HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-3475 Ordinance
ORDINANCE NO. 2005-3475
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT
REGULATIONS OF THE MIAMI BEACH CITY CODE; AMENDING SECTION
118-593, "HISTORIC PRESERVATION DESIGNATION"; AMENDING
SECTION 118-593(E), "DELINEATION ON ZONING MAP"; AMENDING
SECTION 118-593(EH 1), "HISTORIC PRESERVATION SITES (HPS)" BY
DJ:SIGNA TING THE 28TH STREET OBELISK AND PUMPING STATION AS AN
HISTORIC STRUCTURE TO BE KNOWN AS THE "28TH STREET OBELISK
AND PUMPING STATION HISTORIC STRUCTURE," LOCATED AT 300 WEST
28TH STREET AND CONSISTING OF AN AREA THAT INCLUDES THE
ORIGINAL 1926 STRUCTURE AND ITS APPURTENANCES, AS MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED HEREIN; PROVIDING THAT THE CITY'S
ZONING MAP SHALL BE AMENDED TO INCLUDE THE 28TH STREET
OBELISK AND PUMPING STATION AS AN HISTORIC STRUCTURE;
AqOPTING THE DESIGNATION REPORT ATTACHED HERETO AS APPENDIX
"A"; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE LAND DEVELOPMENT
REiGULA TIONS OF THE CITY CODE, REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, AND AN
EFl=ECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, on December 14, 2004, the City of Miami Beach Historic Preservation
Board held a public hearing and voted unanimously (7 to 0) in favor of recommending that
the Mayor and City Commission designate the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station,
located at 300 West 28th Street in Fairgreen Park, as an Historic Structure; and
WHEREAS, on January 25, 2005, the City of Miami Beach Planning Board held a
public hearing and voted unanimously (5 to 0; 2 absences) in favor of the proposed
designation of said historic structure; and
WHEREAS, the City of Miami Beach Planning Department has recommended this
amendment to the Land Development Regulations of the City Code; and
WHEREAS, these recommendations of approval for the designation of the 28th
Street Obelisk and Pumping Station as an Historic Structure were based upon the
information documented in the Designation Report prepared by the City of Miami Beach
Planning Department attached hereto as Appendix "A".
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT DULY ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA:
SECTION 1. DESIGNATION OF THE 28TH STREET OBELISK AND PUMPING STATION AS
AN HISTORIC STRUCTURE.
1
The 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station is hereby designated as an Historic
Structure of the City of Miami Beach and shall be known as the "28th Street Obelisk and
Pumping Station Historic Structure." The designated property is located at 300 West 28th
Street in Fairgreen Park and consists of a 67-foot diameter circular area that includes the
original 1926 structure and its appurtenances; the legal description is described herein.
That the Designation Report attached hereto as Appendix "A" is hereby adopted.
SECTION 2. AMENDMENT OF SECTION 118-593 OF THE CITY CODE.
That Chapter 118, Section 118-593 entitled "Historic Preservation Designation" of
the Land Development Regulations of the City Code of Miami Beach, Florida, is hereby
amended to read as follows:
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*
*
(e) Delineation on zoning map, All sites and districts designated as historic sites and
districts shall be delineated on the city's zoning map, pursuant to section 142-71,
as an overlay district. Such sites and districts include:
*
*
*
(1) Historic preservation sites (HPS).
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*
*
I. GU/HPS-12: The 28th Street Obelisk and Pumpina Station Historic Structure, 300
West 28th Street, more particularly described as follows: A portion of land that is
located in Section 27, Township 53 South, Ranae 42 East, and bounded by the
perimeter of a circumference havina a radius of 33.50 feet and an arc lenath of
210.49 feet. The location of the radius point of said circumference is described as
follows: Commence at the point of intersection of the eastern riaht-of-way line of
Sheridan Avenue and the northern riaht-of-way line of West 28th Street, as shown
in SAUDOR COURT, recorded in Plat Book 35, at Paae 20, Public Records of Miami-
Dade County, Florida; thence South 80 25' 08" West, alona the extension of the
eastern riaht-of-way line of Sheridan Avenue for a distance of 32.89 feet to the
point of intersection with the center line of said West 28th Street; thence North 740
13' 22" East, alona the center line of said West 28th Street for a distance of 73.05
2
feet; thence South 150 46' 38" East, at a rioht anole with the center line of said
West 28th Street for a distance of 102.64 feet to the radius point (center of obelisk)
of the above mentioned circumference. Said lands located, Iyino and beino in the
City of Miami Beach, Miami-Dade County, Florida, and containino 3,526 square feet
(more or less).
