Agenda 06/13/2017 Item #16D 906/13/2017
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to approve the submittal of a grant application to the Florida Department of
State Division of Historical Resources in the amount of $480,150 for structural stabilization and
rehabilitation of the historic Roberts home at the Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch
with a required match of ten percent.
OBJECTIVE: To leverage state grant funds to conduct needed structural stabilization and rehabilitation
of the historic Roberts home at the Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch.
CONSIDERATIONS: Florida Department of State Division of Historical Resources offers Special
Category Grants for the purpose of providing funding to assist local, regional and state-wide efforts to
preserve significant historic structures and archaeological sites, and promote knowledge and appreciation
of the history of Florida.
Grant applications for the current cycle are due June 15. Applications are evaluated on a competitive basis
at a public meeting in the fall by the Florida Historical Commission. Projects are ranked and then receive
funding in the state budget in accordance with the legislative allocation beginning on July 1, 2018.
Projects must be completed within two years.
The Museum Division has prepared an application for a project to provide structural stabilization and
rehabilitation of the Roberts Ranch historic home. Work will include architectural and engineering fees;
HVAC; foundation work; chimney repointing and stabilization; second floor structural stabilization;
repairs to historic fabric including rotted and termite-damaged wood siding, window and doors trim;
hurricane protection; roof repairs and hurricane tie-downs; repainting; and ADA-compliant ramping.
The home and associated ranch structures, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places
and have a local historic preservation designation, operate as a heritage destination within the Collier
County Museums system. The Division of Historical Resources has previously awarded grants to Collier
County for projects at Roberts Ranch in 2000, 2001 and 2003.
Should the grant be awarded, staff will bring the grant contract and required ten-year restrictive covenants
to the Board for approval.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with applying for this grant. Should the grant be
awarded, staff will bring back budget amendments recognizing grant revenue and budgeting expenditures
and match in a dedicated project number. Grant match is currently set aside in Fund 314 Museum Capital
Projects Reserves.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item has been reviewed by the County Attorney, is approved as to
form and legality, and requires majority vote for approval. -JAK
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no growth management impact associated with this
item.
RECOMMENDATION: To approve the submittal of a grant application to the Florida Department of
State Division of Historical Resources in the amount of $480,150 for structural stabilization and
rehabilitation of the historic Roberts home at the Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch with a
required match of ten percent; and authorize the Chairman to sign a transmittal letter documenting
confirmed match.
Prepared by: Amanda Townsend, Director, Museum Division
16.D.9
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06/13/2017
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. Roberts Ranch Grant Application (PDF)
2. Transmittal letter_DHR_SCG_RRhome (PDF)
16.D.9
Packet Pg. 869
06/13/2017
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 16.D.9
Doc ID: 3264
Item Summary: Recommendation to approve the submittal of a grant application to the Florida
Department of State Division of Historical Resources in the amount of $480,150 for structural
stabilization and rehabilitation of the historic Roberts home at the Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts
Ranch with a required match of ten percent.
Meeting Date: 06/13/2017
Prepared by:
Title: Operations Analyst – Public Services Department
Name: Hailey Margarita Alonso
05/24/2017 3:48 PM
Submitted by:
Title: Division Director - Operations Support – Public Services Department
Name: Amanda O. Townsend
05/24/2017 3:48 PM
Approved By:
Review:
Public Services Department Amanda O. Townsend Additional Reviewer Completed 05/24/2017 5:01 PM
Public Services Department Joshua Hammond Additional Reviewer Completed 05/25/2017 8:42 AM
Public Services Department Sean Callahan Additional Reviewer Completed 05/26/2017 2:04 PM
Public Services Department Hailey Margarita Alonso Level 1 Division Reviewer Completed 05/26/2017 3:57 PM
Public Services Department Steve Carnell Level 2 Division Administrator Review Completed 05/28/2017 8:37 PM
Grants Erica Robinson Level 2 Grants Review Completed 05/30/2017 8:35 AM
Office of Management and Budget Valerie Fleming Level 3 OMB Gatekeeper Review Completed 05/30/2017 9:15 AM
County Attorney's Office Jeffrey A. Klatzkow Level 3 County Attorney's Office Review Completed 05/30/2017 4:01 PM
Office of Management and Budget Susan Usher Additional Reviewer Completed 06/02/2017 8:25 AM
Grants Therese Stanley Additional Reviewer Completed 06/05/2017 2:07 PM
County Manager's Office Leo E. Ochs Level 4 County Manager Review Completed 06/05/2017 5:08 PM
Board of County Commissioners MaryJo Brock Meeting Pending 06/13/2017 9:00 AM
16.D.9
Packet Pg. 870
Organization Information
Applicant Name: Collier County Board of County Commissioners
FEID: 59-6000558
Phone number:
Principal Address: 3299 Tamiami Trl E Ste 403 Naples, 34112
Mailing Address: 3299 Tamiami Trl E Ste 403 Naples, 34112
Website:
Organization Type: CountyGovernment
Organization Category: GovernmentOther
County: Collier
Designated Project Contact *
Authorized Official *
Project Representation
Please provide the information requested regarding state legislative and congressional representation for the project location. Use the link provided for assistance in
finding your legislative information.
