III
Preservation Today News Volume 2, Issue 4
Fall 2003
Endangered 1920s Bungalow Saved from Demolition by Dade Heritage Trust A house in Little Havana, considered by many to be the "best example of a Belvedere Bungalow in the City of Miami" has been saved from the bulldozer by Dade Heritage Trust (DHT), which used its Preservation Revolving Fund to purchase the structure. Located near the Orange Bowl, at 138 NW 16th Avenue, t he J. Jacob Hubbard house had been bu ilt circa 1921 in the Lawrence Estate Land Company Subdivision. It was home to Rolando and Mercedes Alvarez for the last 40 years. They had raised their family there, and still enjoyed sitting in the rocking chairs on the breezy front porch with its oolitic limestone piers. Health problems and a desire to live near their daughter in Orlando, however, made a developer's offer to buy the property, demolish the house and construct an apartment building sound attractive. Bungalows, a common architectural style from 1914 through 1920, are now
fast vanish ing in Miami , with DHT listing them on its "Most Endangered Historic Sites List." This particular bungalow, with its wood shingles, intersecting gabled roof planes, wide overhanging eaves, decorative timbers, Prairie style casement windows, and a second-story belvedere, is extraordinary in that it has been changed so little. When DHT Executive Director Becky Roper Matkov learned that it was imperiled at a City Historic and Environmental Preservation Board meeting, DHT's Board decided to act. Empowered with the Preservation Revolving Fund, established with support from Miami-Dade County, DHT was able to purchase the house and save it from destruction . DHT plans to preserve the property as a model of "green restoration, " using energy efficient and water-conserving building and landscaping practices. Executive Direqor Becky Roper Mat-
Photo courtesy of Arva Parks & Co.
kov explains, "We want this to be a demonstration of 'sustainability,' showing how environmental conservation and historic preservation not only save resources, but improve the livability of a neighborhood." DHT President Bill Murphy emphasizes, "DHT doesn't just want to save this particular historic house; we want to inspire others to treasure and preserve their historic buildings and neighborhoods as well."
"'" All DHT Members and the public are invited to
a DHT AND uBefore" House Tour at the Bungalow
138 NW 16 th Avenue on Saturday, September 20, 2003
'!)
.~/2J .~
\:S
~
from 9:00 a.m. to I:00 p.m . Volunteers and Donations of "Treasures" and Baked Goods would be greatly appreciated!
~~Call Dolly Macintyre (305-856-9533) or DHT (305-358-9572) to help
III
Preservation Today News Volume 2, Issue 4
Fall 2003
Endangered 1920s Bungalow Saved from Demolition by Dade Heritage Trust A house in Little Havana, considered by many to be the " best example of a Belvedere Bungalow in the City of Miami" has been saved from the bulldozer by Dade Heritage Trust (DHT), which used its Preservation Revolving Fund to purchase the structure. Located near the Orange Bowl, at 138 NW 16th Avenue, the J. Jacob Hubbard house had been built circa 1921 in the Lawrence Estate Land Company Subdivision. It was home to Rolando and Mercedes Alvarez for the last 40 years. They had raised their family there, and still enjoyed sitting in the rocking chairs on the breezy front porch with its oolitic limestone piers. Health problems and a desire to live near their daughter in Orlando, however, made a developer's offer to buy the property, demolish the house and construct an apartment building sound attractive. Bungalows, a common architectural style from 1914 through 1920, are now
fast vanish ing in Miami, with DHT listing them on its "Most Endangered Historic Sites List." This particular bungalow, with its wood shingles, intersecting gabled roof planes, wide overhanging eaves, decorative timbers, Prairie style casement windows, and a second-story belvedere, is extraord inary in that it has been changed so little. When DHT Executive Director Becky Roper Matkov learned that it was imperiled at a City Historic and Environmental Preservation Board meeting, DHT's Board decided to act. Empowered with the Preservation Revolving Fund, established with support from Miami-Dade County, DHT was able to purchase the house and save it from destruction . DHT plans to preserve the property as a model of "green restoration," using energy efficient and water-conserving building and landscaping practices. Executive Direqor Becky Roper Mat-
Photo courtesy of Arva Parks & Co.
kov explains, "We want this to be a demonstration of 'sustainability: showing how environmental conservation and historic preservation not only save resources, but improve the livability of a neighborhood. " DHT President Bill Murphy emphasizes, " DHT doesn 't just want to save this particular historic house; we want to inspire others to treasure and preserve their historic buildings and neighborhoods as welL"
"" All DHT Members and the public are invited to
a DHT AND
"Before" House Tour at the Bungalow 138 NW 16th Avenue on Saturday, September 20, 2003
q)
from 9:00 a.m. to I:00 p.m .