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*
*
SECTION 3. INCLUSION IN THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS OF THE CITY
CODE.
It is the intention of the Mayor and City Commission, and it is hereby ordained that
the provisions of this Ordinance shall become and be made part of the Land Development
Regulations of the City Code of Miami Beach, Florida. The sections of this Ordinance may
be renumbered or relettered to accomplish such intention, and the word "Ordinance" may
be changed to "section," "article," or other appropriate word.
SECTION 4. AMENDMENT OF ZONING MAP.
That the Mayor and City Commission hereby amend the Zoning Map of the City of
Miami Beach as contained in the Land Development Regulations of the City Code by
identifying the area described herein as HPS-12, Historic Preservation Site Twelve.
SECTION 5. REPEALER.
All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith be and the same are
hereby repealed.
SECTION 6. SEVERABILITY.
If any section, subsection, clause or provision of this Ordinance is held invalid, the
remainder shall not be affected by such invalidity.
3
SECTION 7. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Ordinance shall take effect ten days following adoption.
PASSED and ADOPTED this 23rd
day of
ATTEST:
lt~! rM~
Ordinance No. 2005-3475
APPROVED AS TO FORM & LANGUAGE
& FOR EXECUTION:
~~~
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DATE
Underscore denotes new language.
Striko through denotes deleted language.
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4
,2005.
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION ITEM SUMMARY
~
Condensed Title:
First and Only Reading Public Hearing - Proposed Designation of the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping
Station as an Historic Structure.
Issue:
The Administration is requesting that the Mayor and City Commission consider the proposed designation of
the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station as an historic structure.
Item Summary/Recommendation:
Adopt the proposed ordinance on first and only reading public hearing by designating the 28tn Street
Obelisk and Pumping Station as an historic structure, with the modified boundaries as recommended by the
Historic Preservation Board on December 14, 2004.
Advisory Board Recommendation:
On December 14, 2004, the Historic Preservation Board unanimously approved a motion (7 to 0) to
recommend approval of the historic designation of the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station with
modifications to the site boundaries to only include the original 1926 structure and its appurtenances.
On January 25, 2005, the Planning Board unanimously approved a motion (5 to 0; 2 absences) to
recommend approval of the historic designation of the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station with the
expansion of the site boundaries to include all of Fairgreen Park.
Financial Information:
Source of Amount Account Approved
Funds: 1
D 2
3
4
Finance Dept. Total
Cit Clerk's Office Le islative Trackin :
William H. Cary, Assistant Planning Director; Shannon M. Anderton, Senior Planner.
Assistant City Manager
City Manager
L
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AGENDA ITEM 1?~J.3
DATE ;l-d.3 -o~
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
CITY HAll 1700 CONVENTION CENTER DRIVE MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA 33139
www.miamibeachfl.gov
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
To:
From:
Mayor David Dermer and
Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez 2. ..~.
City Manager .. tv' 0
FIRST AND ONLY R DING PUBLIC HEARING - HISTORIC DESIGNATION
Date: February 23, 2005
Subject:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT
REGULATIONS OF THE MIAMI BEACH CITY CODE; AMENDING SECTION 118-
593, "HISTORIC PRESERVATION DESIGNATION"; AMENDING SECTION 118-
593{E), "DELINEATION ON ZONING MAP"; AMENDING SECTION 118-593{E){1),
"HISTORIC PRESERVATION SITES (HPS)" BY DESIGNATING THE 28TH
STREET OBELISK AND PUMPING STATION AS AN HISTORIC STRUCTURE TO
BE KNOWN AS THE "28TH STREET OBELISK AND PUMPING STATION
HISTORIC STRUCTURE," LOCATED AT 300 WEST 28TH STREET AND
CONSISTING OF AN AREA THAT INCLUDES THE ORIGINAL 1926 STRUCTURE
AND ITS APPURTENANCES, AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED HEREIN;
PROVIDING THAT THE CITY'S ZONING MAP SHALL BE AMENDED TO
INCLUDE THE 28TH STREET OBELISK AND PUMPING STATION AS AN
HISTORIC STRUCTURE; ADOPTING THE DESIGNATION REPORT ATTACHED
HERETO AS APPENDIX "A"; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE LAND
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS OF THE CITY CODE, REPEALER,
SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
RECOMMENDATION
The Administration is requesting that the Mayor and City Commission adopt the proposed
ordinance on first and only reading public hearing by designating the 28th Street Obelisk and
Pumping Station as an historic structure, with the modified boundaries as recommended by the
Historic Preservation Board on December 14, 2004.
