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HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-83-0978J-83-911 11 RESOLUTION NO. S, 3- 7 SI A RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE CONCEPT OF AN OVERTOWN HISTORIC VILLAGE AS PART OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAM: DESIGNATING THE BLACK ARCHIVES HISTORY AND RESEARCH FOUN- DATION OF SOUTH FLORIDA, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION, AS PROJECT COSPONSOR IN CON- JUNCTION WITH THE CITY OF MIAMI. WHEREAS, The Miami City Commission approved in principle the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Plan (Resolution No. 82-755); and WHEREAS, A major objective of the plan is to restore a sense of community and preserve structures of cultural and historic significance to the black community within Overtown; and WHEREAS, The establishment of an Overtown Historic Village will (a) preserve certain historic structures, (b) encourage the establishment of black oriented restaurants and entertainment facilities, and (c) strengthen cultural identity within the Over - town community; and WHEREAS, the Black Archives History and Research Foundation of South Florida, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, has been the major force behind the preservation of historic structures within the Overtown Community; and WHEREAS, the City of Miami is desirous of establishing an Overtown Historic Village; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MAIMI, FLORIDA: Section 1. The Commission approves in principle the estab- lishment of an Overtown Historic Village as part of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevleopment Program. CITY CommisSI0I1 MEETIIVG OF OCT 25 I983 RKS. f oil Section 2. The Commission designates the Black Archives History and Research Foundation of South Florida, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, as project cosponsor with the City of Miami. PASSED AND ADOPTED this ATTEST: RALPFr G. ONGIE, ITY CLERK PREPARED AND APPROVED BY: J v I ROBERT N. SECHEN ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY 25t1i day of October Maurice A. Ferre MAURICE A. FERRE M A Y O R APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS: I OSE R. GARCIA-PEDROSA CITY ATTORNEY , 1983. - 2 - 83-976 t op t O Howard V. Gary City Manager CITY OF MIAMI. FLORIDA INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM FROM Herbert J. Bailey Assistant City Manager DATE: October 3, 1983 FILE SU9JECT S.E. Overtown/Park West Overtown Historic Village Oct. 25 Commission Agenda REFERENCES ENCLOSURES 1 It is recommended that the City Commission approve the attached resolution endorsing the establishment of an Overtown Historic Village as part of the Southeast Overtown/ Park West Community Redevelopment Plan. The Black Archives History and Research Foundation of South Florida, Inc., will be the cosponsor of said project with the City of Miami. The Black Archives History and Research Foundation, Inc., has requested that the City initiate actions to establish an Overtown Historic Village within the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Area. The objective is to strengthen black cultural identity within the redevelopment area. The Historic Overtown Village will encompass the rehabilitation or redevelopment of several structures located at the terminis of the proposed 9th Street Mall (area between N.W. 2nd and 3rd Avenues). Where certain structures of historical and/or cultural signif- icance to the Overtown community have been identified, their reha- bilation where feasible, will establish the "backbone" of the Overtown Historic Village. In -fill development, using mandated design control, on vacant parcels, originally so, or caused by demolition of non -salvageable structures, will complete the Village. Structures in the Historic Overtown Village will be leased by the owner (the City of Miami and/or Dade County) or their/its agent (the Black Archives History and Research Founda- tion of South Florida, Inc.) for selected black oriented enter- tainment facilities, gourmet delicatessen/restaurant facilities, cultural programs, museum and library facilities, and clothing and accessory botiques. Funding for acquisition will be from the Southeast Overtown/Park :lest Tax Increment Revenue Bonds, Commu- nity Development funds, and private donations. The need for this effort has been established, as has the compatibility of the concept with existing plans for the area. 83-9'7f�I r U C:airman�Board of Trustees Arthur H. King, St. OFFICERS First rice Chairman Albert Hall, Lt. Col. Ret. Second rice Qrarimarr Caesar Phillips Recording Secretory Marian H.Shannon Corresponding