Fort Lauderdale’s Pier Sixty-Six will likely be deemed a ‘historic’ landmark. Here’s why.
Pier Sixty-Six, the landmark that rises high and stands out with its crown of spires, could be deemed a historic structure in Fort Lauderdale, preserving it forever.
The Fort Lauderdale City Commission is scheduled to vote Tuesday to give the property’s original tower a “historic designation as a historic landmark,” keeping the 1950s-era exterior intact, according to city records.
It’s considered important for its historic associations with the Phillips Petroleum Company.
“It is one of the most, if not the most, recognizable and significant structures in Fort Lauderdale and represents an important historical time in our city’s history,” said Vice Mayor Steven Glassman.
The public meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the NSU Art Museum, moved from City Hall.
If the historical status is granted, the Fort Lauderdale’s Historic Preservation Board will need to give permission for any future changes made to the exterior of the original tower — including any demolition requests. The portion of the property that is designated historic “would be eligible to utilize available incentives for historic preservation that it qualifies for, which may include certain tax incentives,” according to city officials.
It’s a move embraced by the developer, Tavistock, which suggested the historical marker in their 2018 paperwork.
“The historic designation was put forth by Tavistock from day one,” said Jessi Blakley, a Tavistock spokeswoman, according to a statement provided by the developer. “The main tower is iconic to Fort Lauderdale and will remain that way. We intend to preserve the integrity of the resort tower and reopen the Pier Top to the public.
“Recognizing Pier Sixty-Six and Pier Top as an icon in our city isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s a celebration of our community’s identity,” she wrote in an email statement. “As a local, I personally was surprised it hadn’t happened sooner and we moved forward with this endeavor because we felt that it was what our community deserved.”