.~~/2J
\S
.~
~
Volunteers and Donations of "Treasures" and Baked Goods would be greatly appreciated!
~~Call Dolly Macintyre (305-856-9533) or DHT (305-358-9572) to help
Volume 2, Issue 4
Page 2
President's Notebook
A Recently I have been thinking about the continuing process of historic preservation. Not so much a90ut the constant repair and maintenance we all know older properties require, but about the people behind it all.
CONTINUUM OF HISTORY is just beginning, so we're far from finished . What is interesting to me is how this property has provided a link between all generations of Miami High alumni. As you might have seen in the Miami Herald 's coverage of the high school's IOO-year anniversary, the current school building creates strong emotional ties. We must all be diligent that the School Board makes every effort to preserve these older school properties, because they clearly serve as a tangible link between generations and cultures. In my mind, this should be an extremely high-priority especially in this community.
A few months ago, we lost Sam LaRoue, a long time supporter of Dade Heritage Trust. For some time, Sam had been the treasurer of DHT. When I joined the Board to replace him, I think he was relieved to hand over the books, but even happier to share his knowledge of historic preservation in our community and how the finances behind it all worked. In my early days with the organization, he was a valued resource to me and And most recently your Board has made the transition as smooth as pos- been discussing ways to encourage sible. It was one person passing on his young people to be more involved in knowledge and enthusiasm to another. historic preservation. Whether it is We will miss him. Board representation or a special youth-oriented division of DHT, we I also look at the success we have had don't yet know, but we all recognize in relocating the original Miami High the importance of passing the torch. bungalow from private property to Let us know your thoughts or if you Southside Park. The restoration work
have children, grandchildren or young neighbors who might want to be involved in some way. This is all a continuum, you know. Bill Murphy
DADE HERITAGE TRUST BESTOWS ANNuAL PRESERVATION AWARDS On Wednesday, April 30, 2003, the Annual Dade Heritage Trust Preservation Awards were presented for outstanding projects and individuals. President Bill Murphy welcomed guests at the reception hosted by Northern Trust Bank on Brickell Avenue. DHT First Vice President Richard Heisenbottle presented the Outstanding Restoration Project Awards to the City of Miami City Hall, Gusman Cultural Center, The HarrislNolan House, Lincoln Road French Connection UK, a commercial building at 825-845 Lincoln Road, jerry's Famous Deli, a residence at 50 I Alhambra Circle and the
Crandon Carousel on Key Biscayne. Dade Heritage Trust elected the Central Baptist Church to the DHT Hall of Fame for preserving its architectural integrity and original use. The Rev. David Sablan was on hand to accept the award. DHT Executive Committee member, Penny Lambeth presented the Outstanding Community Service Awards to the Old Miami High Alumni Association, Athalie Range, Miss Lamar Louise Curry, Arnold Greenfield and Michael Kinerk. Dolly Macintyre, DHT Trustee, pre-
sented the Statewide Leadership Award to the Florida Division of Historical Resources. Bonnie Dearborn accepted this award on behalf of Secretary of State Glenda Hood. DHT's highest honor, the Henriette Harris Award, was presented to Don Siesnick. former DHT president and now mayor of Coral Gables. The evening came to a close with the election of Don Crissey. Allan Shul路 man. Lilian Walby and Mary Young as new trustees to the DHT Board for 2003-2004.
,
Volume 2, Issue 4
Page 3
GET YOUR COpy If-IERE1
TAKE A TOUR! DHT's Heritage Tours, conducted by Dragonfly Expeditions, are an exciting way to see our community. Tours include Miami Magic, Coral Gables, the City BeautifUl, Ghosts and Gravestones, Women's Heritage Trail, and a Miami River Boat Tour. Call DHT (305-358-9572) to arrange a tour for your favorite group or organization.