BACKGROUND
On April 18, 2001, the City Commission unanimously approved a motion (7 to O) to designate the
Pinetree Drive Historic Roadway as an historic site on first reading public hearing and scheduled
the second reading public hearing for May 16, 2001. The City Commission, at the suggestion of
Commissioner Luis R. Garcia, Jr., also directed staff to expand the boundaries of the proposed
Pinetree Drive Historic Roadway to include the original 1926 obelisk and pumping station site
(inclusive of its park setting), which is located at 300 West 28th Street between Pinetree Drive and
Sheridan Avenue in Fairgreen Park.
Section 118-591 in the Land Development Regulations of the City Code require certain procedures
to be undertaken in order to include the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station site as an
expansion of the original boundaries of the Pinetree Drive Historic Roadway. The designation
review process for expansion would have taken approximately six months before the proposed
expanded boundaries of the Pinetree Drive Historic Roadway would have been heard by the City
Commission Memorandum of February 23, 2005
First Reading Public Hearing - Historic Designation
28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station
Page 2 of12
Commission. Due to the potential threat of alterations to the existing configuration of the road at
that time, staff believed it was prudent to immediately provide historic preservation protection to the
Pinetree Drive Historic Roadway and its Australian pines. Therefore, staff recommended that the
City Commission designate the Pinetree Drive Historic Roadway, as originally proposed by the
Historic Preservation Board, because it would afford the earliest possible protection to the historic
site. Further, it was also recommended that the City Commission direct staff to prepare a
preliminary evaluation and recommendation report regarding the possible designation of the 28th
Street Obelisk and Pumping Station as a separate historic site in lieu of expanding the boundaries
of the proposed Pinetree Drive Historic Roadway. Staff believed this request was appropriate due
to the structure's special historic character, high quality architectural design, and visual landmark
nature to the surrounding residential neighborhood and the entire City.
On June 6, 2001, the City Commission unanimously approved the designation (7 to 0) of the
Pinetree Drive Historic Roadway as an historic site on second reading public hearing. At the same
meeting, the City Commission approved a motion (7 to 0) to direct staff to prepare a preliminary
evaluation and recommendation report for consideration by the Historic Preservation Board relative
to the possible designation of the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station (inclusive of its park
setting) as a separate historic site.
On June 12, 2001, the Historic Preservation Board reviewed the preliminary evaluation report, with
recommendations prepared by the Planning Department, relative to the proposed designation of the
28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station as a local historic site. The Historic Preservation Board
unanimously approved a motion (5 to 0; 1 absence, 1 vacancy) to direct staff to prepare a
designation report and schedule a public hearing relative to the designation of this proposed historic
site to be known as the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station Historic Site. The proposed
historic site, as represented in the preliminary evaluation and recommendation report, is generally
bounded by the center line of West 28th Street to the north, the center line of Sheridan Avenue to
the west, and the center line of Pinetree Drive to the south and east. These boundaries include the
original 1926 structure and its appurtenances, the 1976 pumping station and its recent expansions,
and all of Fairgreen Park.
On December 14, 2004, the Historic Preservation Board reviewed the designation report and
unanimously approved a motion (7 to 0) to recommend approval of the historic designation of the
28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station with modifications to the site boundaries. The Board
reduced the boundaries of the site from all of Fairgreen Park to only a 67 -foot diameter circular area
that includes the original 1926 structure and its appurtenances (Le. the obelisk, base structure,
fountain basins, stairs, 1948 southern addition, any remains of its 62-foot diameter landscape wall,
and the underground 66-foot diameter holding tank). Thereby, the name was changed from 28th
Street Obelisk and Pumping Station Historic Site to 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station
Historic Structure. (See attached Map 1A for site boundaries as recommended by the Historic
Preservation Board on December 14, 2004.)