House of Representatives District Number(s) *
80
Representative Name *
Byron Donalds
Senator District Number(s) *
28
Senator Name *
Kathleen Passidomo
Congressional District Number(s) *
25
Congressperson Name *
Mario Diaz-Balart
Applicant Grant Experience and History
Division of Historical Resources - Special Category Grant
First Name
Theresa
Last Name
Schober
Phone 239.867.0294 Email
theresaschober@colliergov.net
First Name
BoCC Chair Penny
Last Name
Taylor
Phone 239.252.8604 Email
PennyTaylor@colliergov.net
16.D.9.a
Packet Pg. 871 Attachment: Roberts Ranch Grant Application (3264 : Grant Application for Rehab of Roberts Ranch)
Has the applicant received previous grant assistance within the past five years? *
Yes
No
If yes, please specify the year of the grant award, grant number, grant project name, the granting entity, the grant award amount,
and its current status.
#Previous Grant
Year
Previous Grant
Number.
Previous Grant Project Name Previous Granting Entity Previous Grant Amount
Persons Involved *
#Name Project Role Title Percentage of Time Email
1 Amanda Townsend Museum Director 5 AmandaTownsend@colliergov.net
2 Theresa Schober Museum Manager 25 TheresaSchober@colliergov.net
3 Pamela Miner Historic Preservation Specialist 15 PamelaMiner@colliergov.net
4 Tony Barone Facilities Mgmt Project Manager 15 TonyBarone@colliergov.net
5 Wanda Biescke Adminstrative Assistant 5 WandaBiescke@colliergov.net
If any of the Persons Involved above have had previous grant administrative responsibilities or grant experience, please describe
it in the space below. *
Project contact and preservation specialist Theresa Schober has secured and managed grants for restoration of historic properties exceeding $5.5 million including
Division of Historical Resources, Department of Cultural Affairs, federal flow through and regional grant sources.
Museum Director Amanda Townsend has secured and managed acquisition and development grants exceeding $14.4 million from Florida Forever, Department of
Environmental Protection, South Florida Water Management District and Community Development Block Grants.
The Museum Division's Associate Project Manager Pamela Miner has been a critical team member on historic preservation projects and managed grant funds
exceeding $10 million from HUD, Division of Historical Resources, and local sources, as well as from the Missouri State Historic Preservation Office.
Facilities Management Project Director Tony Barone is a certified General Contractor and has managed two community health center construction projects funded by
Recovery and Reinvestment Act and Affordable Care Act grants.
Applicant staffing and hours *
Organization is open at least 40 hours per week and has at least one paid staff member in a management position
Organization has some paid staff but they are not full-time
Organization is open part-time and has volunteer staff
Project Information
Project Type *
Development Projects
Development activities geared at preservation of properties open to the public, including: restoration, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and site-specific planning required
for these activities Exception: structural integrity work and exterior work religious properties is allowable.
Archaeological Projects
Archaeological excavation projects including: research and field investigations tied to large area surveys or excavation, analysis and publication of findings.
Museum Exhibit Projects
Museum exhibit projects for Florida history museums, including: research of exhibit content, exhibit design, fabrication, and installation.
Acquisition Projects
Acquisition of a single historic property or archaeological site, or group of such, in which all the resources have the same owner.
