- December 15, 2025
In an effort to help find the Palm Coast Historical Society a permanent home, the City Council presented four housing options for the society at Tuesday’s workshop, including a spot on the second floor of City Marketplace.
The most feasible option, City Council members said, is to find a location in City Marketplace — where City Hall is currently located.
At last week’s regular meeting, the City Council requested city staff to present a list of options at Tuesday’s workshop.
Casper Drive, which has been dubbed the city’s first home, is one option. The advantages include the historical significance to the city as well as overflow parking at a nearby city-owned property.
Disadvantages, however, include the costs to acquire and renovate the property. It would also require the City Council to rezone the parcel to public/semipublic use.
The Community Center is a second housing location. Visibility and compatibility with city events are advantages. But space limitations would make it difficult, according to Tuesday’s presentation.
Holland Park, located off Florida Park Drive, has secured rooms, Wi-Fi and compatibility with park uses, but there is limited space, parking and lighting.
The Historical Society is currently located in Matanzas High School in about 900 square feet. But Art Dycke, city historian, said Tuesday that he’d like to see the organization have more than 1,000 square feet.
City officials agreed that moving the Historical Society to City Marketplace would be a win-win for all entities.
City Manager Jim Landon said having the society on the second floor will help retail business.
The City Repertory Theatre and Hollingsworth Gallery are located on the second floor.
The main hurdle, however, will be startup and build-out costs.
Through a grant since 2003, the city has provided financial support to the Historical Society of $3,000 a year.
The city could apply for a $5,000 grant from the Tourist Development Council to offset costs.
Representatives from the Historical Society said Tuesday that they would be happy with a City Marketplace location.
Mayor Jon Netts said the city has an obligation to the society, but City Councilman Bill McGuire wasn’t so convinced.
“I don’t see this as an issue that our staff should spend time and money on,” McGuire said.
While McGuire admitted the Palm Coast Historical Society is a positive for the city, he also said they need a new home, “they need to go out and find it.”
“We have bigger fish to fry,” he said. “While I support them in their efforts and wish them well, I think the limits Palm Coast (has) for the society is the contribution we give them each year.”
The discussion will continue at an upcoming meeting.
