HomeMy WebLinkAboutExhibit AEXHIBIT A
MORNINGSIDE PARK
5215 NE 7 AVENUE
Final Designation Report
Historic and Environmental Preservation Board
City of Miami
1
REPORT OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
PRESERVATION OFFICER
TO THE HISTORIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION BOARD
ON THE FINAL
DESIGNATION OF
5215 NE 7 AVENUE
AS A HISTORIC SITE
Prepared By:
Reviewed By:
Passed and Adopted On:
Warren Adams
Preservation Officer
Vickie Toranzo
Preservation Planner
Resolution Number: HEPB-R-17-7?????
2
Contents
General Information
II. Preliminary Statement Of Significance
III. Description
IV. Landscape Design
V. Structures
VI. Application of Criteria
VII. Planning Context
VIII. Bibliography
IX. Photographs
3
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I- General Information
Historic Name:
Morningside Park
Date of Construction:
1953
Location:
5215 NE 7 Avenue
Miami, Florida 33137
Present Owner:
City of Miami — Dept. of P & D
Asset Management Division
444 SW 2 Avenue, Suite #325
Miami, Florida 33130-1910
Present use:
Public Park
Zoning,:
CS
Folio No.:
01-3219-023-0010
Boundary (Legal Description):
18-19 53 42 42.35 AC MORNINGSIDE BAYFRONT PARK PB 60-73 TR A & RIP RTS LESS PART IN PB
69-5 & LESS CONCRETE DOCK LOT SIZE 1844796 SQUARE FEET
Setting:
Morningside Park is located in the Upper Eastside of the city of Miami between approximately
NE 55 Terrace to the north, Lake Road to the south, NE 7 Avenue to the west, and Biscayne Bay
to the east. To the northern end of the park is the Morningside Historic District, Miami's first
historic district.
Measuring approximately 42 acres in area, the park retains much of its original landscape plan
and features including active and passive areas, a paimetum, a man-made tidal lake and canal, a
curvilinear circulation system of paths and roads, mature canopy trees, and various structures.
Integrity:
Morningside Park retains a high level of integrity with regard to location, design, setting,
materials, workmanship, feeling, and association.
5
II- Statement of Significance
Morningside Park is a significant example of a historic designed landscape in the modern style
that also incorporates elements from the American Romantic style. It represents a significant
period in the history of Miami, namely the Post -World War II era, and the evolution of public
park design to accommodate the rise in popularity of family recreation and the increased use of
the automobile.
III- Description
History of the Morningside Park Land
The land that would become Morningside Park was once part of the Town of Buena Vista. The
following map shows the former town with the approximate location of Morningside Park
outlined in red.
Buena Vista, Lemon City, and Little River were founded before the turn of the nineteenth
century and represent some of the earliest settlements in the history of Dade County. The area
known as Buena Vista was once a small village adjoining, but not within the corporate limits of,
Miami proper. Although preceded in age by pioneer Lemon City, a town located a little further
north, the small village of Buena Vista dates its birth, development, and growth along with
Miami's.
6
The arrival of the railroad in 1896 marked the end of an era for the pioneer bayfront village of
Lemon City, which had enjoyed tremendous importance to the Miami area by virtue of its
docks. Now the train brought much needed supplies to the rest of Dade County, and lured
people away from the bayfront community to Miami and its outlying areas, The Lemon City
depot, built in 1896, drew business further west away from the bay, and the small village of
Buena Vista gradually developed. By 1910, suburban Buena Vista could boast of one hotel
known as the Courley House, its very own railroad depot on the Florida East Coast Railway line,
a small post office building, tropical fruit groves, a fruit -packing house, a grocery store, and one
religious institution, the Holy Cross Episcopal Church.
As the population of Miami grew between the late 1910s through the Boom era of the early
1920s, new areas reached northward along the old Dixie Highway (N.E. 2nd Avenue) and
Avenue D (N. Miami Avenue), which was extended northward from N.E. 36th Street. The
northern city limit of Miami was moved to N.E. 38th Street, and this took in a part of Buena
Vista. Finally, on August 4, 1924, the new town of Buena Vista was incorporated and, together
with the other incorporated areas of Coconut Grove and Silver Bluff, was annexed to the City of
Miami the following year'.
Previous Owners
The land which became Buena Vista was originally part of the homesteads of William Gleason
and E.L. White. Gleason, a prominent and somewhat notorious figure in early Dade County
politics, arrived in Miami after the Civil War and was elected Lieutenant Governor of Florida, a
post from which he was soon ousted. Although very influential, he did not enjoy much
popularity, and was often referred to as the ultimate "carpetbagger" during the reconstruction
times.
