The St. Augustine Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) convened on July 15, 2025, to discuss the proposed new mother house for the Diocese of St. Augustine. The meeting focused on the architectural design and its integration with the surrounding historic context.

The session began with a review of renderings for the new building, with board members expressing the need for visual comparisons between the new structure and existing buildings to better assess scale and context. Concerns were raised about the proposed building's mass and height, particularly its proximity to the street, which some members felt was out of character with the neighborhood.

Discussion highlighted that the new mother house would provide housing for the sisters and their ministries, as the current facility is not ADA compliant. The new design includes 32 bedrooms, accommodating the needs of the sisters. However, board members noted that the building's verticality and boxy appearance could detract from the historic streetscape.

Several members suggested that the design should consider the views of neighboring properties, emphasizing the importance of creating a welcoming facade that invites community interaction. Suggestions included reducing the building's height and incorporating architectural features such as balconies and varied rooflines to soften its appearance.

The board also discussed the need for a more detailed examination of the building's exterior, with calls for improved window designs and materials that reflect the historic character of the area. Concerns were raised about the use of materials that may not align with the aesthetic of existing structures.

As the meeting progressed, members debated the building's setbacks from the street, with some advocating for increased distances to mitigate the visual impact of the height. The board acknowledged the need for further analysis of the site context and how the new building would relate to its surroundings.

In conclusion, while the proposed project serves a significant purpose for the Diocese, the board emphasized the necessity for revisions to the design to ensure it harmonizes with the historic character of St. Augustine. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential adjustments to the architectural plans, with a focus on enhancing the building's integration into the community.