Stop by the DHT office at 190 SE 12th Terrace of call 305-358-9572 to order by credit card the following must-read DHT books:
A Guidebook to Coral Gables, a stunning new architectural overview of George Merrick's "City Beautiful," written by the renowned architectural historians Professor Ari Millas and Ellen Uguccioni ($15.95) Miami's Historic Neighborhoods, a handsome coffee-table book showcasi ng past and present com munities throughout MiamiDade County, with 250 photos. Edited by Becky Roper Matkov, w ith chapters written by 3 I outstanding writers and historians. ($49.95) ONLY A FEW COPIES REMAIN !
We invite South Florida businesses, firms and companies to join DHT as a Corporate Member, and we thank the following corporate members for their su pport:
MIAMI'S HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOODS ,\ llis lorv uJ Com .."miIY
Swire Properties, Inc. Ocean Bank Metro Beauty Centers Beauchamp Construction Mellon Bank The Graham Companies
DHT has written and submitted a grant to the State Bureau of Historic Preservation for $350,000 to complete the restoration of the Old Miami High Bungalow in the City'S Southside Park for a community educational center. Considering the meager preservation funding in Tallahassee, we need all the help we can get. Your letters of support sent to the Secretary of State would be greatly appreciated!
Coral Gables in Postcards, a classic reference using 90 antique postcards to depict the way the city's homes, buildings and streets once looked, by Samuel D. LaRoue, Jr. and Ellen J. Uguccioni . ($ 12)
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED--WE W ANT YOU!! Fun-loving, hard-working, dependable, volunteers are needed for the follOWing DHT Committees: (To sign up, call DHT at 305-358-9572 or e-mail us at info@dadeheritagetrust.org) ./I"
--Trash and Treasure Sale (Collect donations, mark, work at sale to be held September 20 th at Belvedere Bungalow) --Belvedere Bungalow Project in Little Havana (Develop "green" plans for historic restoration and landscaping, secure funding and in-kind donations, help with preservation workshops and neighborhood outreach, do hands-on labor)
--Preservation Today Magazine (Help with writing, photography, ad sales and distribution) --Holiday Party Fundraiser (Plan and help put on a great social event in December that generates always- needed revenue) --Advocacy (Help strategize and advocate for preservation issues) --Dade Heritage Days Fundraiser (Plan and carry out a creative, fabulous fundraiser to celebrate Miami's unique "Maritime Heritage") ---SOS (Save Our Sanity) Office Support (Update and catalogue photos and press coverage, organize files, help with bulk mailings, update our website) .
Volume. 2, Issue 4
OLD
Page 4
MIAMI HIGH ON THE MOVE
DHT Members in the News George Neary, DHT Board Member. has recently been appointed an Advisor from the State of Florida to the National Trust for Historic Presrvation .
On Saturday. January 18. 2003. the oldest high school building in Miami-Dade County was saved from demolition thanks to the efforts of Dade Heritage Trust. the City of Miami. the Miami High Alumni Association and KV Brickell Partners. Ltd . Following an official ceremony. the structure was relocated from 79 SW 12th Terrace to Southside Park. Crowds waving balloons and an antique fire truck and police car accompanied the old bungalow as it was moved three blocks. Onlookers held their breath as the bungalow barely squeezed under the Metromover. past illegally parked cars and up a coral rock ridge. The frame bungalow was built in 1905 at 30 I N. Miami Avenue. It housed Miami High until 191 I. when it was moved by barge and served as Southside Grammar School until 1914. It has been a home and boarding house for decades. It would have been demolished for a high-rise development if it had not been relocated. __."..,............. \.IPIPRID
Kevin Reilly of KV Brickell Partners, Ltd. donated the old school building to the City of Miami for a community center in Southside Park and presented a $35,000 check to DHT for the million-dollar project.