E.L. White and his family moved to Dade County from Georgia, via Quincy, Florida. As early as
1892, he homesteaded the area from N.E. 41st Street to N.E. 54th Street between N.W. 2nd
Avenue and N.E. 2nd Avenue, E.L. White was as prominent as his well-known and respected
father, the Honorable Judge Pleasant Woodson White, and it is said that Julia Tuttle, the so-
called "mother of Miami," once grew pineapples on his plantation.
Other prominent persons who, at one point, owned the land include: Newton Baker Taylor
Roney a prominent Miami Beach developer who built the Roney Plaza Hotel2; Francis S.
Whitten a Miami landowner and president of the Calumet Company3, and George E. Merrick,
founder and developer of the City of Coral gables45.
1 Sala, Caridad & Eaton, Sarah E. Report of the City of Miami Planning and Zoning Department to the Historic and
Environmental Preservation Board on the Potential Designation of Buena Vista East Historic District as a Heritage
Conservation Zoning District pg. 10-11.
2 "Pioneer Developer of Roney Plaza." Miami Herald. March 30, 1930.
3 "State Will Ask Patent to Land." Miami Herald. January 8, 1930.
4 City of Coral gables website.
5 Ballinger, John Kenneth. Miami Millions: The Dance of the Dollars in the Great Florida Land Boom of 1925 pg. 111.
7
Physical Description
Morningside Park is located in the Upper Eastside of the city of Miami between approximately
NE 55 Terrace to the north, Lake Road to the south, NE 7 Avenue to the west, and Biscayne Bay
to the east. To the northern end of the park is the Morningside Historic District, Miami's first
historic district.
Measuring approximately 42 acres in area, the park retains many original features including
landscape features, mature canopy trees, recreational facilities and structures, and a palmetum
which still contains many original species.
The beginnings of Morningside Park can be traced back to the 1930s when a seven -acre
playground was built on the site'. Estimated to cost $75,0007, the initial proposal for the park
was a concern for nearby residents who worried about noise and increased levels of traffic'
The plan of the new park was prepared by P. Raymond Plumer, head of the
Miami Parks Department (pictured). This was Plumer's first major
assignment for the city after he arrived from St. Petersburg in 19519. In the
1950s, Plumer was vice president of the Association of Landscape
Architects of South Florida'°, was a member of the Metropolitan Flower
Shoe board of governors1l, and he taught courses on landscape
architecture12.
By March, 1952, a field house, playground equipment, and a soft ball field
had been built at the north end of the park; however, the southern end
was described as being "pretty much jungle"13. The park, which cost
$300,00014 was officially opened on June 13, 1953 with an aquatic show, a concert, and
speeches. Improvements included a 40 x 100 feet swimming pool with 32 cabanas, and an
artificial lakels. Entry to the swimming pool cost 10 cents for children, 25 cents for teenagers,
and 35 cents for adults16. The park also contained the largest hibiscus garden in the United
States', a softball field, a boat ramp, a palmetum, and a number of ancillary buildings.
6 "Here's a Park with Sparkle." Miami Herald. August 21, 1955.
' "Property Owners Meeting Tonight." Miami Herald. November 8, 1951.
8 "Here's a Park with Sparkle." Miami Herald. August 21, 1955.
91bid.
10 "Landscape Men Reelect Officers." Miami Herald. July 27, 1952.
11 "Flower Show to Sponsor Garden Design Seminars Miami Herald. September 14, 1953.
12 "Landscape Course Slated at Library." Miami Herald. September 18, 1955.
13 "Jack Bell." Miami Herald. March 30, 1952.
14 "Nation's Biggest Hibiscus Garden is Being Planted at Morningside." Miami Herald. March 29, 1953.
15 "City's New $150,000 Morningside Swimming Pool Opens Tomorrow." Miami Daily News. June 12, 1953.
16 Ibid.
17 "Nation's Biggest Hibiscus Garden is Being Planted at Morningside." Miami Herald. March 29, 1953.
8
IV- Landscape Design
Morningside Park was the first landscaped park built by the City of Miami since the completion
of Bayfront Park18 which opened in 1925. Described as "experimental", the approach to the
plan and construction was of special interest to park planners and landscape designers as the
"modern type park" was designed for full public use19. The design catered to the rise in
popularity of family recreation by providing both active and passive facilities as the "unique"
park allowed children to play and swim while adults could find recreation and relaxation20.
Landscape features included a 15 acre hibiscus garden with 5,000 hibiscus plants21, mature
shade trees, a palmetum, an artificial tidal lake with island, a winding canal, and large grassy
areas. One of the most striking features of the plan is the curvilinear layout of the walkways,
the canal, and the long sweeping driveway leading to parking areas which was designed for the
rise in popularity of the automobile at this time.
Designed in the modern style, the park also incorporates elements from the American Romantic
style such as an emphasis on natural scenery and native plant materials, a lack of formal design,
and a curvilinear circulation system22. As can be seen from the following aerials, the park has
retained much of its original layout plan.
