UWF Historic Artifacts Could Find A Home In Century

July 18, 2018

Artifacts from the University of West Florida Historic Trust could find a home in a Century.

The Trust is looking for secure, climate controlled space to store a large quantify of historic items and antiquities, according to an email from Brice Harris, a UWF assistance vice president . They are repurposing much of their downtown storage space into workable classrooms and labs.

Harris emailed Century Town Planner Debbie Nickles seeking possible space in the Century Business Center on Pond Street or another location. She said UWF is looking for three to 10 thousand square feet.

Mayor Henry Hawkins said much of the space at the Century Business Center is in use. Council member Ben Boutwell suggested the empty Helicopter Technology Building in the town’s industrial park might work.

Hawkins told the Century Town Council that the building could not be rented due to issues with the fire sprinkler system. A November 2017 violation notice from the Escambia County Fire Rescue Office of Fire Prevention found the sprinkler and fire systems were in need of an inspection.

The former Helicopter Technology building is a 40,000 square foot office/warehouse building with full climate control, sprinkler system, new HVAC and new energy efficient lighting. The town re-acquired the industrial building at public auction  for less than $1 out of pocket back in August 2009,  following the town’s foreclosure judgment against the now defunct Helicopter Technology.

In 2017, the building was appraised for $550,000 with a fair market rent of $80,000 per year ($6,667 per month).

Hawkins said he will contact Harris to discuss any possible building locations.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News