![The Simpson House located at Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site was built in 1935. [Special to the Press Gazette]](http://127.0.0.1/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-6ad610c0-09b4-25e1-e053-0100007f04d4-d2be1887.jpeg)
MILTON — The Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners approved $11,400 on Thursday for design plans to make a historic home on the Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site more accessible.
Arcadia Mill requested funding from the county to starting making the Simpson House, which was built in 1935, compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The archaeological site, which is managed by the University of West Florida Historical Trust, is developing 6.7 acres of donated property to use as an educational facility and heritage tourism destination. The Simpson House is undergoing grant-funded restoration.
After the design phase, Arcadia Mill will pay for the construction as funding becomes available. The estimated total for one paved parking space, a sidewalk and ramp to the house, and renovation of an existing shed into accessible restrooms is $100,000. The opening date of the facility is scheduled for December.
Adrianne Walker, Arcadia Mill’s site manager, requested the funds in an April 4 letter to Tourist Development Director Julie Morgan.
“The house is not currently ADA accessible and it is imperative that our community promotes inclusion and acceptance,” Walker said in the letter. “The Arcadia Homestead ADA Project will enable us to provide equal access to our historical resources while incorporating Universal Design so that all guests utilize the same facilities in the same way.”
On April 5, the Tourist Development Board of Directors approved the funding.
Sam Marshall Architects will craft the project design, which costs $2,000 for the parking space, sidewalk and ramp and $9,400 for the restrooms.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Commission approves ADA design funding for Arcadia Mill