Miami Herald. March 29, 1953
Current Aerial
la Ibid.
19 "Here's a Park with Sparkle." Miami Herald. August 21, 1955.
20 /bid.
21 "Big Hibiscus Garden Nears." Miami Herald. March 3, 1953.
27 Keller, Timothy J. & Keller, Genevieve, P. National Register Bulletin 18: How to Evaluate and Nominate Designed
Historic Landscapes.
9
V- Structures
Located throughout the park are a number of structures, some of which date to 1953 when the
park was built and others that were built at a later date. Each one has been assessed
individually to determine their age and level of integrity. In the absence of original drawings,
site visits, historic photographs, and historical aerials have been used to determine how the
structures have been altered since their construction.
Swimming Pool
The swimming pool is located on the east side of the park adjacent to Biscayne Bay. Built in
1953, the pool is currently empty and appears to be in need of repair. The two-story cabana
structure which was originally located next to the pool has been demolished.
Swimming Pool
Restroom, Locker Room and Pump House
Restroom, Locker Room
Swimming Pool and Cabanas, 1953
The swimming pool restroom and locker room
building with a pump house attached to the west
elevation was built in 1953. The one-story
structure features a wide roof overhang with
exposed rafter tails, air block, and glass block.
Alterations appear to be limited to the enclosure
of a number of windows and possibly a door.
10
Refreshment Stand
The 1953 refreshment stand building features a wide roof overhang and a tile roof. Historic
aerial photographs suggest the roof was originally covered with a white tile.
Refreshment Stand
Storage Building
Storage Building
Restroom Building
Restroom Building
Refreshment Stand, 1954
The storage building was built c. 2000. Designed to
resemble the 1953 structures, it features a wide roof
overhang, air block, and a tile roof.
Located within the palmetum is a one-story restroom
building built in 1953. Features include a wide roof
overhang, air block, piping and ceramic tile. It appears
that two openings may have been enclosed.
11
Maintenance Building
Maintenance Building
Tennis Center Building
Tennis Center Building
Community Building
Community Building
The 1953 maintenance building is located in the
northwest corner of the park and features air
block and glass block.
Built in the 1970s, the tennis center building
features brick and wood detailing and awnings.
Built in the 1990s, the community building
features a loggia with rounded arches supported
by plain columns, glass blocks, circular and square
vents, clerestory windows with canopies, and a
tile roof.
12
Bridges
Two wooden bridges cross the tidal basin canal. Built in 1953, it appears the concrete support
piers are original; however, the wooden structures have been replaced.
Bridge Showing Original Concrete Piers
Coral Rock Sea Wall
Coral Rock Blocks
Bridge View, 1953
The sea wall located at the northeast corner of the park is
constructed from rectangular coral rock blocks which were once
part of the 1903 Halcyon Hotel. Located on the northwest
corner of Flagler Street and NE 2 Avenue, the hotel was
demolished in 1937 and the blocks were used to construct the
sea wall.
13
VI- Application of Criteria
Morningside Park is an example of a historic designed landscape which is defined in National
Park Service Bulletin 36 as:
"A landscape that was consciously designed or laid out by a landscape architect, master
gardener, architect, or horticulturist according to design principles, or an amateur
gardener working in a recognized style or tradition. The landscape may be associated
with a significant person(s), trend, or event in landscape architecture; or illustrate an
important development in the theory and practice of landscape architecture. Aesthetic
values play a significant role in designed landscapes. Examples include parks, campuses,
and estates."23
National Register Bulletin 18 provides guidance on how to evaluate designed historic
landscapes including those categorized as "parks (local, State, and national)"24
Based on the information obtained from site visits, archival research, and online information, it
can be established that Morningside Park is a historic designed landscape in the modern style
that incorporates elements from the American Romantic style such as an emphasis on natural
scenery and native plant materials, a lack of formal design, and a curvilinear circulation system.
The design, which was described as "experimental" and "unique", took into consideration the
rise in popularity of family recreation and an increased use of the automobile. The division of
the park into what was effectively two different areas for active and passive use was of special
interest to park designers and landscape architects.
The park obtains its primary significance from the landscape plan and incorporated features
such as the curvilinear circulation system, the active and passive areas, the artificial lake, the
canal, and the palmetum, all of which retain much of their integrity. There are a number of
structures on the site which are of secondary importance to the landscape plan. While they
exhibit some elements of the mid-century style, they are not exceptional examples of the style.
It is interesting to note that the many newspaper reports praised the landscape plan but only
mentioned the building uses rather than commenting on the quality of their design or how they
complemented the landscape. It could be argued that they may have had some significance as a
group of public institutional buildings; however, the integrity of the group has been
compromised through the demolition of the cabanas and original community building, the
alterations that have taken place, and the introduction of newer buildings into the design.