~
Dade Heritage Trust and the Miami High Alumni raised an additional $41,000 for the project, and the City of Miami has allocated $350,000. Another $400,000 must still be raised to complete the full restoration and equip the building for use by the City Parks Department as a community learning center. I
Arva Moore Parks. DHT Advisor. was recently honored with the Joseph R. Narot Community Service Award by Temple Israel. Jaye Turnbull has been elected President of The Villagers. The Historic Hampton House Commun ity Trust received an award from the Miami Design Preservation League for their efforts to save the Hampton House. DHT Board Members Enid Pinkney. Luis Penelas, Allan Shulman and Kathy Hersh are on the Board of the Hampton House Trust. This month's issue of the National Parks Service magazine features the service learning project involving Homestead High School students. The student research focused on the Parson Jones family. Kathy Hersh. of Close-Up Productions. designed the project. DHT Board Member Blanca Mesa and Executive Director Becky Roper Matkov have been selected to serve on the Stiltsville Trust. a non-profit formed by Biscayne National Park to help manage the historic Stiltsville houses .
....
Miami City Hall Soars Again With Mayor Manny Diaz, City of Miami Commissioners and Project Manager Carlos McDonald as guest speakers, DHT and the City of Miami had a grand celebration on March 25th to showcase the restoration of the Miami City Hall. Since 1945, Miami's City Hall has occupied the former Pan American terminal at Dinner Key. At the time it was built in 1933 the Pan American Seaplane Terminal was the most modern and largest
~~ยงj~i marine air facility in the world . R.J. Heisenbottle. a DHT Trustee, began the process to restore the building with in-depth historical research of the building and close scrutinY'of original building plans. historic photographs and paint analysis. Today the decorative elements of the original terminal once again have their original appearance. including the ceiling, wall murals and. beams. Historically accurate paint colors were used in the panels depicting the signs of the zodiac. and in the beams supporting the ceiling, which are decorated with stylized wings and bands in the Pan American colors. The murals near the ceiling depict the history of flight. Light fixtures replicate the original art deco design.
Volume 2, Issue 4
Page 5
Dade Heritage Days 2003 was a great success! Many thanks to DHT Assistant Director Debbie Tackett, who did a terrific job in coordinating organizations and events, designing the Dade Heritage Days brochure and ads, and dealing with the media and publiC. In keeping with this year's Dade Heritage Days theme, we planned a special treat - a "Wings of History" Luncheon at the historic Biltmore Hotel on Tuesday, April Ist, I I:30 a.m . This DHT fundraiser paid tribute to Miami's aviation heritage. History came to life with speakers Don Siesnick, Mayor of Coral Gables, David Abrams, Pan Am Historical Foundation Director Emeritus, Dr. James Hutson, Eastern Airlines phYSician for 42 years, Anne Baddour, pioneering test pilot and Rear Admiral Jay Carmichael, Commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District. Former Flight Attendants wearing vintage airline uniforms showed guests to their tables and airplane models and memorabilia were on display and for sale at a silent auction . There was also a tour of the Biltmore Hotel. Other Dade Heritage Days highlights were a March 25th Restoration Celebration of the Miami City Hall at Dinner Key and DHT Aviation Heritage Tours - "Wings on the Water" March 23rd and "Miami Takes Flight" on March 30th. Our Annual DHT Preservation Awards this year was a cocktail reception and ceremony hosted by Northern Trust Bank, 700 Brickell Avenue, on Wed., April 30th at 5:30 p.m. And speaking of outstanding work ...the oldest high school building in Miami-Dade County, the Old Miami High Bungalow, was successfully moved January 18th. Neither the cold nor the wind lessened the spirits of the many who attended the official ceremony and parade to escort this landmark to its new home in Southside Park. In a year of difficult fundraising, Dade Heritage Trust was blessed to have the support of our Dade Heritage Days 2003 Sponsors: The Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, the City of Miami, Peacock Foundation, Inc., The Goldsmith Family Foundation, the Charles N. Eleanor Knight Leigh Foundation, Northern Trust Bank, Royal Caribbean International, The Biltmore Hotel and The Miami Herald and EI Nuevo Herald. Underwriters of the "Wings of History" Luncheon included The Biltmore Hotel, a gift in the memory of Captain Frank "Butch" Rice, J. Poole Associates, Inc., Realtors, Northern Trust Bank, Dunwody White & Landon, P.A., RJ Heisenbottle, Architects, Beauchamp Construction, FalconTrust Air, Miami-Dade Aviation Department and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
.Many thanks also to Ocean Bank, The Graham Companies/Swire Properties, Metro Beauty Centers, Beauchamp Construction and Mellon Bank for joining DHT as Corporate Members, and to Cathy Coates who led this effort and made a generous donation herself. We thank J. Poole Associates, Inc. Realtors, for their continued support, and we deeply appreciate generous contributions from Gay Bondurant, Arnold Greenfield, Marie Stiefel, Sam Boldrick and Dr. James Hutson. Dolly Macintyre organized a 30th anniversary phone-a-thon of our members, raising $2,420. Many thanks to Dolly and to all who gave and participated in the calling. Neil Robertson not only hosted a fabulous DHT Holiday party at his lovely Morningside home, but he donated the cost of the band. Jim Herrera donated the cost of a new computer for DHT, which was desperately needed. Also Eugene Threadgill, of McLean, VA., purchased two DHT Renaissance memberships as Christmas gifts for relatives. What a great way to start our New Year! Many thanks! As a nonprofit organization with no ongoing source of financial support, Dade Heritage Trust's very existence as a force in the community depends upon the generosity of each of you, our members and friends. Thank you for helping us keep alive Miami's history and historic places.