Secretary Enid Johnson Treasurer Eddie L. Fields, Esq. .wembers-at-large Albert Weintraub, Esq. Garth C. Reeves, Sr. Immediate Part Chairmen Gilbert L. Porter, Ph.D. CHARTER BOARD MEMBERS Grover P. Walker, Esq. Clinton Brown Gwendolyn Sawyer Cherry ' Lucretia Compton Mrs. John E. (L:ome) Culmer Dorothy J. Fields Eddie L. Fields. Esq. Daniel Francis Miltnn Hail Prni, Rnbert Hall Ellcn Johnson Arthur H. King, Sr. Carnhne Morley Marva Nathan Melba Nixon Edwin O'Dell Faye Williams Walker, Ph.D. THE BLACK ARCHIVES, HISTORY & RESEARCH FOUNDATION of SOUTH FLORIDA, INC. 7th FLOOR, CALEB CENTER 5400 Northwest 22nd Avenue Miami, Florida 33142 Telephone: (305) 638-6064 September 28th, 1983 Mr. Herbert Bailey Assistance City Manager Southeast Overtown/Park 275 N.W. 2nd Street Miami, FL 33128 West Project Office Re: Historic Overtown Village Dear Mr. Bailey: Attached you will find the Historic Overtown Village position paper, submitted by the Black Archives, History and Research Foundation, of South Florida, Inc. As per your recent dis- cussions with Kimmberley Parker, Esq. we are requesting that this matter be placed before the City of Miami Commission at it's October 27th, 1983 meeting, for approval and endorsement of the concept of a Historic Overtown Village as a part of the long range plans for the Southeast Overtown area. We appreci- ate your continued support in this important matter. Sincerely, • Deceased i 1 ✓ �';�/ ICJ '�rl 2` 1,�:%C' i Mrs. Bernice Pearson, Director Black Archives, History and Research Foundation of South Florida, Inc. BHP : ec Enclosures 83-9'7f r HISTORIC OVERTOWN VILLAGE POSITION PAPER STATEMENT OF ISSUE The strengthening of Black cultural identity through the develop- ment of an Historic Overtown Village, within the S.E. Overtown area, will effectively: (a) preserve certain historic structures where feasible, (b) encourage the establishment of Black orient- ed restaurants and entertainment facilities, providing an outlet for special cultural and performing arts, reminiscent of the area's "Little Broadway" jazz era, and (c) encourage tourist attraction to Overtown and provide historic information on the area. POSITION The Black Archives History and Research Foundation of South Florida, Inc. advocates the development of an Historic Overtown Village, at N.W. 9th Street and N.W. 2nd Avenue, at the westerly end of the 9th Street Mall, on the parcel more specifically described as Block 26n, Miami North Subdivision, PB-B, Pg.-41. IMPACT An Historic Overtown village will positively impact the re- development of the S.E. Overtown/Park West community as follows: (1) It will preserve the historic and cultural identity of the Overtown community by rehabilitating as many of the historic structures as feasible, and mandating design control for all in -fill development, on the Block 26n. (2) It will provide an exciting setting for Black entertain- ment and cultural facilities, reminiscent of Overtown's "Little Broadway" jazz era during the 19401s; designed and maintained as a regional tourist attraction. (3) It will promote a positive image of the Overtown commu- nity and encourage pedestrians and tourist, to the west- erly end of the 9th Street Mall. 83-97E t li r Historic Overtown Village Position Paper Page Two COCNSISTENCY WITH EXISTING PLA►1S The Historic Overtown Village concept is consistent with: (a) The S.E. Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Plan, December, 1982 (see Exhibit 'A'), and (b) The Overtown Redevelopment Plan, October, 1979 (see Exhibit 'B'). The Black Archives History and Research Foundation of South Florida, Inc. has been involved in the preservation of the Overtown community since 1978. At that time the organization developed a cadre of volunteers as a part of its Historic Overtown Campaign, to place the area on the National Register of Historic Places. This cadre, individuals who have lived in the area an aver- age of fifty years each, spent nearly 500 hours gathering data. Their research showed that at present only 41 sites of historic significance remain in Overtown. These sites are threatened by the current redevelopment plans for •the area. A listing of the 41 sites may be found in the City of Miami's Overtown Redevelopment Plan (see Exhibit 'B'). BENEFIT$ Enhanced by the total redvelopment of the area to its immediate south and east, the Historic Overtown Village will provide a showcase for Black talent and a setting for its reception on a regional level. The project will be a source of employment and an encouragement of Black entrepreneurship. It will give tourist a positive point of view of the area and a better understanding of the historical significance of the Overtown community. IMPLEMENTATION The Historic Overtown Village will encompass the rehabilitation or redevelonment of the several structures located on the target Block 26n, described above. 