Builder T.J. Thornberry told Punta Gorda City Council that he will volunteer his services as the contractor of record to restore the historical A.C. Freeman House, which has been shuttered since it sustained damage from Hurricane Ian in September 2022.
During the June 16 joint meeting with the city’s Historic Preservation Advisory Board members and City Council, Thornberry said a lease agreement between the Charlotte DeSoto Building Industry Association and the city was being drafted by City Interim Attorney Stephen Leskovich, should the city decide to enter into an agreement with the CDBIA that would supply the labor.
The restoration agreement between CDBIA and City Council would be a public/private partnership in which the city would fund the restoration work, at an estimated cost of $400,000.
“The number one caveat is that it doesn’t cost the CDBIA any money – that would be the goal,” Thornberry said.
HPAB member Dawn Goode said she thought it would be a great idea, as initially it was thought the restoration cost would be $2 million. The original projected cost led to the former City Council’s decision in 2024 to mothball the building.
Following hurricanes Helene and Milton, Thornberry and Mayor Debi Lux walked the streets of the city’s Historic District and agreed that the A.C. Freeman House should be preserved. The 1903 Queen Anne Victorian home – a rare architectural style in the South, was built for Augustus C. Freeman – a politician and local businessman who owned a hardware store and citrus grove. It currently sits at 311 W. Retta Esplanade after it was moved twice, in 1985 and again in 2005 after Hurricane Charley.
The home was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987 and contains original period furniture. For many years it was a museum that attracted tourists and locals. Later, it served as offices for the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, but after Hurricane Ian inflicted its damages in September 2022, the home was shuttered.
Thornberry appeared again before City Council on June 18, during which Interim City Manager Melissa Reichert said the city would have several options to consider such as renovating the building and maintain it as a museum, lease it for private events, or sell the house.
Thornberry said that he expected to “find a disaster” when he first visited the home. “To my surprise wasn’t that bad,” he said, noting that most of the furnishings in the house were preserved and that needed repairs include replacing drywall, ceilings and air-conditioning.
Condensation from the AC caused ceilings to crash, and there are some roof breaches.
Whether Thornberry is the lead contractor or someone else is chosen, renovation would begin from the outside to secure the structure and prevent moisture from intruding, he said.
While a vote was not taken this month, the matter will be on City Council’s agenda in September, when action might be taken.
Reichert said that a new roof for City Hall, also a historic building, will be discussed at the July 2 meeting of City Council. The city has been unable to use the building since Hurricane Ian.
The former Council chose to build a new addition to the original structure that would cost a ballpark $20 million, but current Council has opted to make necessary repairs so that it can quickly return to the city’s original meeting place.
Depending on the anticipated size of public attendees, City Council has been meeting at the city-owned Laishley Park building and at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church which has a larger audience capacity.
