- December 17, 2025
An independent appraiser has valued the old Memorial Hospital building in Bunnell at about $1.5 million, and an environmental analysis found no issues with asbestos or other hazardous material within the building.
The findings came as a part of the 90-day due diligence phase that the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners stipulated as a part of its decision in May to move forward with purchasing the building for $1.23 million.
If purchased, a number of repairs would be necessary, including the complete replacement of the building’s plumbing and electrical systems. In total, renovations for the main building would cost $3.8 million, DJ Design Services Inc. estimates. Renovations to the wings of the building (which would likely be developed at a later date) would cost about $946,000.
Flagler County is considering purchasing the building to use to house the new headquarters of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, which needs about 22,000 square feet to operate. At 66,000 square feet, the old hospital could be used for other county needs, such as a permanent location for the Flagler County Free Clinic. The clinic began to face financial difficulties early this year when its landlord decided to start charging rent — a cost the donation-funded organization cannot swallow.
The size, location and versatility of the old hospital were what attracted commissioners to the building. But some residents criticized the county of helping to bail out the current owners: Bruce Page, CEO of Intracoastal Bank; Michael Chiumento, an attorney; and James Neslow, a builder.
The building was appraised by two independent agencies, who valued the property at $1.5 million and $1.49 million. It was also examined by two agencies for its environmental and mechanical integrity.
Among the structural issues DJ Design Services Inc. listed as complications for the building are that the building lacks bottom flange bracing of its steel frame and that there was insufficient vertical reinforcement within perimeter masonry walls.
In addition to the structural analysis, Universal Engineering Sciences environmentally examined the property, and did not report any issues that required remedial actions.
Aside from the old hospital, the County Commission has discussed options such as using the old courthouse annex for the new Sheriff’s Office headquarters. The annex is significantly smaller than the old hospital, and has been criticized as constrictive to future growth, but some commissioners — such as Chairman Nate McLaughlin — said in May that they would support another option if the old hospital proved too expensive.
The commission will discuss the results of the analyses and appraisals, as well as the county’s next actions, during a workshop at 1 p.m. Aug. 1.
