We are very happy to report that John Brechel with Classic Carpentry of Naples, Florida, has been selected as the General Contractor to oversee our rehabilitation project! John, Master Carpenter of 40 years, is originally from Chicago and moved his business to Naples in 2004. He recently restored the original pine floors in the historic Palm Cottage after Hurricane Ian and completed the renovation of the cottage on the adjacent property known as the Smith Exhibit Hall. Classic Carpentry is an owner involved company, allowing John’s personal interest in every project. We are very fortunate to have the expertise of John on our “team” along with REG architects to begin the long-awaited rehabilitation of our 1927 historic Bank Building in Everglades City.

On November 19 the Division of Historic Resources Special Category Grants review process was held in Tallahassee. I was there to answer any questions regarding our request for a matching grant of $25,000 designated to replace the historic Palladian window over the front door of the Bank Building. There were 54 applicants, and we are very happy to report that we were ranked 17 out of the 49 eligible projects. Since this is a matching grant, we ask our supporters to consider our non-profit organization when making year-end tax-advantaged contributions. Thanks to all our current and past donors and supporters! Tax deductible donations may be made payable to Everglades Society for Historic Preservation and mailed to P O Box 46, Everglades City, FL 34139.

While in Tallahassee I had an opportunity to talk with the staff at the Office of Policy and Budget in the Executive Office of the Governor to discuss the Bank of Everglades Building which I plan to present at the 2025 Collier County Legislative Delegation Public Hearing on Wednesday, January 8. The meeting will convene at 9 am in the Commission Chambers on the 3rd Floor of Building F in the Government Center located at 3299 Tamiami Trail East. The agenda for the Collier County Delegation hearing will be released to the news media on December 16, 2024, to allow the citizens of Collier County ample time to prepare comments if they so desire. Funding is still needed to complete our entire project so ESHP plans to continue to seek private donations as well as apply to local, state, and federal grants.

The permitting process has begun and, once approved, we will begin with the demolition of the rear 1950s section of the building as well as any interior demolition (removing and repairing the wainscoting and original floors), then proceed with repair of the foundation, and preparation for window replacements, etc. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact me at (239) 719-0020.

Best wishes for the holiday season from the Everglades Society for Historic Preservation (Board Members: Patty Huff, Hydie Friend, Elaine Middelstaedt, Marya Repko, Helen Bryan, Hannah Ineson, Don Kim, and Tony Pernas)