Owners of the historic Richards Building downtown have been ordered to remove unauthorized paint, a decision stirring significant discussions. FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Historic Preservations Commission has mandated that Alessio Companies strip the paint from the façade of this beloved landmark in Downtown Fort Myers.
The legal representatives for Alessio Companies presented a case, arguing that since the sides of the building had previously been painted, this meant the front facade could also be altered without needing official approval. However, city staff strongly disagreed. They stated any historically unpainted material required the commission’s nod, emphasizing the need to protect the distinctive character of the building.
During the Tuesday meeting, a thoughtful air lingered as two commission members recused themselves from the deliberation: Gina Sabiston and Sawyer Smith. The weight of history bore down upon the discussions, perhaps reminding everyone of their responsibility to preserve the essence of the past.
City staff recommended the denial of the after-the-fact approval request to paint the façade, articulating that painting unpainted brick is not only rare but could fundamentally alter the building’s historic character. Their report poignantly noted the absence of any evidence indicating that the Hendry Street façade had ever known a coat of paint.
Beyond just denying the application, the commission advocated for the removal of the paint through the gentlest methods available, firmly ensuring the historic integrity of the property is maintained. A flurry of planning is expected from the property owners, who will need to provide a detailed procedure for the paint’s removal. This plan must undergo thorough review and approval by the commission before any physical work can begin.
There’s also a lifeline available. The building owners still hold the right to appeal this decision to the Fort Myers City Council, allowing them a chance to perhaps reshape their fate. In a city rich with history and home to various local businesses, the fate of the Richards Building is reflective of a broader conversation about ownership, community, and the preservation of identity.
As discussions unfold, one cannot help but contemplate how many stories, how many eras, have woven themselves into the fabric of that brick. The building, like Fort Myers itself, stands as a testament to resilience, yet also a gentle reminder of the responsibility to safeguard the narratives that shaped it. It is a shared journey, one where each decision resonates deeply within the community.
