The St. Augustine Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) convened on July 15, 2025, to discuss a significant proposal regarding the Sisters of Saint Joseph's mother house, located within the historic district of St. Augustine. The meeting focused on the need for a new facility that aligns with modern accessibility standards while respecting the site's historical context.

The proposed site spans approximately 2.41 acres and is situated within Archeology Zone 1 B. The existing masonry coquina block wall, which has undergone numerous modifications over the years, surrounds the property. The Sisters of Saint Joseph have been at this location since 1869 and are seeking to construct a new mother house to better serve their evolving needs.

The new building is designed to be ADA compliant and will feature a gross footprint of over 13,000 square feet, totaling more than 35,000 square feet. It will stand three stories tall and utilize the existing access point from Saint George Street for vehicular access, including emergency vehicles. The architectural design aims to be sensitive to the historic nature of the site, incorporating a stucco facade, metal roof, and wood casement windows.

During the meeting, board members expressed concerns regarding the building's design. Ms. Duncan highlighted the importance of the garden space and the need for the new structure to reflect the character of existing buildings in the area. She noted that the renderings appeared to lack detail and warmth, resembling an institutional design rather than a welcoming environment. Dr. Wingo echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the proposed building felt too close to the street and did not align with the articulated features of nearby historic structures.

The board discussed the potential for alterations to the design, particularly regarding color schemes and architectural details, to enhance the building's integration into the historic landscape. Additionally, repairs to the existing coquina block wall were mentioned, with plans for a structural engineer to assess its condition.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further refine the proposal, ensuring that it meets both the Sisters' needs and the community's expectations for preserving St. Augustine's historic character. The board will continue to review the project as it progresses, with a focus on balancing modern requirements with the city's rich architectural heritage.