Preserving and Sustaining St. Augustine’s Important Architecture and Historic Sites

Flagler College, in historic St. Augustine: a fantasy of Spanish, Renaissance, and Mediterranean architecture.

In the heart of St. Augustine, where history whispers through every stone and corner, preserving and sustaining its iconic architecture and historic sites is our pledge to honor the footsteps of those who came before us.

Visitors to St. Augustine often exclaim: “This looks just like Spain” or “It’s like being in Europe.” That’s no surprise because much of the Oldest City was built by Spaniards and was literally part of Spain for nearly 300 years! The challenge has been to sustain that original architectural look while meeting the needs and expectations of 21st century visitors and residents.

City of St. Augustine

Soon after Florida became a U.S. Territory in 1821, curious travelers began flocking to St. Augustine to explore what had been the capital of a Spanish colony. Visiting here was exciting and the city’s look and feel were exotic by American standards. In many ways, they still are today. Here are some ways that unique historical atmosphere Here are some examples from both the public and private sectors:

National Register of Historic Places

This is the official list of American districts, buildings, monuments and sites deemed worthy of special protection, all help tell the Nation’s story both now and for generations to come. The St. Augustine St. Augustine Town Plan Historic District, a National Historic Landmark, is the location of 46 listings on the National Register! Future historical and archeological discoveries may result in even more local additions to this impressive register. In fact, seven distinct neighborhoods are currently under consideration for nomination to the National Register.

Historic Districts

St. Augustine has five districts that receive special protection for their historic architecture and sites. Although these districts comprise only 7 percent of the city’s land and 25 percent of its buildings, they contain many of the most popular historic sites and attractions.

Historic Architectural Review Board

This city appointed board of specialists make final decisions on building or renovation applications that could impact historic buildings and sites. The board has extensive resources related to the city’s past architecture and works to sustain the historical authenticity of any changes to existing structures, as well as proposed new construction. The board even provides approved colors for exterior painting based on pigments recovered from the city’s oldest structures.

Archaeology

St. Augustine is one of the few American cities with a full-time archeologist on staff and a comprehensive collection of recovered artifacts. The city also has a strongly enforced ordinance in place to review and protect its underground heritage. The city’s archaeologist conducts studies and evaluates the potential historical impact of all new construction projects.

Castillo de San Marcos

Located in downtown St. Augustine, the huge Castillo de San Marcos is not only the oldest masonry fortress in the continental U.S., but it was also the first structure to be designated as a National Monument. Under the management of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service, the sustainability of this historic structure is a major undertaking. From educating and managing hundreds of thousands of annual visitors to preserving the ancient cannons, this is a detailed and professional endeavor. Repair a chip in the coquina stone walls? Only the National Park Service’s specially trained team of experts can be entrusted with the job.

St. Augustine Lighthouse

Built 1871-74 as a U.S. Lighthouse Service facility, the local Junior Service League raised more than $1.5 million for an amazing restoration completed in 1994. In 2002, the lighthouse was deeded to the non-profit St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, Inc. whose commitment to sustaining every architectural detail of this seaside beacon has made the 165-foot lighthouse one of the most historically correct in the United States.

For example, the most recent restoration project (2022) only used materials that were readily available in 1888 – the year the roof to oil room was completed. And that brilliant nighttime light that flashes every thirty seconds from atop the tower? It comes from a 1,000-watt bulb made in the 1930s. Only bulbs from that era are used so that the light seen today is identical to one seen in 1936 – the year electricity first arrived at the lighthouse. Open to the public, the lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

One of St. Augustine’s most popular attractions, this magnificent 15-acre park has captured the imagination of visitors for nearly a century. Although it may or may not have been the location of Ponce de Leon’s legendary Fountain of Youth, continuing archaeological digs by the University of Florida have proven without a doubt that this is the location of the original 1565 Spanish settlement of St. Augustine. Purchased by Walter B. Fraser in 1927, he developed it as a park that showcases St. Augustine’s earliest history. He was also the leader in historic preservation efforts begun in the city in the 1930s, served as mayor and created the Historic Architectural Review Board that remains the primary protector of St. Augustine’s historic structures. Today, the Fraser family continues to sustain and protect the history and beauty of this special place – one of the most valuable, undeveloped pieces of waterfront property in Northeast Florida. (Yes, it’s on the National Register and if you visit, be sure to see the peacocks!)