The Ponte Vedra Zoning and Adjustment Board (PVZAB) voted unanimously on Nov. 5 to recommend approval of a proposed request to renovate Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Ponte Vedra Beach.
The proposal, a major modification to the church's planned unit development, will allow for an increased development area to accommodate expansion of the church sanctuary, a modified architectural design and various other renovations. PVZAB members Robert Becker, Harry Graham, Al Hollon, Megan McKinley, John Patton, Timothy Powell and Brad Scott each voted to approve the proposal. The church’s proposed plans will go before the County Commission for a final vote on Dec. 18.
According to Casey Keough of St. Johns County's Growth Management department, the construction/renovation of the church is not intended to increase its congregational size. In fact, the number of seats in the sanctuary will be slightly reduced by 15. Keough said the renovation will provide for a more traditional church architectural design, a choir area, a porte-cochere, two receiving rooms, a Spanish-style roof, hardwood doors accented by stained glass windows and other adjustments. Developers also plan on renovating the fountain with a material palette of veneer, granite and pearl.
Furthermore, the Our Lady Star of the Sea applicant requested to deviate from a Ponte Vedra overlay district requirement that limits the maximum length of a building parallel — or within 45 degrees parallel — to an overlay district-delineated roadway to 120 feet. The applicant asked for a maximum building length of 186 feet instead. The church's proposed architectural enhancement will widen the length of the building to 151 feet, plus another 45 feet for the porte-cochere.
The church is located at 545 A1A N. in Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information, visit www.olsspvb.org or call (904) 285-2698.
