Board approves façade updates at 207–209 Orange Ave, favors transom appearance

The Fort Pierce Historic Preservation Board voted March 23 to approve a certificate of appropriateness (PZCOA2026‑00025) for façade renovations at 207–209 Orange Avenue, adopting a board preference for preserving transom appearance and allowing faux transoms where full transoms are impractical.

Staff described two design options (A and B) and said either option would be consistent with Secretary of the Interior standards 9 and 10. The improvements include replacing exterior flooring at the entrance, installing ADA‑compliant doors, replacing storefront windows, adding decorative molding and planting window boxes and hurricane shutters on upper windows.

Owner and applicant Chris Einstein, who identified himself for the record and said he is owner of JetSet Events LLC at 207 Orange Avenue, said interior remodeling and tenant layouts constrain window placement. He told the board the windows are impact‑rated and that the project team is trying to keep windows as large as practical: “we’re trying to keep them as large as possible,” he said.

Board members debated whether to make transoms a strict condition or a recommendation. Staff explained that small percentage changes could be handled administratively if the applicant proves transoms are impractical. The board moved to approve Option B with a priority for transoms or, if impractical, faux transoms that preserve the transom appearance. The motion carried on roll call.

The applicant said an FPRA grant deadline affects scheduling; staff noted the administrative approval pathway exists for minor adjustments but that significant changes would return to the board.