Florida Trust's Eleven Most Endangered Historic Sites for 2007
The nomination form for the 2008 list is at the bottom of this page.
The sites are not ranked in any particular order.
Riverview High School, Sarasota – Designed by architect Paul Rudolph in 1957, this jewel of modern architecture characterizes the elements of design that came to be known as the nationally-acclaimed Sarasota School of Architecture. Riverview High School marks a transition in Rudolph’s career and was his largest commission in Florida to date. The school is threatened to be replaced with a new, larger, school. For more information visit: saveriverview.blogspot.com
Hialeah Park Race Course, Hialeah - This nationally significant site is the oldest and widest continuously operating turf horse racing track in the United States. The park marks the beginning of the City of Hialeah, and represents a symbolic resting place for the champion thoroughbreds that raced there. Proposed development threatens several of the structures within the park, and could jeopardize the site’s National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmark eligibility.
Camp Pinchot Historic District,
Eglin Air Force Base, Fort Walton Beach - The earliest Forest Service administrative complex in Florida was located here and served as the first headquarters for National Forests in Florida. After being incorporated into the military base, it has been the home to Eglin Air Force Base generals. The district includes 10 structures dating from 1910 to 1920. A proposed multi-family housing development threatens the historic district. The United States Air Force is currently working with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, Florida State Historic Preservation Officer, and other consulting parties to draft a Programmatic Agreement addressing any potential adverse effects to the Camp Pinchot district.
Avery Smith House, Miami Beach – This coral rock home, built in 1916, is one of the only coral rock homes remaining in Miami Beach. The original owner was a significant figure in Miami Beach history, owning one of the first boat shuttle services to the island. The Avery Smith House is threatened with demolition by neglect.
Coconut Grove Playhouse, Coconut Grove - The playhouse has been a cultural centerpiece for the Grove since it was built in 1924, but is not protected by local designation. Financial issues have forced the owners of the building to close the theater until a decision on its future is decided. The local historic landmark designation was previously threatened by appeal from the owners but that decision is now pending the financial situation of the theater.
Great Southern Hotel, Hollywood – The hotel is one of only two remaining commercial buildings that were built by founder and developer of Hollywood, Joseph Young. It is part of the Hollywood Historic National Register District, the only district in Broward County. Current plans are only saving a mere 10% of the building, with a twenty story high rise to be built behind the façade. There has been no change to the proposed development plans since the Florida Trust listed the Great Southern Hotel on the 2005 11 Most Endangered List.
Stranahan Trading Post and Camp Site, Fort Lauderdale – The site, located next to the Stranahan House in Fort Lauderdale, was the first point of contact where the Seminole Indians and other travelers gathered to exchange goods and services. While the Stranahan House is not threatened, a 42-story condominium project is proposed for the significant archaeological site next door.
Bob White Citrus Packing House & Strawn Sawmill National Register Historic Districts, DeLeon Springs - Historic sites illustrating Florida’s citrus industry are disappearing and only a handful of existing historic citrus packing houses remain in Florida and California. The Strawn Sawmill and Citrus Packing House were developed under supervision of Theodore Strawn, an internationally-known orange cultivator. The 15 historic structures located in these historic districts are threatened by vacancy, lack of financial resources for their preservation, and proposed demolition.
Historic Cigar Factories of Tampa – Tampa’s cigar industry is an integral part of that city’s heritage. Out of the 200 cigar factories once standing in Tampa, only 22 still remain and only 15 are located in designated historic districts. Without the protections offered in designated historic districts, these buildings face a potential threat from encroaching development. Concerns over property rights raised by the buildings’ owners have prompted the city to amend the City’s historic preservation ordinance. Once the ordinance is revised, the designation of the remaining factories will be considered.
The Belleview Biltmore Hotel, Belleair - The largest wood frame hotel in operation, the Belleview Biltmore is one of the last grand resorts remaining in Florida built by Henry Plant. It opened in 1897 and has been host to numerous celebrity clientele. The hotel is in a state of indefinite continuance in regards to a demolition request, and local supporters are actively searching for a preservation-friendly owner for the hotel.
Florida’s Historic Antebellum Roads, Statewide – Prior to the expansion of the railroads in the state, Floridians depended on a system of roadways to facilitate travel from established cities such as St. Augustine and Pensacola. The Camino Real – later known as King’s Road, and the Bellamy Road are just two of the historic roads which contributed to the development of the state during the Colonial Era. Encroaching development and increasing demand on statewide infrastructure poses threats to these resources.
Nomination Form for the 2008 Most Endangered Program is now available below.