic Center, and many other prominent examples of "modem" architecture are at a point in
their life cycle where intervention is required, whether due to deterioration, neglect, misguided
modifications, or failure to adapt to meet new functional needs. Nationally and locally, general
interest and appreciation for mid-century modem architecture is increasing. A weekday lunchtime
presentation sponsored by the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation held at the Civic Center in
2019 drew a group of 50 participants from central Florida. The growing appreciation for this
"Flagship" building has inspired the Sanford Historic Preservation Board and the community to
request local designation for the building, and sparked interest to shift the period of historical
significance for the City's preservation program to include structures from this era.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney has assisted in the preparation of this agenda memorandum and has prepared
the proposed Ordinance.
The City Commission approved Ordinance No. 4688 on the first reading on April 11, 2022.
The City Clerk published notice of the 2 nd Public Hearing in the Sanford Herald on April 17, 2022.
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff recommends the City Commission adopt Ordinance No. 4688.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
"I move to adopt Ordinance No. 4688."
Attachment: Proposed Ordinance No. 4688