The project, called LIGHTNER EAST, was conceived as a way to give back to Lightner Museum and the Lightner Staff who have so graciously allowed the JSL to host its annual gala at the Museum for the last 27 years. The Lightner Museum has a wonderful character and we desire to preserve its charm.

The Alcazar, across from Flagler's Hotel Ponce de Leon, was meant to complement the Ponce. It was less expensive, less formal, and contained a Casino, shops, and the Baths. This eastern semi-circular room was the men's dressing room. From there, he could enter the pool, which was spring fed.

It's a refreshing new project for the Junior Service League.

Now that our team has developed the framework for this project, the active JSL membership and community can get involved in a myriad of ways. Alcazar turned out to be more popular a hotel than Flagler imagined and that's has happened with the restoration of the east room as well. Community citizens and businesses have come out of the woodwork to help us. They have been very generous. For this, we are very grateful. Our contractor has decided to forego profit in some areas. Our architect, Dave Mancino, is providing renderings pro bono. Culinary Outfitters is providing culinary services. The students of St. Johns County Center for the Arts at St. Augustine High School are performing. This is a small representative sample of the donations we have received.

Prospective patrons will also have a legacy opportunity to adopt a Lightner Treasure. We worked with museum staff to select appropriate pieces to be restored. Laura Puckett, on LE team desired to create a mechanism to protect some of these historical treasures. They will be on display outside of Lightner East. Once sponsored, the patron's name will be displayed near or on the item and will be permanently showcased within the museum.

JSL supports many organizations in St. Johns County. It's a non-profit caring for other non-profits. This transformation of Lightner East will help many in the community. It could be used for meetings, lectures, gallery displays, and is a lovely compliment for any event held at the museum. Protecting and rehabilitating historic districts helps property values and tourism which help illustrate how preservation is helping cities and towns throughout nation. The benefits of maintaining historic resources are evident in our unique and beautiful town.