The Fisher Hamilton building may yet get a historic marker as the Santa Rosa Historical Society asked the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), along with markers for the other hundred plus contributing structures in Milton’s historic district.
Another historic moment may be in the building’s future, a move 60 feet away from Highway 90 if Alternative One of the Florida Department of Transportation’s proposal to solve traffic congestion in downtown Milton goes forward.
Thursday, the Milton Historic Preservation Board (HPB) moved to take the suggestion of City of Milton Planning Director Randy Jorgenson and start a program to place historic plaques on said buildings as their owners approve, which would include the Fisher Hamilton building. The same night, the HPB also moved to support the Florida Department of Transportation’s Alternative One suggestion in its Highway 90 project in the downtown area, an alternative which widens Highway 90 and necessitates the move of the Fisher Hamilton building.
The discussion Thursday night began with Jorgenson’s report on the Fisher Hamilton building itself. He said he was asked to evaluate the building and “determine if it is appropriate from a staff perspective” to approve the historic marker. Jorgenson’s report noted changes to the building over the years including the building’s history as a saloon until 1907, the 1909 fire, the company name (Fisher and Hamilton) painted on the façade, the plate glass installed in front, and the parapet installed on the roof.
Jorgenson said the building today does not resemble the structure built in 1877. However, he said, “It is a contributing structure (to the historic district), and as such one could actually place a plaque on that building that would indicate it is part of the National Register of Historic Places. It is not eligible for individual listing; a handful are. There are over 100 contributing structures in the Milton Historic District.”
Vernon Compton, Santa Rosa Historical Society president, asked the BOCC for a historic plaque to be placed on the Fisher Hamilton building last September. He argued changes to the building are part of its history and don’t diminish from its significance. “Santa Rosa County invested a lot and spent a lot rehabilitating it. (It is a) way to recognize it as a contributing structure.”
The vote to go with Jorgenson’s suggestion was not unanimous. Sammy Carroll and James Russell voted nay. The same two also voted against Alternative One of FDOT’s proposal.
Peggy Kelley, project manager for FDOT and Amy Wiwi with Metric Engineering presented a video on FDOT’s alternatives including the no-build option in its proposal. The presentation, a repeat of information FDOT offered during previous public meetings, noted Alternative One, widening Highway 90, has the least impact in the community. Kelley and Wiwi also assured the HPB the Fisher Hamilton building could be moved. Wiwi said, “The State Historic Preservation Office will be watching us closely. The direction we decided to move in is to not destroy any building, period, but it will need improvements, (such as a) changed foundation to prevent flooding.”
Despite the two votes against, a majority voted to support Alternative One. Gale Thames made the motion, seconded by Vice Chairwoman Mary Golden.
As to the Fisher Hamilton building’s historic marker, Jorgenson said he believes the question from the BOCC regarding a recommendation for the plaque has been answered.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Preservation Board decides on Fisher Hamilton