When Tobin Slaven and his wife Martina went searching for space for their new microschool a few years ago, they found what seemed like a perfect location: a turn-of-the-century historic home in the heart of old Fort Lauderdale, Fla., surrounded by museums, parks and a bustling downtown. And it was just a short walk from home.
They signed a lease with the local historical society for the Philemon Nathaniel Bryan House and checked with the city to ensure that a tiny alternative school could occupy the building, erected in 1905 by a son of the city’s founder. They opened Acton Academy Fort Lauderdale in February 2021 and moved in with just four students.
A month later, city officials broke the bad news: The Bryan House was actually zoned as a “learning center,” an informal space for tutoring and exhibitions — not a school. It had a sprinkler system, fire alarms and a fire escape. But if they were to stay, the historical society would have to install massive metal fire doors, among other changes.