A piece of Manatee County history has received a historic designation of its own.
The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the Historic Johnson Helm House in Bradenton as the county’s first locally designated historic landmark, marking a milestone in local preservation efforts.
Margi Nanney and her husband, Pat, have lived in the historic home in the Oneco area for 41 years. During that time, the couple has worked to restore and preserve the property while maintaining the character and architectural features that have survived for more than a century.
The home was constructed between approximately 1906 and 1908 and is notable for its Richardsonian Romanesque Revival architectural style. Distinctive features include arches, balconies and a turret tower, giving the residence an appearance that is uncommon among historic buildings in the region.
The Nanneys previously helped secure recognition for the Johnson Helm House on the National Register of Historic Places, but they also sought a local designation that would recognize the property’s importance to Manatee County.
Their request was brought before the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners, where commissioners voiced support for recognizing and preserving the historic property.
District 5 Commissioner Dr. Bob McCann highlighted the home’s significance as a landmark, while District 2 Commissioner Amanda Ballard noted the importance of establishing the county’s first locally designated historic landmark.
Commissioners ultimately approved the designation unanimously.
For the Nanneys, the designation represents more than recognition of their own home. They hope it will encourage other owners of historically significant properties to consider pursuing local landmark status, helping preserve additional pieces of Manatee County’s architectural and community history for future generations.
The couple also hopes the Johnson Helm House can eventually become accessible to the public, allowing residents and visitors to experience the historic property and learn more about the community’s past.
With the county’s first local historic landmark designation now approved, the Johnson Helm House has added another chapter to a history that began nearly 120 years ago.