On January 25, 2005, the Planning Board reviewed the designation report and unanimously
approved a motion (5 to 0; 2 absences) to recommend approval of the historic designation of the
28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station with the expansion of the site boundaries to include all of
Fairgreen Park. The proposed historic structure, as recommended by the Planning Board, is
generally bounded by the center line of West 28th Street to the north, the center line of Sheridan
Avenue to the west, and the center line of Pinetree Drive to the south and east. (See attached Map
18 for site boundaries as recommended by the Planning Board on January 25,2005.)
Commission Memorandum of February 23, 2005
First Reading Public Hearing - Historic Designation
28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station
Page 30f12
DESIGNATION PROCESS
The designation report for a proposed historic site or structure is required to be presented to the
Historic Preservation Board and the Planning Board at separate public hearings. Following public
input, the Historic Preservation Board votes on whether or not the proposed historic site or structure
meets the criteria listed in the Land Development Regulations of the City Code and transmits a
recommendation on historic designation to the Planning Board and City Commission. If the Historic
Preservation Board votes against the designation, no further action is required. If the Historic
Preservation Board votes in favor of designation, the Planning Board reviews the designation report
and formulates its own recommendation. The recommendations of both Boards, along with the
designation report, are presented to the City Commission. Because in this instance the proposed
ordinance involves an area of less than ten (10) contiguous acres, the City Commission must hold
one (1) public hearing on the designation. Upon conclusion of the hearing, the City Commission
can immediately adopt the ordinance with a 5/7 majority vote.
RELATION TO ORDINANCE CRITERIA
1. In accordance with Section 118-592 in the Land Development Regulations of the City Code,
eligibility for historic designation is determined on the basis of compliance with the listed criteria
set forth below.
(a) The Historic Preservation Board shall have the authority to recommend that properties
be designated as historic buildings, historic structures, historic improvements, historic
landscape features, historic interiors (architecturally significant public portions only),
historic sites or historic districts if they are significant in the historical, architectural,
cultural, aesthetic or archeological heritage of the city, the county, state or nation. Such
properties shall possess an integrity of location, design, setting, materials,
workmanship, feeling or association and meet at least one (1) of the following criteria:
(1) Association with events that have made a significant contribution to the history
of the city, the county, state or nation;
(2) Association with the lives of persons significant in the city's past history;
(3) Embody the distinctive characteristics of an historical period, architectural or
design style or method of construction;
(4) Possesses high artistic values;
(5) Represent the work of a master, serve as an outstanding or representative work
of a master designer, architect or builder who contributed to our historical,
aesthetic or architectural heritage;
(6) Have yielded, or are likely to yield information important in pre-history or history;
(7) Be listed in the National Register of Historic Places;
(8) Consist of a geographically definable area that possesses a significant
concentration of sites, buildings or structures united by historically significant
past events or aesthetically by plan or physical development, whose
components may lack individual distinction.
Commission Memorandum of February 23, 2005
First Reading Public Hearing - Historic Designation
28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station
Page 4 of 12
(b) A building, structure (including the public portions of the interior), improvement or
landscape feature may be designated historic even if it has been altered if the alteration
is reversible and the most significant architectural elements are intact and repairable.
2. The 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station are eligible for designation as an historic structure
as they comply with the criteria as specified in Section 118-592 in the Land Development
Regulations of the City Code outlined above.
(a) Staff finds the proposed historic structure to be eligible for historic designation and in
conformance with the designation criteria for the following reasons:
(1) Association with events that have made a sianificant contribution to the
history of the city. the county. state or nation;
The 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station are associated with several
significant events from the early development period and the land development
boom in Miami Beach. In 1915, the year of its incorporation, the total assessed
property value in Miami Beach was $244,815. Beginning in 1920, the growth of
Miami Beach was exceptional. The City of Miami Beach engaged Allen Hazen,
George C. Whipple and Weston E. Fuller, civil engineers from New York City, to
plan its water supply, sewerage, and sewage disposal system in 1921. They
were one of the leading private consulting engineering firms in the country at
that time.
By 1923, the development of Miami Beach burst ahead with $8 million in total
assessed property value. It was the biggest increase stnce the development of
Miami Beach started and the beginning of the land development boom.