'where certain structures of historical and/or cultural significance to the Overtown community have been identified, their rehabilitation, where feasible, will establish the 'backbone' of the Historic Overtown Village. In -fill development, using mandated design control, on vacant parcels, originally so, or caused by demoli- 83-976 r e Historic Overtown Village Position Paper Page Three tion of non -salvageable structures, will complete the Village. Structures in the Historic Overtown Village will be leased by the owner (Dade County and/or the City of Miami) or their/its agent (the Black Archives History and Research Foundation of South Florida, Inc.) for selected Black oriented: entertainment facilities, gourmet delicatessen/restaurant facilities, cultural programs, museum and library facilities, clothing and accessory botiques. The need for this effort has been established, as has the compatibility of the concept with existing plans for the area. As the original proponent of the Historic Overtown Campaign 1979-1980, the Black Archives History and Research Foundation of South Florida, Inc. requests funds in the amount of $25,000.00 for the purpose of developing or causing to be developed, a feasibility study for the project. The study will encompass the following areas: 1. Engineering Analysis 2. Architectural Schematic 3. Market Feasibility 4. Economic Feasibility S. Development Phasing Plan a 83-37E ti•, A M CO3 CO Owla ► RJAIAkh t I ZA' (IM-11NITY Mrf77M1 P 1JUJT PLAN, Pal-L IV. M. 11. Iistoric Preservatior Plan Overtown While the thrust of the SE/Overtown Park West Com- uninity Redevelopment Plan calls for the clearance Of large areas of the Uvertown Community south of N.W. 11th Street and east of I-95 there will be a major effort by both of public and private sectors to preserve and to enhance the cultural and his- toric identity of the area. The Black Archives, Ilistory and Research Foundation of South Florida has developed the following program for the area which will be utilized as a guide in the redevel- opment process. Objectives of the program include: Effectively comminicate information and develop broad based awareness.and appreciation of historic achievements of the Black community through exhi- bits, special events, tours, and the media. Develop a magnet area within the target community for the purposes of: (1) re-establishing a spe- cial identity for Culmer-Overtown by focusing one era in its history, the "Little Broadway" jazz era; (2) to establish interest in the Afro -Carib- bean heritage by encouraging tourism, trade and cultural exchanges. Develop these themes to attract night clubs and restaurants; programming special cultural events, designing signs, street furniture and public plaza spaces; and creating promotional literature for tourism and local mar- keting. Preserve, where feasible, surviving buildings which represent important links to persons, activities or events of major significance in the past. 95 Encourage new development to incorporate uses which would contribute to the vitality of the district such as stores, nightclubs, restaurants, theaters. Encourage new buildings to incorporate selected design elements from the past which reflect spe- cial cultural or thematic feelings which are rele- vant today and should be re-established. Recommended Actions include: i - Preservation of existing historic buildings. Consideration will be given to the preserva- tion of all of the identified historic build - inns, wherever structural conditions and cost of rehabilitatioi, might be favorable. how- ever, recognizing that overall economic revi- talization plans for Overtown require exten- sive new development, empnasis should be placed on preservation of the following his- toric structures, which are considered to be of major importance (located within SE Over - town Planning areas boundaries: a. Churches Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church, Northwest 8th Street and 2nd Avenue. Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Northwest 3rd Avenue and 9th Street. Building which was formerly the Lyric Church Northwest 2nd Avenue and 8th Street and the adjacent building. Building which was formerly Ebeneezer Church, Northwest llth Street and 3rd Ave- nue. on twi CO +,t 3. Lewis House, corner NW 4th Avenue and Oth Street. 4. tiouse, corner NW 3rd Avenue and 10th Street. 