The city of Eustis has received an additional proposal in the controversial possibility of replacing the community center, this time in the form of a $50 million performing arts center, marina and gardens called “The Sanctuary.”

The Commission first aired the possibility of working with a developer to create an 83-room “boutique” hotel in August, but the idea has sparked a firestorm of protest for many who want to preserve the existing 1960s building on Waterfront Drive.

The hotel project, dubbed “Aquilo,” would be a $70 million endeavor with multiple restaurants, 40-50 apartment homes, a parking garage and office space.

On Nov. 5, commissioners unanimously approved moving forward with a land-use amendment that would change the future land use designation from public institutional to central business district. A second reading is still required.

Like other meetings, some members of the public, who wore “Save Our Community Center” T-shirts, were angry and distrustful, with some being escorted out of City Hall by police officers.

Richard Bishop, who identified himself as a member of a fifth-generation Eustis family, demanded answers. “I feel like we’re suddenly having to crash the party.”

Interim City Manager Rick Gierok laid it out for the crowd, including probably the most important point: “Nothing is concrete.”

The proposal for the hotel was unsolicited. The city then opened a 30-day window for other developers to offer up their proposals.

That is where the performing arts “Sanctuary Project” comes in, touting its plans to “refurbish” the existing center, according to the proposal, which Style obtained through a public records request to the city.

City officials estimate it will cost $700,000 to renovate the building, a shockingly high figure, said those who attended a public forum on the issue in October. Many of those who attended had fond memories of wedding receptions and other events. Many talked about the “beautiful sunsets” on the lakefront.

The Sanctuary proposal describes it as “long-term public-private partnership.” It estimated annual revenue at $4.4 million.

The hotel would provide 125 jobs and $7 million annual income, according to Eustis businessman Daniel DiVenanzo who has met with the proposed developer.

Gierok reminded those at the meeting that the city’s adopted master plan calls for economic development to aid downtown businesses. That is especially key now, he says since voters approved Amendment 3 lowering property taxes.

One of the master plan goals is to fill empty downtown blocks left vacant when Waterman Hospital moved to U.S. Highway 441. That space is not suitable for a hotel, according to DiVenanzo, who once explored the idea. Another idea is to extend Ferran Park.

There is no additional information on when these proposals will come before the commission for discussion. The city has created a dedicated web page for updates on this project here.