Punta Gorda Historic District home set for demolition, rebuild

Author: Nancy Semon, Gulfshore Business
Published: Updated:

When builder T.J. Thornberry was hired by clients to demolish and build two new homes on their Chasteen Street properties within the Punta Gorda Historic District, little did he realize he would be embarking on an odyssey laden with roadblocks lasting nearly three months.

After multiple appearances before City Council, he was able to apply for demolition permits in late January and recently began to work with Mayor Debi Lux on establishing new criteria for the city going forward.

Thornberry contends the home at 111 Chasteen St. was arbitrarily placed on the local historic registry by a former staff member. Built in 1951, the 964-square-foot two-bedroom, two-bath home on slab is located near the Peace River and was flooded multiple times, including five times over the last year and a half from king tides and hurricanes Helene and Milton.

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