5. Chapman residence, N14 bth Court and 13th Street. ' b. Mitchell residence, NW 3rd Avenue and 1th S Street. Concurrently, immediate work should proceed on designating Culmer/Overtown historic district. Extensive additional historical research and documentation is required as legal justifica- tion of any historic district. The boundaries for the proposed historic dis- tric are: north,Northwest 14th Street; south, ^Northwest 9th Street; east, Northwest 3rd Ave- nue; west, Northwest ist Avenue. 3. Nominate most notiable structures to the National Register of Historic Places. A selected list of buildings will be nominated for listing on the National Register. This list will be developed based upon the analysis of preservation strategies for individual buildings recommended above. Particular con- sideration will be given to commercial build- ings operated by profit -matting entities that could utilize the tax benefits. ' 4. Recreate the feeling and atmosphere of "His- toric Overtown" with an Afro-Mierican-Carib- bean theme through the following actions: - Provide incentives or requirements for re- tail stores at the ground level on selected commercial blocks. - Provide incentives for jazz clubs. - Permit controlled street vendors and out- door markets. :- - Utilize the special zoning incentives in the HC ordinance for preservation of existing historic structures. - Develop landscaping standards utilizing his- torical and thematic plant materials. - Consider possible design guidelines for new construction that would encourage selected elements of historic building forms to be incorporated into the design of new build- ings. - Establish a VIP Convention Center for local organizations with national and interna- tional chapters. - Establish a first class residential village containing a cluster of restored buildings. - Establish a permanent center to exhibit on- going collections unique to the black experience. - Placement of historic marKers delineating historic sites (including sites now vacant or redeveloped). - Placement of distinctive street furniture wherever redevelopment plans call for new improvements to sidewalks and plaza spaces such as paving, benches, signs, trash cans, landscaping, etc., an opportunity exists to design such the "Little Broadway" jazz era. Public plaza, street. sidewalk and park improvements should be designed to accommo- date the special cultural events. - Program activities and events that recreate the former vitality and atmosphere of the Community including: a. Hold jazz concerts within the proposed district. b. Plan for the establishment of an annual Historic Overtown Cultural Arts Festival reminiscent of the jazz era. c. tstablish an international cultura"i com- plex featuring activities reminiscent of the nineteen thirties. forties, and fif- ties where artists can receive training as well as perform in concert. A 97 I b. Businesses Possible preservation strategies must be studied for each of the above buildings *Cola Nip Building, 233-5 Northwest 9th individually. Among the factors to be '+ Street. consiaered are: ownership, need for + *X-flay Office building, 171 Northwest repairs, economic productivity. potential for new uses, eligibility for federal tax 'ALarver Hotel, corner Northwest 9th Street benefits, location and relationship to and 3rd Avenue. planned redevelopment sites. potential for Stirrup Building, corner Northwest 8th moving to a new site, potential sources of Street and 3rd Avenue. funding. Buildings preceded by an asterisk are considered to be of first priority con - Longshoreman's Hall, Northwest 2nd Avenue cern necause of imminent threats of demo - and 8th Street. lition, deterioration or vandalism. Build - Stewart -Scott Building, Northwest 2nd Ave- ings for which extensive work is scheduled nue and 10th Street. include: Dr. Davis' Office Building, Northwest 2nd Dorsey House) Metro -Dade County - CD Avenue and IOth Street. X-Ray Clinic) funds are available to Judge L. E. lhomas' Office Northwest 2nd begin rehabilitating Avenue and loth Street. these buildings. Ward Rooming House, Northwest yLn . 2. Establish an Historic District ' and 3rd Avenue. Clyde Killens' residence 3 business, cor- The City of Miami Heritage Conservation Ordi- designating indi- ner, Northwest 2nd Avenue and llth Street. nance provides the option of victual historic buildings or an historic dis- Lyric Theatre and the adjoining building trict covering a degree or protection to his - Clyde Killens' Recreation Hall. Northwest toric buildings by requiring that any demoli- 2nd Avenue and loth Street. tion, alteration, or new construction be approved by a special review board. c. Residences The HC„ ordinance also permits certain modi- �, *Dorsey House, Northwest 9th Street and fications to zoning and building code regula- 2nd Avenue. tions where necessary to maKe preservation economically or architecturally teasible. '•' *Killens House, corner, Northwest 2nd Ave- Initially. priority should be given to the nue and llth Street. individual historic buildings that were listed i *Rooming house corner of 3rd Avenue and with asterisks in the aforementioned section: i loth Street. *Mitchell house, 123 Northwest 7th Street. 