The outcry over the potential demolition of a historic building in St. Augustine has echoed throughout the community, as residents rally to preserve a significant piece of the city’s heritage. Located at 7 Aviles Street, this structure stands on America’s oldest street and is now at the center of a heated debate about preservation versus safety.
St. Augustine, Florida, known for its rich tapestry of history, faces the possible loss of this two-story edifice, originally constructed in 1885. Serving a variety of roles over the decades, the building has housed everything from a jail to, most recently, an antique shop. However, city officials are raising alarms about its deteriorating condition, declaring it unsafe in its current state.
“It is a very rich history and again a beautiful structure. The only one like it,” emphasized Larry Altman, a former tenant who operated Antiques and Uniques Collectibles at the site for nearly a decade. Altman, who returned recently to gaze through its windows, recalled fond memories of his time within its storied walls.
During his tenure from 2010 to 2019, Altman not only sold a variety of collectibles and antiques but also embraced the building’s reputation as a haunted locale. “We had a good time. We sold collectibles. We had some antiques, and we also dealt with spirits, and we were considered a very haunted location,” he reminisced, highlighting the unique charm that has endeared the building to so many.
As discussions continue, the community finds itself in a tug-of-war between maintaining an essential piece of its historical identity and addressing pressing safety concerns. The fate of 7 Aviles Street remains uncertain, but its significance to the people of St. Augustine is indisputable.
“We had a good time. We sold collectibles. We had some antiques, and we also dealt with spirits, and we were considered a very haunted location,” Altman said.
According to the city’s building official, structural issues, including deteriorating wood within the walls have made the building unsafe. An engineer determined the structure is at risk of collapse.
Altman said the potential loss is deeply personal.
“Not happy about it. I have a lot of memories here,” he said. “The building was never great, but it was adequate.”
Throughout the day, visitors stopped to read an orange demolition notice posted outside the building, peering through its windows and taking photos.
Patty Sterling, a tourist visiting from Maine, said the building left a lasting impression during her stay.
“It just spoke to us every time we had to walk by. Every time I’d stop, look in the window, ‘what’s going to happen to this beautiful building?’” Sterling said. “I mean the age of it. How can you not want to save it just for the history alone?”
Camden White, who works across the street at Peace Pie, said she saw the notice for the first time recently, but has admired the building.
“I think it’s cool. I’ve seen a lot of photographers take photos in front of it,” White said. “I really like the mosaic tiles.”
City officials said the property owner plans to convert the building into a single-family residence and has received permission to demolish part of the structure.
For many, the debate goes beyond safety and redevelopment; it’s about preserving the stories tied to the building.
“Anything that we lose in the city is a loss forever, especially when you have a building that’s been part of this street,” Altman said.
A special emergency public hearing is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Friday at City Hall. During the meeting, the Historic Architectural Review Board is expected to discuss the building’s condition and determine what elements, if any, can be preserved during partial demolition.