Project Title and Location Information
16.D.9.a
Packet Pg. 872 Attachment: Roberts Ranch Grant Application (3264 : Grant Application for Rehab of Roberts Ranch)
The title should reflect the name of the property, area, museum, or exhibit, and the goals of the proposed project. The title should be consistent with previous
applications/awards. (For example, Smith House Rehabilitation, South Mill Archaeological Excavation, etc.)
Project Title *
Roberts Ranch Home Stabilization & Rehabilitation
Name of Property (if applicable)
Roberts Ranch
Street Address
1215 Roberts Ave W
City
Immokalee
Primary County
Collier
Additional Counties Served
Alachua Baker Bay Bradford Brevard Broward Calhoun Charlotte Citrus Clay
Collier Columbia DeSoto Dixie Duval Escambia Flagler Franklin Gadsden Gilchrist
Glades Gulf Hamilton Hardee Hendry Hernando Highlands Hillsborough Holmes Indian River
Jackson Jefferson Lafayette Lake Lee Leon Levy Liberty Madison Manatee
Marion Martin Miami-Dade Monroe Nassau Okaloosa Okeechobee Orange Osceola Palm Beach
Pasco Pinellas Polk Putnam Santa Rosa Sarasota Seminole St. Johns St. Lucie Sumter
Suwannee Taylor Union Volusia Wakulla Walton Washington
Description and Project Specifics
Scope of Work *
Roberts Ranch is one of Collier County’s five free historical museums and one of south Florida’s most intact examples of an authentic early
twentieth century cattle ranch, grove, and pioneer farmstead. As home to the Roberts family and the Red Cattle Company, the collection of 12
contributing and 4 non-contributing vernacular structures were all built or rebuilt by the family between 1914 and 1977. Connected with cattle
driving and existing as a homestead for more than forty years before the Roberts settled on the property in 1914, the site is the first individually
owned ranch and orange grove in what is now Collier County. Existing physical relationships between structures give clues to everyday life and
work over a continuum of history lasting for more than one hundred years. The family was also instrumental in the cultural development of the
community at large. In 1914, Immokalee was a frontier town with a few small homesteads and limited commercial center. The Roberts eldest
son, William Dius Roberts established the community’s general store which became a trading post for the Seminole and Miccosukee peoples in
Big Cypress as well as local families.
The proposed project includes the structural stabilization and rehabilitation of the Roberts Ranch family home. The residence, constructed in
1926, was initially restored in 2003 along with the 15 associated farm structures acquired by Collier County. At the time of initial restoration,
limited structural work was determined to be needed in the main residence. That project scope focused on upgrades to key electrical and
mechanical systems and the removal of 1960s-era additions and modifications. Following the project, the entire 12.93-acre parcel was listed on
the National Register of Historic Places.
Since 2003, the structure has undergone deterioration and currently requires significant stabilization consistent with its use as a museum and
archival storage facility. The current grant request and cash match provide funds for anchoring of the building, foundation work, roof repairs and
the addition of hurricane straps; second floor structural stabilization; stabilization and repointing of two chimneys; mold remediation and
modifications to the existing HVAC system; repairs to the building envelope including replacement of rotted and termite-damaged wood siding,
windows and doors; hurricane protection; lead testing and repainting; modifications for ADA-compliance to doorways, construction
of ramping, and pathways; and associated architectural and engineering fees. The project will provide a cyclical maintenance plan for the
structure, update the FMSF forms for the Resource Group (8CR886), and complete HABS documentation for the home (8CR143). The building
and site as a whole, will continue to operate as a public museum and archival storage.