23 Birnbaum, Charles A. Protecting Cultural landscapes: Planning, Treatment and Management of Historic
Landscapes.
24 Keller, Timothy J. & Keller, Genevieve, P. National Register Bulletin 18: How to Evaluate and Nominate Designed
Historic Landscapes.
14
The sea wall constructed from rectangular coral rock blocks from the Halcyon Hotel may be
regarded as a contributing feature; as the sea wall was built prior to the construction of the
park.
Morningside Park is a municipal park which is a significant example of a historic designed
landscape in the City of Miami. Bayfront Park may be older; however, its original design has
been severely compromised by later developments.
Therefore, based on the above, the property may be eligible for designation under the
following criteria as numbered in Section 23-4(a) contained in Chapter 23 of the City Code:
(3) Exemplify the historical, cultural, political, economic, or social trends of the community;
Morningside Park is associated with the Post -World War II era and the growing
popularity of family recreation and the increased use of the automobile.
(5) Embody those distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style, or period, or
method of construction; Morningside Park embodies the distinguishing characteristics of
a modern park design that incorporates elements of the American Romantic style. The
innovative design, which was of special interest to park designers and landscape
architects, provides for both active and passive uses and accommodates the increased
use of the automobile.
VII- Planning Context
Morningside Park is a public park space that serves the Upper Eastside community. Any work
undertaken to the significant features of the landscape plan including the curvilinear circulation
system, the tidal lake, the canal, and the palmetum; any work that affects the canopy trees or
specimen trees; any work that is undertaken to the sea wall constructed from the Halcyon Hotel
coral rock blocks; and, any new construction that may have an impact on the original landscape
plan will be subject to review by the Preservation Office.
Any work undertaken to the structures, the playground equipment or recreational elements will
not be subject to review by the Preservation Office. Due to serious concerns regarding the
increased risk of flooding to the site and buildings as outlined in information provided by the
Parks and Recreation Department 25 and the potential future loss of the park, any flood
prevention work undertaken will not be subject to review by the Preservation Office unless it
substantially affects the original landscape plan.
zs HEP Board Morningside Powerpoint Presentation and associated information.
15
VIII- Bibliography
Ballinger, John Kenneth. Miami Millions: The Dance of the Dollars in the Great Florida Land
Boom of 1925. The Franklin Press, Inc. 1936.
"Big Hibiscus Garden Nears." Miami Herald. March 3, 1953.
Birnbaum, Charles A. Protecting Cultural landscapes: Planning, Treatment and Management of
Historic Landscapes. National Park Service. 1994.
City of Coral gables website. http://coralgables.com/index.aspx?page=913 Consulted 12/12/17.
"City's New $150,000 Morningside Swimming Pool Opens Tomorrow." Miami Daily News. June
12, 1953.
"Flower Show to Sponsor Garden Design Seminars". Miami Herald. September 14, 1953.
HEP Board Morningside Powerpoint Presentation and associated information.
"Here's a Park with Sparkle." Miami Herald. August 21, 1955.
"Jack Bell." Miami Herald. March 30, 1952.
Keller, Timothy J. & Keller, Genevieve, P. National Register Bulletin 18: How to Evaluate and
Nominate Designed Historic Landscapes. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service.
No date.
"Landscape Course Slated at Library." Miami Herald. September 18, 1955.
"Landscape Men Reelect Officers." Miami Herald. July 27, 1952.
"Nation's Biggest Hibiscus Garden is Being Planted at Morningside." Miami Herald. March 29,
1953.
"Pioneer Developer of Roney Plaza." Miami Herald. March 30, 1930.
"Property Owners Meeting Tonight." Miami Herald. November 8, 1951.
Sala, Caridad & Eaton, Sarah E. Report of the City of Miami Planning and Zoning Department to
the Historic and Environmental Preservation Board on the Potential Designation of Buena Vista
East Historic District as a Heritage Conservation Zoning District. City of Miami. 1987.
"State Will Ask Patent to Land." Miami Herald. January 8, 1930.
16
IX- Photographs
Figure 1: Morningside Park Aerial, Looking NW, 1954
Figure 2: Swimming Pool and Cabanas, Looking W, 1953
17
Figure 3: Swimming Pool and Cabanas, Looking SW, 1953
Figure 4: Swimming Pool and Locker Rooms, Looking N, 1953
18
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Figure 5: Swimming Pool and Walkways, Looking S, 1956
CITY'S NEW $150,000 MORNJNGSIDE SWIMMING POOL OPENS TOMOR
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Figure 6: Miami daily News, June 12, 1953
OHM `:nextneritects et shiohh.t.el XhreLe.6‘111h Nth iI
ertlelel lake, wraith ht,1L sthekti %tisk Fmk Thm trt-ehre hthlkhh,"
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19