TARPON SPRINGS — The AHEPA Foundation asked the Heritage Preservation Board for input on its plan to demolish the 116-year-old historically contributing structure it owns at 17 W. Orange St. and replace it with a museum.
Caroline Lanford, principal planner for special projects, told the board's three remaining members the demolition application was presented as a discussion item, with the possibility of returning for a vote on a completed concept.
The two-story, 2,274-square-foot single-family residence was constructed in 1910 and acquired by the AHEPA Foundation last May for $500,000, according to the Pinellas County Property Appraiser. It is classified as a contributing structure within the Tarpon Springs Historic District because of its frame vernacular style.
The Order of AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) Epiphany City Chapter 16 Center is located on an adjacent property at 20 W. Tarpon Ave.
Lanford said the owner's agent approached the city in November seeking a certificate of appropriateness to demolish the contributing structure.
The Florida Master Site File notes the property's historically significant elements include a hipped roof porch that wraps around three sides of the structure and features square wood columns with simple capitals. Architectural features include a front gable roof, windows set in pairs and triple sets, and two brick chimneys.
"The house has undergone some alterations but has kept its architectural integrity and is contributing as an example of Spanish-American War-era residential vernacular architecture," Lanford said.
Daniel Edgell, president of Sandbar Architecture, speaking for AHEPA, said the organization recognizes the importance of preserving the community's heritage while balancing opportunities for sustainable development that aligns with the city's goals for economic vitality and neighborhood stabilization.
"Our analysis demonstrates that demolition would enable compatible redevelopment, fostering tourism, business growth and civic pride without compromising the district's overall integrity," he said.
He requested conditional approval for demolition, contingent on subsequent approval of a new development plan that replaces the current structure with one that complements the historic district. The AHEPA Foundation is committed to working with the board and city staff to ensure any future project honors Tarpon Springs' cultural traditions, he said.
Edgell told the board the property is unique because it is contiguous with the AHEPA Center on Tarpon Avenue and is owned by the National AHEPA, which is interested in the site for both its location and cultural significance to Tarpon Springs.
"In the study of the property, we found it would be inordinately expensive to rehab due to structural damage, insect infestation, outdated utilities and the list goes on," Edgell said. "What we have determined in discussions with AHEPA is that they would like to remove this structure and place a museum on site. The museum would be appropriate for the neighborhood."
He said the museum would bring the neighborhood closer to zoning goals for an activity center and would be more financially viable for AHEPA to operate than renting or renovating the current structure for resale.
Edgell said AHEPA wants to make sure its investment moves the project forward. "We really don't want to get to the end of a design and then find nobody likes it or that we have no chance of it being approved," he said.
Basil Mossaidis, AHEPA national executive director, said the national organization in Washington owns the local AHEPA center and thought it fitting that it owns the Orange Street property.
AHEPA wants to develop, enhance and upgrade the property and make it a destination, he said. "We would build a museum to preserve our history in this country. I want this building to be part of the community."
John Lelekis, who served as local AHEPA president for five years, said his vision for the property is to have a museum where 100 to 150 people can gather for events.
Board Chairman Phillip Mrozinski asked Lelekis whether he immediately thought of demolishing the home when he first saw the property.
Lelekis said when he looked at the property and the empty lot next to it, he considered what the best use would be and how it could benefit both AHEPA and Tarpon Springs.
"Looking at the property, it was beautiful in its time, and I think we can still do things to preserve its memory while we make active use of that property," he said. "I saw it as an opportunity to expand AHEPA, make it something that is beneficial not only to the AHEPA family but the city of Tarpon Springs and the visitors who come, especially during Epiphany."
Former Mayor Anita Protos said that while she appreciates what AHEPA wants to do, she doesn't want to lose another historic district home. "I want you to think of what we're going to lose if we let this house be demolished," she said.
Mrozinski asked where the city should draw the line on demolitions versus rehabilitation or reuse. "This is just a discussion. I'm just throwing that out," he said.
He added it would be difficult to persuade him personally to agree to demolition, though his mind could be changed.
"Have you considered keeping the yellow house and somehow incorporating some new structure next to it that works with that yellow house to realize your project — your museum or office — but to still keep that house?" he asked. "That's my opinion now. It doesn't mean I couldn't have my mind changed with a dynamic plan. Have you thought about that at all?"
Edgell said the option remains on the table and the group will reconvene and return with more information.
AHEPA officials said they will return with more definitive plans.