Vero Heritage
CASE STUDY
Vero Heritage

In 1926, the local Tourist Club in Vero Beach aimed to attract more tourists and increase their stay duration. The first Community Building, now the Heritage Center, was built in 1935 through a partnership between the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) and the City. Throughout its history, the Heritage Center has served various purposes, such as the Servicemen's Center during WWII, hosting elegant dances for service members, and functioning as a community center for all ages. Over time, the building transitioned into the Physical Arts Center and housed the City's Recreation Department.
Despite falling into disrepair and nearly being demolished, the Heritage Center was saved by the Indian River County Historical Society and Millie Bunnell, leading to its full restoration in 1993 and placement on the National Register of Historic Places. Currently, the Heritage Center is a city-owned property managed by the nonprofit Vero Heritage, Inc, hosting events such as weddings, fundraisers, and community meetings. It is also home to the Indian River Citrus Museum, the only museum on the Treasure Coast dedicated to the area's citrus industry and history. The Heritage Center remains a significant venue in the community, with many people choosing to host meaningful events there, instinctively understanding that "this place matters."
Essential Features
The Heritage Center and Indian River Citrus Museum partnered with PD/GO Digital to develop an engaging and interactive new website, aiming to showcase the historical significance and unique exhibits of the stitution. The design focused on creating a visually appealing, user-friendly platform that highlights the rich history of Vero Beach's citrus industry and the Heritage Center's community role.
Key features of the new site include focal buttons with vintage citrus crate images, which serve as visual links to important pages, and a "Stories from the Groves" video page. This collection of personal anecdotes and historical accounts offers an immersive experience, fostering a deeper connection between visitors and the rich heritage of the Heritage Center and the Indian River Citrus Museum.
You can view this super fun new website at https://www.veroheritage.org/
The website also features:
- Prominent call-to-action buttons for phone number, email, social media, and "Donate Now" for easy access to important information and to support the institutions.
- Fully responsive website for seamless functionality across various devices and screen sizes.
- ADA accessible, promoting inclusivity and catering to the diverse needs of visitors.
- Contact page featuring an interactive Google map to help users locate the Heritage Center and the Indian River Citrus Museum.
- User-friendly and engaging design that highlights the rich history of Vero Beach's citrus industry and the Heritage Center's community role.