Announcements were made each day of record building permits, new residents,
and prominent visitors. In 1923, Miami Beach constructed a sewer system to
provide service to a rapidly growing population. This sewer system served the
southern portion of the City from the Collins Canal south to Government Cut.
The land development boom peaked in 1925 when the total assessed property
value in Miami Beach jumped from $12 million in 1924 to an astonishing $42
million just one year later. Miami Beach saw a greater influx of people from
other states and countries in 1925 than any previous winter season. That same
year the sewer system was expanded to service the area from the Collins Canal
north to Surprise Lake. Due to the flatness of the land, a new pumping station
was required at 28th Street between Pinetree Drive and Sheridan Avenue. In
1925, the City of Miami Beach hired the same consulting engineering firm, then
Hazen and Whipple, to design the new pumping station and obelisk. (Fuller left
the Hazen firm in 1924.)
On June 16, 1925, the City of Miami Beach received the area known today as
Fairgreen Park via a perpetual easement from John Collins' Miami Beach
Improvement Company for the purpose of constructing and operating the new
pumping station. The development company directly benefited from having a
sanitary sewer system within the vicinity of its property. The construction of the
28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station was completed by December 4, 1926.
Commission Memorandum of February 23, 2005
First Reading Public Hearing - Historic Designation
28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station
Page 5 of 12
(2) Association with the lives of persons sianificant in the city's past history:
John Stiles Collins. (1837-1928) In 1925, John Collins' Miami Beach
Improvement Company deeded a parcel of land to the City of Miami Beach for
the erection of a pumping station at 28th Street and Pinetree Drive. Collins, a
Quaker and a horticulturalist from New Jersey, was one of the investors in the
failed coconut planting project of 1882 on the 65-mile coastal tract from Key
Biscayne to Jupiter, Florida. In 1907, Collins and Elnathan Field established a
farm on the rich high ground west of Indian Creek roughly between present day
30th Street and 46th Street Oust north of the future site of the 28th Street
Obelisk and Pumping Station). In 1909, Collins bought Fields' interest and
became sole owner of the land from 14th Street to just south of 69th Street
between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay in today's Miami Beach. Collins
planted Australian pines along the farm road to protect the fragile avocado trees
from salt laden winds.
In 1912, Collins and his family formed the Miami Beach Improvement Company.
The development company constructed a canal and a bridge which would
provide two direct routes from the farm to the railroad and harbor at Miami.
These two structures were intended to facilitate transportation of crops, but they
also literally paved the way for further development of the Beach. The Collins
Canal and Collins Bridge were completed in 1912 and 1913, respectively.
The demand for real estate caught up with Collins' farm to the point where he
was ready to subdivide the land and sell out. Although the farm was broken up
and many choice lots were sold in 1923, Collins held substantial acreage from
the real estate market until there was some sense of normalcy in the buying.
Then in late 1925, at the age of 88, Collins put the unsold portions of the farm on
the market. Every lot was sold immediately. From the beginning, this area
proved popular as an exclusive residential neighborhood. Collins' original farm
road with its pine tree windbreak was chosen to remain as a residential
thoroughfare; it was appropriately named Pinetree Drive. In order to meet the
needs of the growing population north of the Collins Canal, the City constructed
a new pumping station at 28th Street and Pinetree Drive in 1926.
Louis F. Snediaar and Claude Renshaw. The 28th Street Obelisk and
Pumping Station were planned for and constructed under the administration of
Miami Beach Mayor Louis F. Snedigar and City Manager Claude Renshaw.
Louis F. Snedigar, nicknamed Red, served four terms as the Mayor of the City of
Miami Beach (1922-1924, 1924-1926, 1928-1930, and 1934-1937) as well as a
member of the Miami Beach City Council (1947-1948) and later the Dade
County Commission. Claude Renshaw, an engineer and the former mayor of
Roundup, Montana, became Miami Beach's first City Manager in 1925. He was
an enduring and well- respected administrator who served Miami Beach for 33
years until he retired on March 1, 1958.
