City Commission approves sale of historic Waterworks building

March 21, 2018

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV)—The Tallahassee City Commission has approved the sale of the city’s historic Waterworks building.

The property was sold to North American Properties for $408,000. NAP is the same developer behind the Cascade Project, which is directly across from the Waterworks building.

According to NAP Managing Partner Shawn McIntyre, the building may be restored into some type of restaurant.

"We would restore (the building) and bring it into a dining establishment, a brewery, some sort of work that would complement the park as people are walking around our development and around the downtown. That park is so heavily utilized, Cascades Park, but the issue is there's nothing to keep people there," he said.

The building is listed on the local history registry, meaning it cannot be torn down. And, any plans will need to be discussed and approved with the Architectural Review Board, which is staffed by members of the Tallahassee Trust for Historic Preservation.

Melissa Stoller, who is the executive director of the TTHP, said she supports the project.

“When a building continues to sit for a very long time it's essentially demolition by neglect. That's not preservation. So we're actually excited. It’s very important that it has a life in the community. That it functions,” said Stoller.

McIntyre also pointed out that by restoring the Waterworks building visitors will be able to experience four corners of history surrounding Cascades Park.

Those include the Civil Rights Plaza which will be near the old jail, the Leon County Public Health Unit which is being restored, the Caroline Brevard School which is under state ownership, and the Waterworks building.

"In that very small area, a pedestrian oriented, walkable, you're going to have those four corners of history," said McIntyre.

Once refurbished, the Waterworks building will serve as a gateway to Cascades Park and the Cascades Project.

March 20, 2018

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) -- Tallahassee's historic Waterworks building could be getting a chance at a second life.

Developer North American Properties is proposing a new plan for the property. The company answered the city's request for proposals after the city decided to sell the building last year.

According to NAP Managing Partner Shawn McIntyre, the building could serve as a viable restaurant.

"We would restore (the building) and bring it into a dining establishment, a brewery, some sort of work that would complement the park as people are walking around our development and around the downtown. That park is so heavily utilized, Cascades Park, but the issue is there's nothing to keep people there," he said.

North American Properties is the same company that is currently building the Cascades Project, which is directly across the street from the Waterworks building. McIntyre said the Waterworks project would serve as a gateway to both the park and the new development.

The Waterworks building is currently on the local historic registry, meaning the buildings associated with it cannot be torn down. Therefore any revitalization of the building would mean the building would be preserved. Over the last few decades, attempts have been made to preserve the property, with the city even putting up nearly $1 million to help renovate it.

Any work done on the building would need to go before the Architectural Review Board and the Tallahassee Trust for Historic Preservation.

McIntyre pointed out that by restoring the Waterworks building visitors will be able to experience four corners of history surrounding Cascades Park.

Those include the Civil Rights Plaza which will be near the old jail, the Leon County Public Health Unit which is being restored, the Caroline Brevard School which is under state ownership, and the Waterworks building.

"In that very small area, a pedestrian oriented, walkable, you're going to have those four corners of history," said McIntyre.

NAP is offering $408,000 for the property. It is the only company that responded to the city's RFP.

The City Commission will vote on whether or not to approve the sale at Wednesday's meeting. That's set for 4 p.m. at City Hall.