STUART — The historic Stuart Feed Store building downtown, which houses the Stuart Heritage Museum, could remain in its place for at least another 20 years. In the primary election that ended Tuesday, voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum allowing the city to enter into a long-term lease with the museum.
The city owns the buildings and land along the St. Lucie River. According to the city charter, any lease on waterfront property for more than 10 years requires voter approval.
Museum officials said they may seek a 20-year lease.
“I think we’re an important part of the atmosphere of downtown,” said Gary Maxwell, chairman of the board of the Stuart Heritage Museum, which was founded by the nonprofit Stuart Heritage Inc.
“And that’s why we want to continue to play our part in what Stuart has to offer,” that small-town feel, Maxwell said.
Support with the rental agreement
For the referendum to pass, 60% approval was required. According to the final, unofficial result from the Electoral Office, it reached 94% – 3,152 in favor and 199 against.
“Of course we are very pleased” with such impressive numbers, Maxwell said.
Details will be worked out shortly
In the near future, Maxwell plans to begin working with the city to work out the details of the lease. He suspects the current city commission will participate, but it’s possible the new commission, with two new commissioners, will want to weigh in, he said.
New commissioners Sean Reed and Laura Giobbi will be sworn in on Monday. Reed defeated incumbent Troy McDonald on Tuesday and Giobbi ousted Mayor Becky Bruner.
History and why it is important
“We want to preserve what got us here,” Maxwell said earlier this year, around the time the commission agreed to put the issue before voters. “I think it’s always important to know where you came from to know where you’re going.”
The museum opened in 1992, while the Stuart Feed Store building dates back to the early 1900s. It is now the oldest commercial building in town and was the second store in Stuart on the St. Lucie River and served as a gathering place for residents.
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After construction, the building was named Geo. W. Parks General Merchandise and was operated by George Washington Parks. The Parks family lived on the second floor. Today, museum visitors can see Parks’ cannon stove and other artifacts from Stuart and Martin County history.
Last year more than 10,000 people visited the museum.
Keith Burbank is TCPalm’s watchdog reporter for Martin County. He can be reached at [email protected] and at 720-288-6882.