1. Dorsey House NW 9th Street and 3rd Avenue 2. X-Ray Clinic, Nw 1st Avenue and llth St. M t d. Encourage families from all over the Establish a "Saturday Marketplace" where world to hold annual family reunions in vendors are allowed to set up in a desig- ; Dade County, particularly in the historic nated street block or public plaza - fea- Overtown district. turing ethnic foods, crafts, fresh produce, artwork, etc. 1. Establish oratorical national compe- k. Establish a ViP Convention Center for local tition. organizations with national and interna- �' 2. Culinary contests specializing in tional chapters. soul food from the Caribbean and 1. Establish a first class residential vil- Southern States. lage containing a cluster of restored l 3. liair styling contest. buildings. f 4. Establish a hall of fame, annual m. Establish a permanent center to exhibit on - recognition of national figures. going collections unique to the blacK ° 5. Establish a tennis tournament or some experience. other sports event. Park West e. Encourage the establishment of legitimate '•• theater, writersand artists workshop; While the Park West Plan calls the removal at all , , and first class night clubs and restau- structures between NW 7th - llth Street, structures rants based on the guidelines of the Ills- located south and north of the impact area which have district. historic and cultural significance to the overall Miami Encourage E Community should be preserved when economically feasi- ing as well as other related businesses ble. Special attention -will be given to the Freedom for the arts, i.e. manufacturing and dis- tributing equipment and supplies for Banc- ing, music, art, etc. Properties of major architectural, historical and/or g. Encourage the establishment of tours of con textural significance include: local historical sites and landmarks: a. Bus Tours to visit sites county -wide 500 NE 1st Avenue Central Baptist Church p •: b. Mini -tours for sites within the dis- 505 NE 2nd Avenue trict. 521 NE 2nd Avenue h. Encourage the establishment of a Tourist 54t) NE [nd Avenue Valencia (Gibson) Notel information center which would direct 135 NE 5th Street • tourists to attraction, restaurants, 49 HE 5th Street Salvation Army Citadel ` hotel accommodations, and historical 600 Iliscayne Blvd. Freedom Tower :. sites throughout Dade County. Encourage the establishment of specialty These buildings reflect the wide varlet 9 y of architec- shops which feature products of Africa, tural styles common to Miami, particularly Mediterra- the Caribbean and the Southern States. nean Revival and frame and masonry vernacular struc-• a. Restaurants, caterers, etc. tures. Two of the buildings, however, are examples of b. Photographer's studio specializing styles unusual to Miami: Venetia Gothic (Salvation in passports. �•' Army Citadel) and ►leo-Palladian (Central Baptist W j.• c. Bookstores and art galleries. Church). The preservation of these structures should be included in any redevelopment project. � 98 t7�f . r 11 `' _ .. EXIMIT B' EXCERPT FM, is GVERTCSvi1l REM=PNENT PLAN, OCMBER, 1979 ' = Part D.5. , and Addendtun 7 A d. Encourage full utilization of the new vocational training facility to be constructed at the West Dunbar School Site (NW 7th Avenue and 20th Street). 3. Upgrade the social service delivery system. a. Completion of the Culmer Neighborhood Facility b. Expand day care facilities. Consideration should be given _ to the utilization of the Culmer Center (NW Sth Avenue and loth Street) as a day care center once the neighborhood facility is completed. c. Upgrade health care facilities and develop an outreach clinic in conjunction with Jackson Memorial Hospital. 4. Upgrade the quality of -public services provided to the residents of Overtown. a. The Interim Assistance program should con tinue to supple- ment and coordinate the delivey of City of Miami public ser- vices. (Sanitation, Code Compliance etc.). b. Expand crime 'prevention activities. r 1. consideration should be given to increased j police patrol of the area. 2. continuation of the Crime Prevention Prog- ram presently administered by the Interim Assistance Program. __5. Strengthen Black Cultural Identity. a. Preserve Historic Structures when economically feasible and officially recognized. 