Tentative Project Timeline *
#Project Activity Starting Date Ending Date
1 Execution of Grant Agreement & Restrictive Covenants 7/1/2018 9/1/2018
16.D.9.a
Packet Pg. 873 Attachment: Roberts Ranch Grant Application (3264 : Grant Application for Rehab of Roberts Ranch)
2 Contracting of Preservation Architect & Engineers 9/1/2018 10/15/2018
3 Hazardous materials analysis & abatement 11/1/2018 12/1/2018
4 Production of construction documents & specifications 10/15/2018 12/15/2018
5 Contractor bidding, selection and contracting 1/1/2019 4/1/2019
6 Foundation and structural repairs 4/1/2019 10/1/2019
7 Roof, building envelope and chimney repairs 6/1/2019 12/1/2019
8 ADA-compliant modifications, ramping, pathways 10/1/2019 1/1/2020
9 Installation of tempered glass in doorways 12/1/2019 1/1/2020
10 Cyclical maintenance plan 6/1/2019 3/1/2020
11 HAPS documentation, updating of FMSF forms 1/1/2020 5/1/2020
Development Projects
Provide the estimated total square footage of the structure (the house or building, for example):
2,300
Provide measurable details for each project element listed in the Scope of Work (floor replacement, repaint walls, reshingle roof):
Building foundation: raise building; install 6-8 helical anchors to designated resistance and slab foundations for piles; hurricane strapping to code
Second floor stabilization: remove and re-install 1,495 square feet of ceiling beaded board; sistering or replacement of beams and ceiling joists
as needed
Stabilization and repointing of 2 chimneys, 48 linear feet
Mold remediation, 4 locations
Modifications to the first and second floor HVAC systems; replace AC duct work, 60 linear feet; attic insulation repairs, 1,495 square feet
Lead paint assessment, testing of multiple paint colors and sites
Repairs to the building envelope: 19 windows, window casings, and wood frame screens; 2 screen doors; 480 square feet wood siding; 40
square feet wood decking; 8 wood steps (front porch, kitchen)
Painting: exterior, 3,200 square feet; interior, 1,000 square feet
ADA compliance: pathway, 80 linear feet; accessible ramp and railings to code; modifications to 2 exterior doorways; tempered glass additions
to 3-4 interior doorways
Hurricane protection: 19 windows, 3 doors
Cyclical maintenance plan, 1
Updating of FMSF forms for 1 Resource Group, 1 structure; HABS documentation, 1 structure
Will you be hiring or contracting with professional architectural or engineering services to assist with the restoration work?
Yes
No
Budget and Match
Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) Waiver of Match Requirements *
Yes
No
16.D.9.a
Packet Pg. 874 Attachment: Roberts Ranch Grant Application (3264 : Grant Application for Rehab of Roberts Ranch)
Project Budget
Budget Items *
#Specify Grant Funds Cash Match In-Kind Match Total
1 Architectural fees $44,705 $0 $0 $44,705
2 Engineering fees $36,578 $11,050 $0 $47,628
3 Building anchoring, foundation, roof ties $97,500 $0 $0 $97,500
4 Second storey stabilization $39,000 $0 $0 $39,000
5 Stabilize and repoint chimneys (2)$46,800 $0 $0 $46,800
6 Attic insulation repairs $7,158 $7,204 $0 $14,362
7 Repairs to 19 windows, casings, screens $51,870 $0 $0 $51,870
8 Repairs to exterior siding, decking, stairs, screen doors (2),
miscellaneous interior repairs
$51,672 $0 $0 $51,672
9 ADA-compliant ramping, pathway, & door modifications $19,500 $6,500 $0 $26,000
10 Mold remediation $0 $7,800 $0 $7,800
11 Lead paint analysis $4,550 $0 $0 $4,550
12 Exterior repainting, interior touch ups $24,617 $0 $0 $24,617
13 Tempered glass partitions $6,500 $0 $0 $6,500
14 Hurricane protection (19 windows, 3 doors)$24,700 $0 $0 $24,700
15 Cyclical maintenance plan $25,000 $0 $0 $25,000
16 Contractor bond $0 $10,161 $0 $10,161
17 HABS documentation, updates to FMSF forms $0 $5,300 $0 $5,300
18 Grant management & administration $0 $0 $26,408 $26,408
Totals:$480,150 $48,015 $26,408 $554,573
Amount of Grant Funding Requested
$480,150
Match Amount
$74,423
Additional Budget Information/Clarification
This project will fully stabilize the Roberts Ranch home, secure its envelope, increase accessibility, and provide for the long-term sustainability of the structure and its
contents via improved humidity controls, cyclical maintenance planning and hurricane protection. The majority of the project scope and budget correct structural
stabilization and water intrusion/rot issues with associated architectural and engineering fees. Exterior painting is included due to the significant exterior rot and siding
replacement necessary as well as to return the structure to appearance consistent with its period of significance.
