Institutional Rehabilitation

 LCRA Institutional Rehabilitation Projects

First Baptist Church Institutional Rehab

First Baptist Church, referred to by the NAACP as the “Cradle of the St. Augustine Civil Rights Movement” is considered historic, not only because of the age of the institution and its remarkable Gothic Style Architecture, but because of its role during the summer of 1964 when Dr. Martin Luther King, alongside many other activists associated with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, made First Baptist ground zero for mobilizing and a space for solace and information. The $1.1 million dollar project was completed in September 2023. The CRA was recognized by the North Florida Regional Council and presented the 2023 Award of Excellence for Cultural and Historical Preservation.

Trinity Independent Methodist Church Institutional Rehabilitation

The Trinity Independent Methodist Church Institutional Rehabilitation project addresses several critical structural issues. This is a multi-year project currently in the design phase.  The building was constructed in 1913, was one of the early churches built in this area of the City, but was later a building for the already established Trinity Independent Methodist Church which was established in 1821. In 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Leadership Conference used the church to organize protests against racial discrimination in the City.

Elks Lodge Institutional Rehab

The Elks Lodge, a historic institution in Lincolnville, is known for its rich cultural heritage. This $1 million dollar revitalization project will focus on historic preservation; with the repair and repurposing of it’s famous jalacy windows, updates to all mechanical and electrical components, installation of an elevator for ADA access, structural stabilization, flood mitigation, exterior and interior painting. The project is partially funded through the African American Cultural and Historical Grant, with an award amount of $891k. The project is scheduled to be complete by Fiscal Year 2025.

St. Joseph Neighborhood Center

In an effort to save and revitalize St. Benedict the Moor, a historic schoolhouse in Lincolnville, the historic space, once improved will serve as the home of the St. Joseph Neighborhood Center. St. Joseph Neighborhood Center is a institution aspiring to bring resources to young, single mothers. This multi-million dollar project is partially funded by the African American Cultural and Historical Grant. Additionally, the project was awarded $150k in grant funding through the LCRA Institutional Rehabilitation Grant Program. At the time this report was written, CRA Staff was preparing to request additional funds be allocated toward this very important project. If additional funds are allocated the LCRA will have contributed $400k. The funds will be used to accommodate ADA access to the structure and contribute to the historic preservation of a once thriving historic institution in Lincolnville.

St. Paul Structural Stabilization

After the successful completion of the 2021 reroofing and historic preservation Institutional Rehabilitation Grant Program Project it was discovered that St. Paul had severe structural challenges. With direction from a structural engineer, $100k was allocated toward the stabilization of the south wall of the church. The stabilization effort, in many ways could be considered a temporary resolution, but this effort allows time for the stakeholders to acquire or leverage funding opportunities from other sources and establish a more long-term fix. The project is scheduled to be complete in Fiscal Year 2024.

 

An issue recognized by the Lincolnville Community Redevelopment Agency (LCRA) Redevelopment Plan Amendment (PDF) was the need to help larger institutional type properties. A program was created as part of the Amendment to allow the LCRA to budget money to assist larger, institutional type uses with stabilization, rehabilitation or other maintenance issues. The Rehabilitation Program allows for an application process for these type of properties to apply for assistance.

For complete details regarding the Institutional Rehabilitation Program policies and procedures, click here.

To view the most recent applications for the Institutional Rehabilitation Program Grant, click here.

How to Apply

The CRA accepts applications from October 1 through December 31 of each year.  Project funding is dependent upon the budget allocation designated each fiscal year.

To begin the application process, complete the application packet from the link below and forward to Jaime D. Perkins, Community Services Director.

Forms Due at Application


Institutional Rehabilitation Program Application Packet

Completed application packets should be submitted to:

Jaime D. Perkins, Community Services Director
c/o City of St. Augustine
75 King Street
St. Augustine, FL 32084