City new public restrooms recognized for historic flavor

Apalachicola Mayor Pro Tem Frank Cook holds up award next to restrooms
Photo by Janelle Paul

The recently completed public restroom facility in downtown Apalachicola picked up an award from the Florida Heritage Foundation and the Tallahassee Trust for Historic Preservation for outstanding achievement in the catergory of "New Construction".  

Apalachicola Mayor Pro Tem Frank Cook accompanied by Betty Webb, City Administrator were on hand to accept the prestigious award at the 2014 Tallahassee/Leon County Historic Preservation Awards Ceremony held May 8, at the Florida Historic Capitol Museum in Tallahassee.

City officials expended $10K received from the Franklin County Tourist Development Council and another $300K from a Community Development Block Grant to design, engineer and construct the much needed facility in a way that blends with the historic flavor of downtown Apalachicola.

"Since being placed into service last October, the restrooms have become a much welcomed amenity to the downtown area, welcomed by both visitors and residents alike", said Webb.

Extraordinaire city volunteers John and Judy Rutz, along with the always helpful members of the Historic Apalachicola Main Street Committee and city staff have dedicated themselves to the task of ensuring the facility is kept clean and open 7-days a week from 9:00AM in the morning until 6:00PM in the afternoon.

The award winning facility was designed by 4M Design Group, engineered by Inovia Consulting Group and constructed by local contractor Poloronis Construction Company.

Also receiving an award in the category of "Preservation Project of Regional Impact" was the Chapman House Museum.  The Chapman House is the home of world renown physician and botanist Dr. Alvan Wentworth Chapman.  The museum is currently undergoing restoration under the meticulous guidance of Dr. Helen E.A. Tudor and Walter B. Melvin, Restoration and Historic Preservation Architect out of New York City.