August 23, 2021 | St. Lucie Cultural Alliance | Member Spotlight – Stan and Jean Synkoski, 500 Orange Event Center
Contributed by Dorothy Kamm
Member Spotlight – Stan and Jean Synkoski, 500 Orange Event Center
On vacation in Fort Pierce in 2005, Stan and Jean Synkoski were contemplating their return home to Frederick, Maryland when they realized they were home. One year later, they resettled on Hutchinson Island, setting down roots in what they consider paradise.
As they drove on Orange Avenue, they admired the vacant Old Fort Pierce Post Office building located at 500 Orange Avenue. Built in 1935 in the Mission Revival style, the structure is characterized by curves, ornamental iron work, multi-paned windows, a barrel tiled terra cotta roof, and of course, peacocks wandering nearby because, well, this is Orange Avenue. Although the building was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 2002, both Stan and Jean watched with concern as this beautiful but empty building deteriorated.
When the City of Fort Pierce listed the Old Fort Pierce Post Office Building for sale in 2017, Jean immediately requested a tour. She loved the building for its architecture and for its historical significance, as did Stan.
Jean had been a school teacher with a creative bent she expressed through painting. “I took some art classes, but mostly I experimented on my own over the past forty years,” says Jean. Stan had been a senior executive for several large companies, including PepsiCo and Marriott, as well as a serial entrepreneur involved in numerous small businesses. Stan always remains open for opportunities. When the Old Fort Pierce Post Office building became available, both Jean and Stan were on the same page.
“The building had character,” says Jean. Stan adds, “It’s extremely well-built. All the wood is rare Dade County Pine. The interior staircase is steel with an ornamental railing.” The Synkoski’s decided to buy the building, knowing they could do something with it. Although at the time they weren’t sure what that would be, they had confidence that once they began renovation, some sort of plan would develop. As a team, Jean was the one with artistic talent and vision, while Stan had the skills to bring her ideas to fruition.
The building’s steel beam construction allowed for the removal of most of the interior walls since they weren’t retaining walls. “When the walls were taken out, we saw how expansive the space was, and we realized it would make a great event space,” says Stan. “We researched this and found there was a shortage of event centers in Fort Pierce.”
While Stan performed much of the work himself, Rick Gonzalez, AIA, president and co-founder of REG Architects Inc. in West Palm Beach was tapped to assist with the renovation. After three years, the 500 Orange Event Center opened, adding its presence as part of the Peacock Arts District.
Attesting to their vision and dedication, the Synkoski’s and the City of Fort Pierce recently received the prestigious 2021 Florida Trust for Historic Preservation Award for Adaptive Use for the renovation of The Old Fort Pierce Post Office, one of only two in the entire state to receive this award. The award was presented by Florida Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee. Published in the program is the statement, “By preserving, repurposing and revitalizing this important community landmark, the commitment of these private owners to the project exemplifies the economic benefits inherent in historic preservation, including job creation and spurring further investment in the area.” Stan and Jean agree: “We are proud and honored to bring this award to our great city and we hope our efforts will stimulate additional development in the Peacock Arts District.”
Stan points out that Orange Avenue is the gateway to Fort Pierce. He, and others on the City Council, want to see Orange Avenue develop to reflect this aspect, with shops, boutiques and restaurants populating the avenue, “a nice welcome to a beach city,” says Stan. This is what happened in Delray Beach, as well as the Synkoski’s former hometown of Fredrick, Maryland. “We love Fort Pierce and want to see it grow,” they say.
While Stan and Jean were working on the renovation, Alyona Ushe, Executive Director of the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance, approached them to see what they were doing. Alyona was excited about the project and saw the opportunity for a symbiotic partnership. 500 Orange Event Center joined the Cultural Alliance as a corporate sponsor and offers its space as a rotating gallery of member’s artwork, benefitting the event center with changing displays and the artists with another venue to show and sell their creations. Jean’s watercolor paintings are exhibited as well.
For more information, visit www.500orange.com. If you are interested in hosting an event, be it a wedding, fundraiser, corporate function, or reunion of up to 250 people in this unique historic structure, contact Jean Synkoski at 772-801-9440.
To learn more about the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance and the benefits of membership, please visit ArtStLucie.org, email: info@artstlucie.org or call 772-462-2783.