Currently operating as a house museum, the structure is available as a self-guided experience. All interpretation of the building is fully accessible on the expansive
grounds. Improved accessibility to the home itself involves adding ramping at the back entrance, a connecting pathway to the ramp, and modifications to doorways.
Inside the structure, glass partitions will separate all public from exhibits in each of the main interior rooms: a farmhouse kitchen, dining room, a bedroom, and the
Red Cattle Company home office. Glass partitions will allow for protection of interior artifacts while maximizing visibility into these spaces and minimizing interior
modifications.
16.D.9.a
Packet Pg. 875 Attachment: Roberts Ranch Grant Application (3264 : Grant Application for Rehab of Roberts Ranch)
Match Summary *
Match Type Amount % of confirmed match
Cash $48,015 64.52
In-Kind Services and Labor $26,408 35.48
Volunteer Services and Labor
Donated Materials
$74,423.00 100%
Activities and Property Information
Completed Project Activities
#Activity Description Date Completed Cost Value
1 Property acquisition (Tract E)12/31/1999 5:00:00 AM $8,284
2 Preservation planning 12/31/1999 5:00:00 AM $8,000
3 Master plan 12/31/2002 5:00:00 AM $40,000
4 Roberts Ranch home restoration 1/26/2004 5:00:00 AM $295,673
5 Roberts Ranch outbuildings restoration 3/28/2003 5:00:00 AM $217,022
6 Building condition assessment 2/18/2017 5:00:00 AM
7 HVAC repairs 4/30/2017 4:00:00 AM
8 Comprehensive sitewide security 9/30/2017 4:00:00 AM $51,000
Property Ownership
Enter name of the Property Owner and choose the appropriate owner type. If Applicant is not the owner of the property, the Applicant must secure Property Owner
concurrence. The Applicant shall provide a letter from the Property Owner that documents that the Applicant has the permission of the Property Owner of record to
conduct the proposed project on the owner’s property and that the Property Owner is in concurrence with this application for grant funding (Attachment M).
Does your organization own the property? *
Yes
No
Property Owner *
Collier County Board of County Commissioners
Type of Ownership *
Non-Profit Organization
16.D.9.a
Packet Pg. 876 Attachment: Roberts Ranch Grant Application (3264 : Grant Application for Rehab of Roberts Ranch)
Private Individual or For-Profit Entity
Note: Properties owned by private individuals or for-profit entities are not eligible for grant funding with the exception of acquisition projects and site-specific
archaeological projects being undertaken by an eligible applicant organization. For acquisition projects in which the current owner is a private individual or a for-
profit entity, the owner must provide a signed commitment to donate or sell the property to the applicant. Donation or sale must occur during the grant period.
Governmental Agency
Threats to the Property
Following restoration of the site in 2003, Roberts Ranch has operated as a heritage site within the Collier County museum system. While routine maintenance is
performed, the long term deterioration of the resource has reached a critical point. As with many government entities, the recent economic downturn shifted priorities
away from preventative maintenance projects.
In the fall of 2016, Collier County commissioned building assessments by AMEC Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure. While this assessment was geared
towards operational issues, staff and visitor safety, it noted significant structural concerns with the Roberts Ranch home. Specifically, the HVAC system was damaged
leading to interior mold growth, foundation settling has resulted in curved exterior siding and siding separation, the first floor living room ceiling beam is bowing, one
chimney is structurally unstable at its upper portion and the other in need of repointing, among other concerns. Overall, the building was listed in fair condition with a
number of elements in poor condition and a strong recommendation for specialized structural and mechanical assessments.
In addition to this study, the restoration of the structure in 2003 did not install hurricane straps on the building's roof or address foundation issues. The museum
system currently uses the second floor of the residence for archival storage of Roberts family and Red Cattle Company documents and artifacts. This additional
work has been recommended in connection with the overall stabilization of the structure to secure its long term use.
Property or Site Significance (for Development, Acquisition, and Archaeology projects) *
For Historic Structures and Archaeological Sites, enter the Florida Master Site File (FMSF) Number (ex. 8ES1234)
8CR886 RG, 8CR143 (home), 8CR635-640 (outbuildings)
For Historic Property, Year of the Original Construction
1926
For Historic Property, Date(s) and Description of Major Alterations
The Roberts residence was constructed in 1926 without electricity, running water, or plumbing. Preservation efforts in 2003 used photographic evidence, details of the
building, and oral history from surviving family members to remove all post-1936 alterations. HVAC systems were installed and electric upgraded in 2003.
