Seeking Input: Marjory Stoneman Douglas House

A group of citizens meet to discuss the future of the historic Marjory Stoneman Douglas House.

The Florida Park Service assumed permanent management of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas House in October 2018.

Earlier that same year, we solicited public input on the long-term management and interpretation of the house and grounds. We formed a stakeholder group comprised of neighboring property owners, local historic preservation groups, local government representatives, environmental conservation groups and the National Park Service.

Stakeholders discuss the future of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas House. — Stakeholders discuss the future of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas House

We held our first public meetings in March 2018. There was consensus among key stakeholders and the public on:

Long-term preservation of the house and grounds
Development of limited public access
Improvements to signage and landscaping.

Photo of Planning meeting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas House — Studying the comments of other citizens at the public meeting in March 2018

The Division of Recreation and Parks is currently developing its long-range management plan for the Marjory Stoneman Douglas House, as required by sections 253.034 and 259.032, Florida Statutes, Chapter 18-2, Florida Administrative Code.

The house will be managed as part of The Barnacle Historic State Park. The management plan will serve as the basic statement of policy and direction for the management of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas House as a component of Florida's state park system.

Management goals for the property will focus on addressing short term repair and renovation needs, as well as the long-term preservation, restoration and interpretation of the property.

Staff works closely with the Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources to ensure protection of archaeological and historical sites, including the Marjory Stoneman Douglas House.

Resource management work is already underway. The Florida Park Service has invested in several repairs and renovations to the house since we assumed interim management in 2007, including a climate control and security system, mold remediation and plaster restoration, lead and asbestos surveys, roof repair and maintenance, termite treatment and regular landscape maintenance.

Currently underway are additional cultural resource inventory and documentation, a structural life-safety assessment, and design and engineering services to address stormwater and erosion issues.

Stay in Touch

Check for additional updates on the planning process for the Marjory Stoneman Douglas House. If you have questions about the planning process for the Marjory Stoneman Douglas House, or would like to be added to our email contact list, please send your questions and contact information to FLStateParkPlanning@FloridaDEP.gov and include Marjory Stoneman Douglas House in the subject line.