by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
For the better part of a year, developer Mike Langton intended to answer a Request for Proposals to redevelop the Marble Bank, Florida Life and Bisbee buildings.
Making those plans moot, however, was Mayor John Peyton’s announcement this month that the abandoned buildings would be declared surplus and eventually given to the Police and Fire Pension Fund.
“When I heard that, I was very disappointed, crushed,” said Langton. “I was certain we were the most logical, obvious choice to rehab those buildings. It was shocking to say the least.”
Now it appears Langton might get another chance. In a 90-minute meeting Monday with Fund administrator John Keane, Langton suggested forming a “strong, collaborative partnership.”
“What I basically said was, ‘We can help with this project. Together we can take those buildings and restore them the right way,’” he said. “I believe the Fund was very responsive to that idea because we have always had a solid and professional working relationship.”
If a partnership materializes, Langton said historic restoration architect Bob Broward would also be on board.
“He’s on my team and he lends a tremendous amount of credibility to what we have envisioned for the buildings,” he said. “The Fund can go with any developer they want to, but if they go with me they get Bob Broward.
“All I can do for the moment is continue to make these kinds of points clear.”
Though unavailable for comment, Keane said last week that the Fund will readapt the buildings for mixed use, but focus mainly on adding residential units.
“All I can say is that we are anxious to move forward with this project,” he said. “As soon as possible, we’d like to get started because those buildings need to be secured and kept from deteriorating any further.”
Once that happens, Keane said redevelopment efforts would be “put on the fast track.”
“The devil is in the details,” he said. “But believe me, those buildings are a top priority for us and we’ll put a squad of professionals on this deal to insure that we can develop our plans and make it happen.”
A follow-up meeting with Langton is expected to take place some time next month.