Old St. Anastasia Master Plan Receives Unanimous Approval

Cotleur & Hearing is proud to announce the successful completion of the Old St. Anastasia Master Plan, marking an important milestone in the ongoing revitalization of Fort Pierce's historic Peacock Arts District.

On June 9, Aaron Wilbur, Co-President of Cotleur & Hearing, was joined by Brian Laura of REG Architects to present the final Master Plan, Adaptive Reuse Strategy, and Historic Preservation Assessment to the Fort Pierce City Council. Following the presentation, the City Council unanimously approved the Master Plan, endorsing a long-term vision for one of Fort Pierce's most significant historic landmarks.

Originally constructed in 1914 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Old St. Anastasia School has served generations of residents and remains an important part of the City's architectural and cultural heritage. Commissioned by the Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency (FPRA) as the second phase following the exterior rehabilitation, the Master Plan establishes a comprehensive framework for preserving the historic campus while transforming it into a vibrant community destination.

The planning process included extensive site analysis, stakeholder interviews, community engagement, and a public survey that received nearly 500 responses from residents. Guided by this input, the team developed multiple conceptual alternatives before refining a preferred plan that balances historic preservation with new opportunities for growth.

The approved Master Plan envisions the adaptive reuse of the historic school building alongside thoughtfully designed public spaces, enhanced streetscapes, improved pedestrian connectivity, and complementary mixed-use development that strengthens the connection between the Orange Avenue corridor, Downtown Fort Pierce, and the Peacock Arts District. The project aimed to create a destination that celebrates Fort Pierce's history while providing new opportunities for community gathering, arts and culture, education, and economic investment.

With unanimous City Council approval, the Master Plan provides a clear roadmap for future implementation and positions the Old St. Anastasia campus as a cornerstone of the City's continued revitalization efforts for generations to come. We're honored to have partnered with the FPRA, the City of Fort Pierce, REG Architects, and the many community members who helped shape this vision.