1. Assist the Black Archives in the creation of an "Historic Overtown District". a. Restore the D-A'Dorsey Homesite through the Community Development Program b. Vrovide rehabilitation assistance for commercial and residential structures -- of historic significance. c. Signing of historic structures. b. Encourage the establishment of black oriented restaurants and entertainment facilities. �,. c. Continuation of the Cultur3l Arts program presently funded by the City of Miami Office of Community Development. 1' -PC:_ - 83-9� Addendum 7 • (Excerpted from Dade County Study) Ei7STORY OF THE OVERTOW11 AREA 1896 was a landmark year for Dade County as a whole, but particularly for the area's rapidly expanding black community. It was the year that heralded the beginning of Miami's transformation from clusters of pioneer settlements into a major metropolitan area. Henry Flagler, encouraged by Julia Tuttle, had begun the extension of the Florida East Coast Railway into the newly incorporated City of Miami. The ensuing activity provided an abundance of jobs where there had previously been few. Many black men and their families, some looking for a haven from the harsh realities of the Civil War Reconstruction aftermath in the South, moved to Miami as word of employment spread. The promise of work was real enough. There were tracks to be laid, roads to be built, and hammocks' cleared, but as for the wary hopes of those seeking escape from the increasing national trend towards racist terrorism, the emerging City of Miami would, regrettably, provide little in the way of refuge. Through the use of restrictive land deeds and segregation statutes many of the white city fathers and mothers Forced the establishment of what came to be known as Colored Town, a small section of Dade County just northwest of the original boundaries of Miami. It was the only area in which blacks were allowed to buy land. However, despite poverty, racial tensions and municipal neglect, within a few decades the community would develop a lively business district and subculture all its own. Avenue G was -one of the earliest thoroughfares forged by Flagler's men. It ran through the center of what was then call Colored Town. By 1905 this half mile strip boasted a number of businesses including various general stores, a grocery an ice cream parlor and a dFugstore. Dr. Solomon Frazier, one of the earlies blacl physicians.in Miami, operated the pharmacy out of a building that also served as 8- ,his home. He and Dr. William B. Sawyer. -ins 83"9 i �1 A • Addendum 7 (Excerpted from Dade County Study) ITTSTORY OF T11E OVE12TOMI ARLA 1896 was a landmark year for Dade County as a whole, but particularly for the area's rapidly expanding black community. It was the year that heralded the beginning of Miami's transformation from clusters of pioneer settlements into a major metropolitan area. Henry Flagler, encouraged by Julia Tuttle, had begun the extension of the Florida East Coast Railway into the newly incorporated City of Miami. The ensuing activity provided an abundance of jobs where there had previously been few. Many black men and their families, some looking for a haven from the harsh realities of the Civil war Reconstruction aftermath in the South, moved to Miami as word of employment spread. The promise of work was real enough. There were tracks to be laid, roads to be built, and hammocks' cleared, but as for the wary hopes of those seeking escape from the increasing national trend towards racist terrorism, the emerging City of Miami would, regrettably, provide little in the way of refuge. Through the use of restrictive land deeds and segregation statutes many of the white city fathers and mothers Forced the establishment of what came to be known as Colored Town, a small section of Dade County just northwest of the original boundaries of Miami. It was the only area in which blacks were allowed to buy land. However, despite poverty, racial tensions and municipal neglect, within a few decades the community would develop a lively business district and subculture all its own. Avenue G was -one of the earliest thoroughfares forged by Flagler's men. It ran through the center of what was then call Colored Town. 8y 190S this half mile strip boasted a number of businesses including various general stores, a grocery an ice cream parlor and a drugstore. Dr. Solomon Frazier, one of the earlies blac physicians.in Miami, operated the pharmacy out of a building that also served as his home. He and Dr. William e. Sawyer. -tnn 83-9' or among others, started the Christian Hospital in 1914, the only hospital in Miami that would care for blacks. The. Industrial Reporter, the first local black community