Original Use of Historic Property
Cattle ranch, citrus grove and homestead
Current Use of Historic Property
Museum and heritage site
Proposed Use of Historic Property
Museum and heritage site
For Archaeological Sites, provide the Cultural Affiliation of the Site and Dates of Use or Occupation
Not applicable.
Please explain the historic significance for the property/site.
Roberts Ranch exemplifies the cultural and economic growth of cattle ranching in Collier County. The Roberts family relocated to the frontier town of Immokalee in
1914 from Ona, Florida, taking possession of the "Old Allen Place." Starting with 300 head of cattle and seven children, they expanded and incorporated their Red
Cattle Company to over 107,000 acres by 1952 (plus two more children). The Roberts family operated the first post office and general store, supported the local
school, and organized the first Baptist Church and Masonic Lodge. Mr. Roberts was the first to purchase land for cattle grazing in an era when herds roamed wild. He
was a statewide pioneer in cattle cross-breeding with Red Devon and Brahma bulls to improve the desirability of Florida scrub cattle. He served as the first Collier
County commissioner from Immokalee in 1924, one year after the county's founding. Operating until 1980, Roberts Ranch was the largest, longest running cattle
ranch in south Florida.
In 2003, the remaining 12.93 acre site was nominated to the National Register under Criterion A for local significance in the areas of Agriculture and Architecture. The
period of significance of 1915-1953 represents the era of construction of 12 contributing structures and the peak of Red Cattle Company operations. Today, the Frame
Vernacular family home and outbuildings retain a high degree of historic integrity and character with a remnant of the first orange grove in Collier County as its
backdrop.
16.D.9.a
Packet Pg. 877 Attachment: Roberts Ranch Grant Application (3264 : Grant Application for Rehab of Roberts Ranch)
Historical Designation, Protection and Visitation
Historical Designation
Indicate the type of historical designation currently held by the historic property or site.
Indicate the type of historical designation currently held by the historic property or site. *
Individual National Register Listing(s) National Register District - Contributing Resources Determined Eligible by the National Park Service or Potentially
Eligible by the Division Individual Local Designation Local Designated District -Contributing Resources None of the Above
Historical Designation details
#Property Name Designating Entity Date Designated
1 Roberts Ranch (8CR143, 8CR635-640)US Dept of Interior, NPS 10/4/2003 6:00:00 AM
2 Roberts Ranch (Tract "E", BoCC Resolution 97-358)Collier County 9/16/1997 4:00:00 AM
3 Roberts Ranch (Tract "D", BoCC Resolution 01-180)Collier County 5/8/2001 4:00:00 AM
Local Protection
Indicate the level(s) of local protection currently afforded the historic property or site that is the subject of this funding request.
Select the types of protections held by checking the appropriate boxes below.
Local Ordinance Design Review Preservation or Conservation Easement Protective/Restrictive Covenant Maintenance Agreement Other None
Please explain the local protection currently afforded the project historic property or site.
The Board of County Commissioners of Collier County adopted the Historical/Archaeological Preservation Ordinance in 1991 (Ordinance No. 91-
70) and incorporated it by reference in the Land Development Code (Ordinance No. 92-102). The ordinance stipulates that a Certificate of
Appropriateness (COA) shall be issued by the preservation advisory board for designated historic resources before issuance of permits by the
county to alter, excavate, relocate, reconstruct or demolish designated cultural resources, exclusive of normal repairs and maintenance. The COA
process relies upon criteria of the U.S. Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, 36 CFR 67 (1983), as amended.
Roberts Ranch was designated as a historic resource in 1997 following the initial gift of the residence and associated buildings from the Roberts
family. An additional 8.8 acres of the site with 8 additional historic structures was purchased by Collier County in 1999, and incorporated into the
Roberts Ranch historic designation in 2001. All previous restoration work followed the Secretary of the Interior's guidelines for historic
preservation, as will the current proposed project.
