In 2022, the County submitted an application for an African-American Cultural and Historical Grant through the Florida Department of State for initial backbone improvements to Evan’s Rendezvous.
Evan’s Rendezvous serves as an instrumental site in Nassau’s rich history by providing a popular location for icons such as Ray Charles, James Brown, Louie Armstrong, Cab Calloway, and many more. This popular historical destination provided a wonderful atmosphere for jazz musicians to play for residents and visitors of American Beach. The Evan's Rendezvous historical jazz club impacted the American Beach community back in the 40s and 50s and provides rich history for travel and tourism in American Beach.
Evan’s Rendezvous is one of the contributing structures to the American Beach Historic District. The structure has gone through years of neglect, prior to the County taking ownership of the site in October 2005. The County engaged in a significant undertaking to remove hazardous materials more than a decade ago and secured or “moth balled” the building to help preserve the site.
Currently, this 1930’s historical building is just a shell of the original infrastructure, with no modifications made to the existing footprint. Based on the current condition of the site, the grant will provide the initial portion of funding necessary to simply "build-out" the basic shell to get the structure in condition that it can be ready for future renovation for public use. Today, we are simply executing the basic mechanical and operational improvements necessary to prepare for full renovation to meet modern wants and desires within the context of the State approved management plan for the structure. There has been no determination for the final improvements to the site and there is currently no funding available for further improvements to the site. The site currently lacks all basic mechanical and operational components and will need improvements including, but not limited to the following:
- HVAC system
- electrical work
- basic electrical fixtures
- plumbing
- basic plumbing fixtures - toilets, sinks, etc.
- fire suppression system
- insulation
- concrete work
- new doors and windows
- wall coverings, e.g. sheetrock or similar
- Roof needs to be inspected
- Boardwalk from structure to beach needs to be repaired
- Other similar basic components of a shell buildout.
Although the County was notified of the award of funding in June 2022, the initial draft of the grant agreement was not received from the State until February 15, 2023. As the template agreement included dates which had already passed, we requested certain modifications to the agreement and was notified on May 2, 2023 that the only parts of the grant award agreement that can be adjusted are the scope of work, deliverables, and budget. All other aspects of the agreement cannot be adjusted, as they are part of the agreement template that was approved by rule.
Following approval of the agreement and prior to the commitment or obligation of any funds, we will seek an extension to the deadlines via an amendment. As confirmed by the State, any progress reports that were due before your agreement execution date are not required. |