newspaper was also established. The 11t. Zion Baptist Church and St. Agnes Episccpal Church were two of the earliest places of worship. During the next few years many more stores as well as social and spiritual centers would open their doors. Mr. Kelsey Pharr moved with his family to Miami in 1914 and opened a funeral parlor serving all of Miami's black communities. He also started the Lincoln Memorial Park, where many of the area's pioneers are buried. There was a pQ:lic school in Colored Town in 1896 known as "School Number Two", but it was crowded and severely lacking in health and edu- cational facilities. Not until 1927, with the opening of Booker T. Washington School, did the area have a hi,gh school. Much of the slack left by the city in the development of community resources was taken up by public spirited residents such as Florence Gaskins, Julia Sayler and -others who founded a variety of social and service clubs. Mr. Dana A. .Dorsey, who came to Miami in 1896 with the railroad, opened an early dry goods store on Avenue G and.went on from there to amass the largest real estate holdings of any black man in the county. He became the community's first black millionaire. His numerous enterprises included the Dorsey Hotel, a popular gathering place in the 1920's. He was not the only successful businessman in Colored Town, however. As tourism grew in Miami and with the development of Miami Beach, the influx into the black com- munity increased. Because it was forced to be, in large part, self-sufficient. ',a far more heterogeneous blend of economic levels existed within the area than does today. Besides Mr. Dorsey's and Kelsey Pharr's there were a number of thriving businesses. Richard Toomey had opened a law office on Avenue*G 'and was involved in several other projects. The Rev. Samuel Sampson, Dr. Alonzo P. Holly, M. J. Bodie and Henry Reeves formed a printing company and put out a newspaper called the Miami Sun. It was the forerunner of the still active Miami Times which was started in 1923. The Mary Elizabeth ►locel was opened in 1918 by Dr. Sawyer. It soon became the center of social functions in the community in addition to providing relatively swank aecemodations for its guests. In 1919 Geder Walker's Lyric Theater was opened offering movies and live productions. It was considered "the most beautiful building in town". -103- 83-90 , r-� 4 In 1921 the street names in Miami were changed and Avenue G became Second Avenue. Some confusion also existed about the name of Miami's black district. The original name was Colored Town. Later Father John Culmer, rector of St. Agnes Church from 1929 to 1963, attempted to have the name changed to "Washington Heights". In the 1940's "Overtown" was the popular appellation for the 2nd Avenue district. Overtown had a number of sub - districts such as Good Bread Alley between 13th and 14th Streets which was known, rather notoricusly, for low quality shot gun housing and high crime. In 1970 planners renamed the area Culmer, but it is still referred to occasionally by some of its earlier names. In the 1940's Overtown was experiencing its heyday. Black performers that were a large draw for the Miami Beach hotels were not allowed to stay in those hotels themselves. Entertainers including Lena Horne, Louis Armstrong, Marion Anderson and Nat "King" Cote stayed at hotels or private residences in Overtown and also performed in various clubs along 2nd Ave., -,which came to be known as "Little Broadway". In more recent years Culmer has experienced a serious decline as a community environment, but that spirit does still exist to some degree. Relaxed segregation laws that encouraged white owned businesses to compete for black dollars struck a serious blow to the district's businesses. Expanded education and job opportunities, combined with the deteriorating physical condition of the neighborhood and a network of freeways that razed a large area at the heart of the Culmier area, have all caused a migration into integrated middle class areas. This has resulted in a ,decline in the black population of Culmer. There remains however, a large degree of community pride in regard to the local history. Although plans for redevelopment are being made, a fairly high concentration of early buildings remain to tell the rich and varied story of Miami's black population. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION The Culmer-Gvertown area is the earliest black settlement within the original city of Miami. Many of the sites that were built during its formative years still remain, evidence of the descent of its settlers, -104- 193--V ! 