Annual Visitation
What is the estimated or anticipated Annual Visitation for the project property or site? *
15,000
What is the basis of these estimates? *
Visitation at all Collier County museum facilities is tracked daily. At Roberts Ranch, an average of 7,140 guests per year have participated in events, programs, or
enjoyed the heritage site over the last 10 years. Relationships are established with the local school system and a number of non-profit organizations that provide
educational support to the community.
Room for considerable growth in visitation has been documented in the last six months. A signature event for the site was created in March 2017, a cattle drive
through Immokalee to Roberts Ranch, that attracted 1,850 visitors. Educational marketing efforts by the museum system have also traditionally focused on the Collier
County school district. However, a survey of elementary schools within 35 miles or approximately one hour travel time of Roberts Ranch had surprising results.
Outside of Immokalee, two Naples schools and 38 schools in Lee County were within routine traveling distance.
By broadening our outreach efforts, the impact of Roberts Ranch will be significantly heightened. Our goal for 2018 is to increase visitation to 10,000, with an
additional 2,500 visitors added annually. By the completion of the proposed project in 2020, we anticipate annual visitation of 15,000.
Economic Impact and Maintenance Costs
16.D.9.a
Packet Pg. 878 Attachment: Roberts Ranch Grant Application (3264 : Grant Application for Rehab of Roberts Ranch)
Direct Economic Impact *
The primary economy in Collier County is leisure tourism with 1.8 million visitors in 2016 responsible for $2 billion in direct and indirect spending and over 26,000 local
jobs. At least 28% of these visitors seek outdoor recreation and sightseeing/cultural experiences during their visits. More directly within Immokalee, the primary
industry is agriculture. The restoration and operation of Roberts Ranch as a heritage destination appeals to individuals broadly interested in cultural facilities and
those specifically interested in the area's agricultural heritage.
Overall, the success of Roberts Ranch will play an important role in the community's plans to strengthen economic growth in eco-heritage and agri-tourism. The
Collier County tourism development council recently commissioned a study on how to better integrate the agri-tourism industry in which Roberts Ranch is
participating. The strategic plan for Roberts Ranch also includes enhancement of the cultural landscape, which includes 98 existing fruiting trees and plants. This
provides an opportunity to integrate more directly with a culinary accelerator project recently initiated in Immokalee.
The direct economic impact of this grant project will also increase spending at Immokalee area hotels, restaurants, and other businesses and will include
compensation to professionals selected through qualification and/or competitive bidding (e.g., architects, engineers, contractors, specialists).
Cost of Maintenance *
#Description Source Of Funding Current Annual Cost Completion Annual Cost Completion Annual Cost
1 Electricity Collier County $4,200 $4,200 $4,200
2 Water & Sewer Collier County $2,200 $2,200 $2,200
3 Landscape Maintenance (estimated)Collier County $15,350 $15,350 $15,350
4 Building Maintenance (estimated)Collier County $4,500
5 Trash/Recycling Collier County $500 $500 $500
6 Pest Control (estimated)Collier County $1,200 $1,200 $1,200
7 Janitorial (estimated)Collier County $1,200 $1,200 $1,200
Benefit to Minorities and the Disabled *
There are multiple publics within the Immokalee community including descendants of American pioneers that relocated to south Florida in the 19th and 20th
centuries. However, the majority of the current population are new pioneers, largely migrant workers and their families engaged in the agricultural economy. In 2010,
41% of the population was foreign born, largely Latino and Haitian. The high percentage of migrant workers account for 43% of Immokalee families below the poverty
level. Minority children account for 65.8% and 58.9% of the K-12 population in Collier and Lee Counties, respectively. In Immokalee, 98% of the elementary school
population is minority students.
These demographics are an opportunity for Roberts Ranch to be a major partner in local education initiatives that impact minority populations. The site serves to
contextualize the community in broader American history, the long history of diversity in the agricultural industry, and offers an opportunity to experience different
career paths. A paid internship program with the local high school and technical college is in development, as well as free on site education programs that target the
public school system. Roberts Ranch works with the local Chamber of Commerce to increase the site's appeal to diverse audiences, particularly through events. We
also provide community context to alternate spring break and summer mission programs.
This restoration project will also increase the ADA-compliance of the Roberts Ranch home by providing ramping and a modified entrance. Use of internal tempered
glass partitions will create equivalent experiences regardless of visitor ability.