(3) Embody the distinctive characteristics of an historical period. architectural
or desian stYle or method of construction:
Commission Memorandum of February 23, 2005
First Reading Public Hearing - Historic Designation
28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station
Page 60f12
The City of Miami Beach hired Hazen and Whipple, civil engineers from New
York City, to design the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station. The firm
produced final architectural plans for the obelisk and pumping station on
September 15, 1925. A building permit was issued for the $125,000 project on
January 18, 1926. The underground work of the pumping station was finished
by August 1, 1926, and work began on the upper structure by the Merritt-
Chapman & Scott Corporation of New York City. By December 4, 1926, the
construction of the obelisk and platform structure was completed and the
pumping station was put into operation.
The 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station were designed in the
Mediterranean Revival style of architecture with a fine attention to detail.
Mediterranean Revival architecture was the "style of choice" in Miami Beach
from the mid 191 Os to early 1930s. The design of the 28th Street Obelisk and
Pumping Station was appropriate for the surrounding exclusive residential
neighborhood with its beautiful homes and estates of prominent people.
The slender solid masonry obelisk soars 40 feet from an octagonal-shaped
platform structure. The monumental, four-sided shaft of the obelisk rises from a
square base and tapers to a pyramidal apex with three small square vents on
each side. A transition piece, located between the square base and shaft of the
obelisk, features a decorative cast stone cartouche framed with scrolls and
flanked by swags of garland and loose ribbons.
The obelisk is mounted on top of an octagonal-shaped platform structure.
Trefoil-shaped fountain pools with tucked bases decorate the east, west, and
south (now removed) elevations of the structure. Although the fountains are
presently not in operation, water originally spouted from the mouth of a
Japanese-inspired cast stone sea creature into the gracefully curved base of the
pool below. Small double-hung, wooden sash windows (now removed) with
simple wrought iron grilles flank the fountains. Stairs with wrought iron railings
and scrolled end rails lead up to the platform on the north side of the structure.
Wrought iron railings (two sections still remain) alternate between the elevated
back walls of the fountains and frame the perimeter of the platform. Red terra-
cotta tiles finish the floor and steps of the platform. A low landscape wall with
finials and steps (all now demolished) form a perfect circle around the obelisk
and base building. This landscape wall was 62 feet in diameter and traced the
shape of the sewage holding tank below the ground.
(4) Possess hiah artistic values;
The 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago inspired the City Beautiful
movement in America. Advocates of the reform movement sought to improve
their cities through beautification in architecture, landscaping, and city planning.
The era of the City Beautiful movement spanned from 1900 to 1918, but its
influence continued for years to come. It impacted nearly every city in America
through its emphasis on the civic center, the aesthetic design of public streets,
monumental public buildings and facilities, and large expenditures on public
works for all of the citizens to enjoy.
Commission Memorandum of February 23, 2005
First Reading Public Hearing - Historic Designation
28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station
Page 70f12
The City Beautiful movement had a significant impact on the physical
environment of Miami Beach during the City's early development period and
land development boom, which spanned from about 1907 to 1926. Public and
private interests were inspired by this reform movement to beautify the area with
monuments, fountains, parks, and grand public buildings. These improvements
benefited the citizens of Miami Beach, and they attracted new residents,
distinguished visitors, business, and tourists to the rapidly growing City.
The 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station are an excellent example of a
project inspired by the City Beautiful movement in Miami Beach. Although this
1926 structure was carefully crafted to serve a utilitarian function, its fine
attention to detail enhanced the triangular-shaped park (shown on the 1985 plat
map as Fairgreen Park) that established a beautiful landmark on Pinetree Drive
and Sheridan Avenue. Other notable projects that were influenced by the City
Beautiful movement and still survive in Miami Beach include: the Star Island
Water Tower in 1919, the Flagler Memorial and Monument Island in 1920, "The
Polo Player" and "The Great Spirit" statues in 1923 and 1924, ornamental
fountains at 41 st Street and Pinetree Drive as well as 20th Street and Alton
Road in 1924, and the Normandy Isle Fountain in 1925. Miami Beach was also
enhanced with the establishment of two formally designed parks, Collins Park in
1913 and Lummus Park in 1915.
Miami Beach erected two grand public buildings in its endeavor to develop "A
City Beautiful." In 1925, at the peak of the land development boom, City officials
planned the construction of a new City Hall at 1130 Washington Avenue. The
nine-story structure was designed by Martin Luther Hampton in the
Mediterranean Revival style of architecture. Delayed by the devastation of the
great hurricane of 1926, the new City Hall was not realized until 1927 . Today it
is one of Miami Beach's most recognizable and significant landmarks. In 1930,
the John S. Collins Memorial Library and Art Center (now the Bass Museum of
Art) was constructed at 2121 Park Avenue. It was the first building in Miami
Beach dedicated for the principal use as a public library. Designed by Russell T.
