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PRESENTATION BY HISTORICAL SOCIETY <br />Anthony Donatio, local architect and Board member of the <br />Historical Society, came before the Board as a representative of <br />the Historical Society to address the issue of saving the old <br />courthouse. He explained that they wish to reference the master <br />plan proposed by the consultants and also the master plan with <br />the options. Basically, they want to discuss 2 items - (1) the <br />idea of saving the Courthouse with the option outside the master <br />plan, and (2) looking at incorporating that 16,000 sq. ft. into <br />the master plan, which would mean part of the 103,000 sq. ft. <br />would be the existing Courthouse. Mr. Donatio noted that a <br />couple of disadvantages they are confronted with by the master <br />plan option is that the County has not stated what cost they <br />would consider if the Courthouse were put up for sale, and also <br />the fact that the building would not be put up for sale for 3 <br />years. Those conditions make it difficult to interest a private <br />developer, and the Historical Society is in no financial position <br />to buy the Courthouse or renovate it. They, therefore, feel that <br />the best solution would be for the County to renovate the <br />Courthouse. Mr. Donatio figured that to renovate the existing <br />facility itself would cost roughly $1,088,000, not taking into <br />consideration historical grants, the money saved for demolition <br />costs, and the rent savings from the outside offices that could <br />be brought in. He noted that figure does not include parking. <br />Commissioner Scurlock pointed out that when you add $800,000 <br />needed for parking, you are talking 2 million dollars. <br />Mr. Donatio stressed that bringing outside offices into the <br />Courthouse could represent savings of $50,000 a year in rental <br />costs. it also could be used as a citrus museum or for state <br />offices, federal offices, or even professional offices, but -it <br />would mean the county would be leasing out space to outside <br />agencies. He agreed that it is hard to justify'spending <br />$1,088.000 to save the Courthouse when you have 16 million for a <br />complex that is going to house all your needs for the next 10/20 <br />11 <br />JU T 3 199' nor �� [A" ���e <br />