Something Old, Something New
While 500 Orange is now a boutique event space, the building was originally used as the official Post Office for Fort Pierce, FL.
Arising out of the Works Progress Administration and designed by architect Louis A. Simon, this Mission Revival Style building provided Fort Pierce with a place for community meetings and neighborly interaction. The Mediterranean Revival style was most effectively used in Florida to set apart prominent public buildings, such as City Hall, and 500 Orange stands as one of the last examples of this type of public building in Fort Pierce today. We look to honor the tradition of this building by bringing together the community through hosting events and making memories.
The building housed the Federal District Courthouse, and the Federal Marshall maintained his office there until 1997.
What was formerly the postmaster’s private entrance through the lobby became the judge’s emergency exit.
Several trials were held there entailing high security, and the windows in the judge’s chambers were replaced with bullet-resistant glass.
The building was the main post office until 1964, when a larger facility that could accommodate the loading and unloading of trailer trucks was built several blocks west. It then became known as Station A, and finally the Downtown Station.
Throughout the 40’s and 50’s, and even into the 60’s, the post office was still known as a community meeting place and activity center.
The roof was a popular vantagepoint for viewing street events, such as the Cattleman’s Parade and the Sandy Shoes festival.
It was also used as a stakeout spot for the police at various times.
When the United States entered World War II, spare portions of the building were first leased to recruiting offices of the armed services.
Later the FBI had its quarters in the building.
Preserving History
In their efforts to maintain the historical significance of the building, owners Jean and Stan Synkoski preserved all materials during demolition to be used later in the renovation of the building. One prominent example of this reuse is “The Wall.” Constructed out of reclaimed Dade County Slash Pine, the Wall is both a beautiful feature in the space as well as a homage to the history of the building. Dade County Slash Pine (known by naturalists as Pinus Elliottii) was one of the most important pine species in Southern Florida. The tree played a pivotal role in ecological landscape of South Florida and helped shape the industries which would contribute to the population boom in the early twentieth century. The timber proved to be of great use for pioneers, developers, and industrialist alike. The wood is resistant to both rot and termites and is known to be one of the hardest lumber products in the world. However, the trees were harvested faster than they could grow back. Now, Dade County Slash Pine is nearly extinct. Slash Pine wood is illegal to harvest and is avidly salvaged from old buildings and houses upon demolition to meet the demand of those who appreciate its historical value, high durability, and beautiful high-grain finish.
Dade County Slash Pine History
In their efforts to maintain the historical significance of the building, owners Jean and Stan Synkoski preserved all materials during demolition to be used later in the renovation of the building.
One prominent example of this reuse is “The Wall.” Constructed out of reclaimed Dade County Slash Pine, the Wall is both a beautiful feature in the space as well as a homage to the history of the building. Dade County Slash Pine (known by naturalists as Pinus Elliottii) was one of the most important pine species in Southern Florida.
The tree played a pivotal role in ecological landscape of South Florida and helped shape the industries which would contribute to the population boom in the early twentieth century. The timber proved to be of great use for pioneers, developers, and industrialists alike.
The wood is resistant to both rot and termites and is known to be one of the hardest lumber products in the world. However, the trees were harvested faster than they could grow back. Now, Dade County Slash Pine is nearly extinct. Slash Pine wood is illegal to harvest and is avidly salvaged from old buildings and houses upon demolition to meet the demand of those who appreciate its historical value, high durability, and beautiful high-grain finish.
Let us bring YOUR VISION to life!
Stan and Jean Synkoski fell in love with Fort Pierce in 2005. They were on, what was supposed to be, a brief visit away from their residence near Washington D.C. Each kept asking the other when they should return home until the realization hit – they were home. They decided to make their vacation paradise their permanent residence in 2006.
As they would drive back and forth along Orange Avenue, Jean would admire the vacant mission-style building that sat one block west of the newly restored Arcade building and U.S.1. It was obvious the building needed repairs, but Jean saw its potential and when the City of Fort Pierce listed it for sale in 2017, she immediately called for a showing.
The inside was much worse than the outside, but Jean had a vision for the future, so, the decision to buy the building and prepare for its restoration was made. Now, it was Stan’s job to bring that vision to life. The process took 3 years but the end result was “Award Winning”. Historic 500 Orange provides an enjoyable memorable experience for your next event.