Becky Roper Motkov Executive Director
Volume 2, Issue 4
Page 6
AHOY!
Golden Wings: Miami's Aviation Heritage
Question: Whot
do
Dugout Canoes, Kayaks, Sailors, Motor Boaters, Shrimpers, Stone Crabbers, Yacht C lubs, Shi pping Companies, Cruise Lines, Sea Planes, S~i l tsvill e , Shipwrecks, Rafte rs and Lighthouses
all have in common? Answer:
They are all part of Miami's Maritime Heritage, wh ich will be the theme of Dade Heritage Days 2004!
join us in planning fabulous tours, lectures and special events to celebrate this colo rfl:J I history of our community, to be held next March and April. To sign up to work on a fun-filled committee, or to discuss a brilliant idea for an activity, or to offer a promising lead for a sponsorshi, Call us at Dade Heritage Trust, 305-358-9572 or e-mail us at info@dadeheritagetrust.org or even better, stop by and visit a spell at our historic headquarters, 190 S.E. 12'" Terrace, Miam i, 33131 .
COME ABOARD! DADE HERITAGE TRUST ANNUAL MEETING
& DADE HERITAGE DAYS
2004
MEETING
Wednesday, October 22, 2003 Simpson Park 55 SW 17 Road Dade Heritage Days 2004 PartiCipants Meeting 5:30 p.m. Annual Membership Meeting 6:30 p.m.
Call Dade Heritaee Trust to RSVP 305-358-9572
In celebration of the 100th year of flight and the 75th anniversary of Miami International Airport, DHTs theme for Dade Heritage Days 2003 was Golden Wings: Miami's Aviation Heritag~ Dade Heritage Days took place from March I-April 30. 2003. Miami has a rich history in the commercial development of aviation. Howard Gill brought a Wright brothers' aircraft to Miami in 1911, heralding the beginning of this new industry in a very young city. Because of its strategic location and good weather, Miami became an ideal location for flyers. International aviation began at the P;m Am facility on Dinner Key. Pan Am got its start in :arrying mail between Key West and Havana. then .!d to Dinner Key in 1928 for the better rail connec•• on. Franklin Roosevelt, the first president to fly while in office. took off from Dinner Key. as did many celebrities. Other commercial ventures were Chalk's International Airline. begun in 1917 by Arthur 'Pappy Chalk' with a single Curtiss F flying boat. Inventor and airplane designer Glenn Curtiss himself moved to Miami in 1923 to open a flight school, but extended his interests to the creation of Miami Springs. Opa-Iocka. and Hialeah. To provide air service to the north. Eastern Airlines. then known as Pitcairn Aviation, was established in 1928. World War I saw the establishment of Chapman Field. During World War II airmen took parachute training classes in the Colonnade building in Coral Gables. About 1944. a U.S. Coast Guard base called the Rich· mond Naval Air Station was built near the site of today's Metrozoo.
Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID MIAMI, FL Pennit No. 6022
190 Soumeas[ 12'" T errace Miami, Florida 33 131