Educational Benefits *
A farming community since 1872, Immokalee has served as a confluence of the cattle and citrus industries, and products from the Everglades. In 1914, the Roberts
family moved into the first local homestead ("Old Allen Place") and played a major role in the prosperity and development of the town. When Collier County was
carved out of Lee County in 1923, Immokalee was the largest community. The road to Everglades City, the then-new County seat, was completed by Barron Collier
before the Tamiami Trail.
Centrally located, the larger community of Immokalee grew out and around Roberts Ranch. At the site, residents and visitors have the opportunity to witness the ways
of a pioneer ranch and compare similarities and differences to the agricultural industry of today. The pioneer tenacity that was essential to success on the Florida
frontier, including building relationships with other pioneer families and the Seminole is highlighted in multilingual exhibits and the ranch itself.
Collier County's investment in preserving and restoring Roberts Ranch serves as an important testament to the agricultural heritage of this area and its support of the
Immokalee community. Over the next few years, interpretation at the site will be enhanced to increase the number of voices and histories told, including a more direct
connection with the cattle and citrus industries of today. This also provides an opportunity to share more directly the importance of preservation in telling the story of
the Florida frontier.
Public Awareness *
16.D.9.a
Packet Pg. 879 Attachment: Roberts Ranch Grant Application (3264 : Grant Application for Rehab of Roberts Ranch)
In an ongoing effort to actively engage the surrounding community in the renovation process of the Roberts family home, Collier County museums will deliver
marketing materials and promotional activities in three mediums: digital, print and in-person. Digital campaigns, through social media and the museum website, will
actively follow the progress of the preservation project. Through these digital updates, the surrounding community will be kept abreast of the developing rehabilitation,
and will be able to learn more about the historical significance of the site. Print campaigns, including press releases and print advertisements, will mirror the digital
efforts in educating the community population on the history, importance, and future of the Roberts home. Live interactions, in the form of a post-rehabilitation
reception, as well as ongoing lectures by local historians, will bring members of the community to the physical site of the Roberts home and further develop the
community sense of ownership in the project.
Also significant in raising awareness, Roberts Ranch is embarking on a strategic initiative to integrate cultural landscape planning with new interpretive exhibits. This
effort will involve key community partners and will occur with the backdrop of the Roberts Ranch home restoration.
Attachments and Support Materials
Documentation of Confirmed Match
Letters of Support
Photos *
Presentation Photo *
Architectural Drawings
Master Site File Form
Documentation of Threat
Local Protection
Owner Concurrence Letter
Support materials (optional)
Review and Submit
Review and Submit
I hereby certify that I am authorized to submit this application on behalf of Collier County Board of County Commissioners and that all information indicated is
true and accurate. I acknowledge that my electronic signature below shall have the same legal effect as my written signature. I am aware that making a false
statement or representation to the Department of State constitutes a third degree felony as provided for in s. 817.155, F.S., punishable as provided for by ss.
775.082, 775.083, and 775.084.
Signature (Enter first and last name)
16.D.9.a
Packet Pg. 880 Attachment: Roberts Ranch Grant Application (3264 : Grant Application for Rehab of Roberts Ranch)
June 5, 2017
Timothy A. Parsons, PhD
Division Director and State Historic Preservation Officer
R.A. Gray Building
500 South Bronough Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0250
Dear Dr. Parsons:
On behalf of the Collier County Board of County Commissioners, I am pleased to submit the
enclosed Special Category Grant application to have Collier County be considered for grant
funds to stabilize and rehabilitate the historic Roberts Ranch home in Immokalee.
If the project site is selected, the Board of County Commissioners is committed to fulfilling all
commitments made in the application, including the offer of a cash match in the amount of 10%
of the grant request.
Please consider Theresa Schober, Museum Manager at the Immokalee Pioneer Museum at
Roberts Ranch as authorized to act as the designated contact for the project. I understand that all
correspondence concerning this application will be directed to the attention of the above
designee.
Sincerely,
Penny Taylor, Chairman
Collier County Board of County Commissioners
16.D.9.b
Packet Pg. 881 Attachment: Transmittal letter_DHR_SCG_RRhome (3264 : Grant Application for Rehab of Roberts Ranch)