ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — The historic Milltop Tavern in St. Augustine will be demolished after crews determined the building has deteriorated beyond repair.
The building, portions of which date back to 1888, was undergoing rehabilitation when the extent of deterioration was discovered.
After a request and a report, the city’s Historic Architectural Review Board approved demolition of the building.
City Manager John Regan then agreed to waive the 31-day waiting period because of the building’s danger to public safety.
Milltop Tavern manager Ken Kale said the landlord of the building will meet with HARB on Monday to determine if a historical dig will have to take place after demolition.
He estimated that the business could reopen between July and August.
Elements of the Milltop will remain, including portions of the siding that are being saved and the iconic waterwheel and coquina base, according to St. Augustine government.
Plans for a reconstructed Milltop to match the original structure have received a certificate of appropriateness from HARB, according to the city.
Cox Media Group
