Courtyard Beautification Project

The Cultural Arts Center of St. Augustine Beach

The Cultural Arts Center at St. Augustine Beach

Renovated and maintained by the St. Johns Cultural Council, the Cultural Arts Center of St. Augustine Beach has provided space for business, tourism, housing, entertainment, and government over the years. The building has been used, abandoned, neglected, renovated, and is now going through a major three-phase revival. The beautification of the courtyard is just a small, but nevertheless important, aspect of the long-term project to rehabilitate this historically and culturally significant building. 

One of two mirroring Oceanfron hotels - the building on the left was destroyed

Built in the late 1930s, this 10,500 square-foot structure was one of two mirroring oceanfront hotels, flanking the Saint Augustine Pier. The southern building survived demolition and was used as an apartment complex and housed a skating rink at one point. The building served as City Hall for the City of Saint Augustine Beach from the 1960s through the 1990s. After the City moved its municipal offices to a new location, the building stood empty and neglected and was again in danger of destruction.

Anchor tenants The Art Studio and The Dance Company

The City of Saint Augustine Beach agreed to lease the facilities free of charge to the newly formed Cultural Council, who in return agreed to raise funds for reconstruction and rehabilitation of the building. Grants through the Cultural Council, together with individual and corporate donors, made renovation possible and have been ongoing since 2001. Revenue from permanent tenants fund maintenance and replacement of fixtures and appliances. 

Phase I and II of the long-term renovation of the Cultural Arts Center plans have been completed. The Cultural Council partnered up with The Dance Company in 2005 and based the reconstruction on danceable studio space. The Dance Company has been an anchor tenant since 2007. In 2014, renovation of an additional 1000 square foot was completed and The Art Studio joined anchor tenancy in 2015.

Brick Pattern Designed by Sally Ann Freeman

The St. Johns Cultural Council recently instituted a committee for the beautification of the courtyard, headed by Karen Coker, board director. Funds for this endeavor were raised through fundraising events, donors, and private donations. Bricks inscribed with sponsor names were paved in a pleasing pattern designed by Sally Ann Freeman, Master Gardner with Southern Horticulture. The “Courtyard Beautification Project” launched in February of this year. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds helped with digging, planting, mulching, edging, carting materials around, and driving to and from supply stores. Many of the volunteers were from The Florida School for the Deaf and Blind Garden Center. By all means, visit this deceivingly contemporary facility to enjoy the arts and the beauty of the building, or you can breathe in the salty ocean air while contemplating its history in the delightfully relaxing, new courtyard: it’s there for you.

Sponsors, donors, and volunteers:

St. Johns Cultural Council, sponsor and member volunteers

Karen Coker, St. Johns Cultural Council

Florida School for the Deaf and Blind Garden Center, volunteers

Southern Horticulture, plants and trellises

Philip McDaniel, CEO St. Augustine Distillery Company, sponsor

The Division of Cultural Resources, sponsor

Craig Thompson, architect

Len Weeks, contractor

Michael and Teresa Radzinski, sponsor donors

St. Augustine Beach Public Works, sprinklers

Sally Ann Freeman, Master Gardner