ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Flagler College has completed a major restoration of its historic Ponce Hall, originally built as the Ponce de Leon Hotel in 1888.
Laura Stevenson Dumas, chief of staff, guided a tour of the newly restored spaces, highlighting the building’s significance and the care taken in the renovation.
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The Ponce Hall dining area, once the grand dining room of the hotel, now serves students for meals while preserving its historic charm.
“We restored the roof to protect the art below and replicated the original chandelier,” Stevenson Dumas said. The chandelier, designed to showcase electricity, was removed decades ago due to electrical changes, but has now been recreated by a local artisan.
The building houses the largest collection of Tiffany windows in their original location. Students have the rare opportunity to study these windows up close, an experience not often available in museums.
“Living amongst history helps students understand their role in society and the importance of this building to Florida’s history,” Stevenson Dumas explained.
The restoration also included extensive work on murals, fireplaces, and plaster details by international fine art conservators who have worked on the building for 40 years. Gold leaf was discovered on some trim, which will be restored to its original splendor.
Dorm rooms have been updated with modern plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems while preserving historic architectural details. Most rooms now feature private bathrooms, a significant upgrade from the past when some students shared bathrooms with many others.
“We wanted students to experience living in history but with the conveniences they expect today,” Stevenson Dumas said.
The restoration was prompted by a major water pipe break in 2022, which revealed the extent of needed repairs. The project cost about $150 million, with $70 million funded by the state of Florida.
“This building is everything to the state,” Stevenson Dumas said. “Henry Flagler’s legacy shaped Florida, and this restoration honors that heritage.”
Alumni Samantha Palmer, who lived in the building before air conditioning was installed, expressed awe at the transformation. “It’s night and day. The homage to the architecture is incredible,” she said.
Current students also appreciate the unique living environment. Sophomore Natalia Rocha described it as “like living in a real-life Hogwarts,” praising the building’s historic charm combined with modern comforts.
The Ponce Hall restoration at Flagler College offers students a rare chance to live and learn in a space that celebrates history, innovation, and community.
