Courthouse, DeBary Hall, DeLand Hall restorations receive prestigious state historic recognition

Courthouse, DeBary Hall, DeLand Hall restorations receive prestigious state historic recognition

Volusia County's history runs deep. The multitude of historical sites throughout the county are evidence of it. Three of those sites were recognized recently by the state as outstanding restoration and rehabilitation projects.

Each year the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation recognizes the significant contributions of individuals, societies, businesses or governments in the field of historic preservation.

The 19th century DeBary Hall is an
Italianate architectural style mansion.

The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation announced the 2003 Preservation Award winners at a ceremony during the annual conference held here in May. The conference was hosted by Volusia County.

DeBary Hall Historic Site, DeLand Hall at Stetson University and the Volusia County Courthouse were singled out as examples of excellence in historic preservation. Each earned an outstanding achievement" award at the statewide preservation awards ceremony.

"This county is committed to preserving our historic treasures," said County Council Chair Frank Bruno of the three awards. "It's gratifying to receive praise for the dedication and hard work of so many people."

The Volusia County Courthouse
in DeLand was built in 1917.

The historic Volusia County Courthouse, built in 1917, is a symbol of the county government. The $1.4-million exterior restoration, which began in 1997, included a meticulous restoration of the building's exterior.

Years ago, the dome was painted and a cement-like coating was applied to the exterior facade bricks in the name of maintenance. With the assistance of state grants, the dome has been restored to its original finish and the bricks have been painstakingly re-pointed.

"The county has become a state model for coping with the removal of the once-popular concrete coatings and restoration of the bricks underneath," said Tom Scofield, Volusia County historic preservation officer. "The contractors doing the work are experts.

The Courthouse has been restored to its original exterior finishes and color." A significant member of the Downtown DeLand National Register of Historic Places/Districts, the Courthouse will continue to serve a useful public life.

The interior restoration of the 60,000-square-foot building is under way and likely will house County government operations and other public functions.

DeBary Hall, restored to its former grandeur by a partnership of the state, county, City of DeBary, and DeBary Hall, Inc. (non-profit group), was built in 1871 by Frederick deBary, a prominent wine importer and sportsman from New York City. The 8,000-square-foot, Italianate architectural style mansion has an extensive two-story veranda, floor-to-ceiling windows and a five-ranked facade with central hall. In its prime, this majestic residence welcomed visitors who arrived via

steamboats that traveled the nearby St. Johns River. Ten acres and five historically significant buildings remain of the original 6,600-acre estate.

The $1.2-million restoration included interior and exterior finishes, installation of a new roof (a copy of the historic roof), upgraded electrical and plumbing systems, installation of an updated HVAC system and some foundation enhancements.

"When the County leased the site from the state in 1990, use as a public education tool was a designated priority," said Scofield. "A multi-media public interpretation exhibit to tell the story of DeBary Hall and the St. Johns River was developed. The site is open to the public for guided tours and special events."

The restoration of Florida's oldest building in continuous use for higher education, DeLand Hall at Stetson University, took place in 2002 and included repairing the original wood windows, wood siding and exterior doors; rebuilding a handicap entrance ramp to comply with current federal standards; and painting the building's exterior. The project was partly funded by a $350,000 state grant.

"DeLand Hall is the centerpiece of the Stetson University Campus National Register of Historic Districts," said David Rigsby, division of streets and grounds and special projects manager. "It is a warm honor for all of us at Stetson University to be recognized by the state."

Since opening as the DeLand Academy in the late 1800s, the building has housed almost every university department and was home to the School of Music for 32 years. Following an extensive renovation in the early 1980s, university administration offices - including the president's office - moved into DeLand Hall.

Since the late 1800s, DeLand Hall at Stetson University has housed almost every university department and was home to the school of music for 32 years

Nearly 100 years after the building's opening in 1884, DeLand Hall was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

Department of Economic Development
700 Catalina Drive, Suite 200
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Telephone: 386-248-8048
FAX: 386 238-4761
Toll Free: 800-554-3801

Phil Ehlinger
Director
doed@volusia.org

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