1 ANK as examples of Florida Cracker and Oahamian architecture abound. Both of these vernacular types arc based on the simple response of these common people to the hot climate of their places of origin. The modest, one story frame construction Florida Cracker, with its use of the large front porch, serving as shelter fro- the hot sun is seen at its best at 1705 N.W. 3 Avenue, the house of the first blacksmith in the area. The Bahamian type, a two story, frame construction house with a double tiered porch across the entire front, has many fine examples in the area, the 1200 block of N.W. t Place being one of the best representatives. Another sign of the early community still found in several small clusters is the shotgun row houses. These small, modest structures, one room wide, one room deep, all with front porches, still stand as evidence of the early "low-income housing projects" of the area. Due to time, neglect and disrepair, many of the early structures may be in poor or deteriorated condition. As mentioned earlier, the Survey ,evaluation is not based on present physical condition, economic feasibility or structural soun-`-:css. Consequently, some of the sites recommended as being of major significance may not prove feasible for preservation without large expenditures of money due to the advanced degree of dilapi- dation or structural failure. Taking the specific case of the shotgun houses, and considering their abundance in the area, while it may be desirable to preserve some of these clusters as housing units, an alternative might be to retain the evidence of their history by selecting some of those clusters for adaptive "re -use as rows of small shops specializing in goods typical of the character and flavor of the area. Likewise, the Carly commercial hub of Culmer-Overtown, along N.W. 2 Avenue and 3 Avenue, retains many of its original structures. Although in many instances these are greatly altered or of no major architectural merit, these sites do have a great deal of historical significance, like the Lyric Theater, the Rockland Palace and Or. Frazier's home and office, and through ccmmerciallrevitalization and tools such as facade easements, some of the major sites in these areas could be preserved and made to coexist with new planned dove I opincii t. . -105- 83-' SLACK ARCHIVES, HISTORY and RESEARCH FOUNDATION of SOUTIT FLORIDA. INC. JOSEPH CAL£8 COMMUNITY COMPLEX 5400 NORTHWEST 22nd AVENUE - MIAM1, FLORIDA 33142 Telephone: (305) 638.6064 C'M ER AREA (Q vEiiT4Wid ) 2/79 41 Sites of Historical significance Identified by the Historic Sites and Landmarks Committee 1. S.H. Braggs (Early Builder) 229 N.W. 12th Street 2. Nick Montogomery, 11 N.W. lot Place: 3. ..Gohen Temple, 1747 N.W. 3rd Ave., 4. St. John Baptist Church, 1328 N.W. 3rd Ave. 5. St. Agnes Church, 1750 N.W. 3rd Ave. 6. Boyd Estate, 1142 N.W. lat Court 7. New hope Primitive Church, 1300 N.W. lst Place 8. Wes, 1409 N.W. 2nd Ave. 9. Brown's Res., 218 N.W. 14th Terr. 10. James Roberts Estate, 207 N.W. 16th Terr. 11. Phyllis--Vheatley Elem. School, 1800 N.W. lst Placr: 12. Brown Estate, 1700 N.W. 3rd Ave. (First blacksmith) 13• H. teveaux, 1512 N.W. lst Court 14• Gladys Brown, 1527 N.W. lst Court 15. Vera Wilson, 162-9 N.W. 1st Court 16. L. Call, 1631 N.W. 1st Court -106- 83-9 0 q 41 Sites of Katorical s.tgIriIficanc:) (cont'd) 17. E. Johnson, 1627 N.W. L)nd Ave-. m 1S. Ebulw_-Ior M.E. Churesh, 1042 N.W. 2nd Ave. 19. Love and Charity Building, 227 N.W. 9th Stre-:t r CO. First Y.W.C.A. sits:, 100 N.W. 3rd Avc:. 21. J. & S. Bui.ldimr, 227.11.W. Qth Street 22. Warch's Res., 255 N.W. 9th Street 23. D.A. Dorsey Res., 250 N.W- 9th'Ave. r24. Lyric Theatre, 819 N.W. 2nd Ave. 25. ;Mary Elizabeth Hotel 636 N.W. 2nd Ave. 26. Berrian App., Sth and 3rd Ave. c7- S.M. Frazier Building, llth St. and 2nd Ave. 28o Clyde K.Ulens, 173 NN.W. llth Street 2'.. Greal,er Bethel A.M.E. Church 4� ' 2 5 rr.W 8t,i ., t . m 30. B.T.W. Scnool, 1200 N.W. 6th Ave. 31. Res., 1377 N.W. 6th Ave. . ChuN.W.2• Charles Williams, 1j70 N.r16th Ave. r33. Res., 1377 N.W. 6th Ave. 34. Res., . 1329 N.W. 6th Ave. 35• Johnson Apt., 571 N.W. 13th wtreet r36• Mary Louise Res., Chapman3' Res., 526 N.W. 13th Street 71 37 • Strachan Res., 577 N.W. 13th Street 38. Strotter Res., 543 �.W. 13th Street t :9 • 171 Y.W. llth Terrace, Dr. S.H. Joh:soal's office 40. Dorsey Library 41• "Colored Precinct" • -107- S3-3 r * Committee -Black Archives ^oundatiou Culmer F� Morley m -108- 0 .... r a --• -.a-f ---� 8 —f • n w , MW a ST ®mLUr/Mwso s Mw � sT 40 lUrmw to It 3 15 TIE S, Mwry It Mw 16 ST rMw » ST. 31 � 7 3�7 � oo�In SIB it Mw n It ���❑ \�mUUliaw to It we ! ST. v j ❑� r I�.i Mw r ST. Ell Mw 4 :t Mw S !L � • w w � II�II I I • 0 400 am c -109- .__ _ _ - ---------__ ate—