HOLMES BEACH – Mayor Judy Titsworth is authorized to make an initial $3 million offer for the city’s proposed purchase of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church property.
The 6,437-square-foot church building and 3-acre, three-parcel property at 6608 Marina Drive were last used for church services in January and the city is being given the first chance to buy it before it is listed on the open market.
The property carries Public/Semi- Public (PSP) zoning and future land use designations that don’t allow residential or commercial development.
City officials hope to purchase the building and property and use it as a public facility that also provides additional public green space. If sold to another buyer, city commission approval would be needed to rezone the property for residential or commercial development.
Three valuation appraisals have been obtained – one by the seller and two by the city. The seller’s appraisal assumes the property would be rezoned for commercial or residential development. The city’s appraisals assume the current zoning and future land use designations will remain the same.
In late March, City Commissioner Terry Schaefer, Development Services Director Chad Minor and Public Works Director Sage Kamiya met with George Thurlow, the attorney representing the Florida-Bahamas Synod that holds the title to the church property. They were told the appraisal obtained by the property owner values the building and property at $9.9 million.
On May 8, Westrock Appraisal provided Titsworth with an 87-page market valuation analysis appraisal report that values the building and property at $2.1 million. On May 20, Bluemark Valuation Advisors provided Minor with a 113-page appraisal report that values the building and property at $2.77 million.
The Bluemark appraisal says, “Originally constructed in 1960, the building has undergone renovations over the years. However, at the time of inspection, it was judged to be in fair condition, with visible signs of deferred maintenance. At the time of inspection, deferred maintenance was observed throughout the structure, largely due to the initiation of interior demolition intended to mitigate flood damage caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024. The demolition, which began shortly after the storm to prevent mold and related issues, revealed various forms of storm-related damage. Notable conditions included missing drywall, damaged doors, deteriorated bathrooms, damaged roof covers and missing kitchen cabinets among other deficiencies. Based on visual observations, some minor renovations have been initiated since the event; however, no cost estimates were provided to address the remaining repairs.”
Commission authorization
On May 27, City Commission Chair Dan Diggins asked the commission to authorize the mayor to make an initial offer on the building and property.
Based on the higher of the two appraisals the city obtained, City Attorney Erica Augello suggested the commission authorize Titsworth to make a $2.7 million initial offer that could serve as a starting point for further negotiations if needed. If Titsworth and the property owners can agree on a price, Titsworth would then need commission authorization to move forward with the purchase.
Schaefer made a motion to authorize the mayor to make a $3 million “good faith offer” on the church property and he estimated the interest rate on a long-term loan would likely be in the 6.75% to 7% range.
“I have total confidence in her ability to negotiate the best deal,” Commissioner Carol Soustek said before the commission voted 4-1 in support of Schaefer’s motion. Diggins voted no because the $3 million offer exceeds the $2.77 million Bluemark appraisal.
When contacted later in the week, Titsworth said, “I thank the commissioners for supporting my vision of securing this property for the community. We have much public support for this purchase and it will be a true asset to the city if we are able to come to a mutually agreeable purchase agreement. My hope is that we can seek assistance from the community and our local construction industry to repair the building so we can secure a home for our displaced preschool as quickly as possible.”
Public input
School For Constructive Play owner and former church building tenant Kelly Stewart expressed her support for the purchase. After being displaced from the church building due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene, the Island’s only preschool currently operates at The Center of Anna Maria Island in Anna Maria. Kelly hopes to form a private-public partnership with the city to return her preschool to its former location.
“Although The Center has been a huge blessing during this time after the storm, our littlest Island citizens need a secure place that is their own,” she told the commission.
When Diggins asked about enrollment numbers, Stewart said she currently has 50-60 students and another 15-20 students on a waiting list.
She said her preschool clientele includes families that live on the Island and parents that work on the Island and returning to the church building would help ensure the Island-based preschool continues to serve as a feeder school for Anna Maria Elementary.
“I implore you to keep this property in the hands of the community,” she said.
When expressing her support for the purchase, city resident and Planning Commissioner Gale Tedhams said, “I have different reasons. I think it’s an iconic building. I looked up the architect. He is famous in this area. I’m afraid if we don’t get it, it will be torn down and we’ll lose a very historic, iconic building.”
Victor Lundy designed the triangular-shaped church building that features a unique and memorable roof configuration. Lundy was part of the Sarasota School of Architecture architectural movement that was active from 1941 to 1966.
Tedhams supports the building and property being used for “cultural, artistic and peaceful” purposes that benefit the community.
Related coverage:
City officials discuss buying Gloria Dei property