Pancoast in the Art Deco style of architecture, the monumental structure was a
key component in the formally designed Collins Park.
(5) Represent the work of a master. serve as an outstandina or representative
work of a master desianer. architect or builder who contributed to our
historical. aesthetic or architectural heritaae:
Hazen and Whipple. One of the great pioneers in water treatment was Allen
Hazen (1869-1930). He was an advocate of slow sand filtration as a means of
safeguarding against disease and an early promoter for the disinfection of
drinking water by chlorination. He was recognized as one of the world's
foremost authorities in the field of water works, encompassing such matters as
sedimentation, filtration, the chemistry of water analysis and treatment, the
design of dams and spillways, and the rational design of water rates of flow. He
also made significant advances in the areas of water pollution as well as
wastewater collection and treatment. During his career, Hazen was invited to
Chicago to oversee the sewage treatment plant for the Columbian Exposition in
Commission Memorandum of February 23, 2005
First Reading Public Hearing - Historic Designation
28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station
Page 8 of 12
1893, and he accompanied President-elect William H. Taft on an inspection of
the construction of the Panama Canal in 1909. There seems little doubt that his
visit to the greatest exhibition of Beaux Arts and Neoclassical Revival
architecture in the United States left a strong imprint on his architectural tastes
for the future.
In 1895, Hazen established a consulting engineering practice in Boston; it was
relocated to New York City about a year later. Hazen was joined by Harvard
professor George C. Whipple in 1904. Whipple was an engineer and
microbiologist with an expertise in treatment processes, microbiology, and water
supply health studies. Hazen and Whipple were one of America's leading
consulting engineering practices who advised on hundreds of projects
throughout the country. Malcolm Pirnie was hired by Hazen and Whipple in
1911 after completing his Master's of Engineering degree at Harvard University.
In 1915, Weston E. Fuller, a sanitary engineer with the firm since 1903, was
made a full partner. The firm was renamed Hazen, Whipple and Fuller.
During the Florida land development boom of the 1920s, the large influx of
population to the state increased the demand for water supplies and the
necessity for sewage systems. Hazen's firm was involved with several major
projects in Florida, including the installation of a rapid sand filter plant to treat the
Loxahatchee water supply for West Palm Beach and Palm Beach in 1919 as
well as developing a well water supply with the Pinellas Water Company in S1.
Petersburg. The City of Miami Beach engaged Hazen, Whipple and Fuller to
plan its water supply, sewerage, and sewage disposal system in 1921. Fuller
departed the Hazen firm in 1924. The City of Miami Beach hired the firm, then
Hazen and Whipple, again in 1925 to design a new pumping station at 28th
Street and PinetreeDrive.
Whipple died in 1928. In June of 1929, just six months after being named
partner, Pirnie left the firm to start his own practice, Malcolm Pirnie Civil
Engineer. Selected work from Hazen's firm continued with Pirnie, including the
Florida projects. After Hazen's death in 1930, Malcolm Pirnie took over the
remainder of the projects from Hazen's firm. In 1937, the City of Miami Beach
hired Malcolm Pirnie Civil Engineer as a consultant on the installation of a 36
inch-diameter cast iron sewer outfall 7,000 feet out into the Atlantic Ocean at
74th Street. That same year Pirnie hired Allen Hazen's son, Richard. In 1951,
Richard Hazen and another Pirnie engineer, Alfred Sawyer, left the firm to found
a new partnership, Hazen and Sawyer. Malcolm Pirnie died in 1967 at the age
of 78. Today Malcolm Pirnie, Inc., and Hazen and Sawyer are two of the most
prominent and highly respected consulting engineering firms in the country.
Merritt-Chapman & Scott Corporation. The Merritt-Chapman & Scott
Corporation was founded in 1860 and headquartered in New York City. They
were involved in marine salvage and wrecking operations. The company also
constructed a wide variety of projects that included public utilities, bridges,
tunnels, airfield and air base facilities, bulkheads, piers, roads, tank farms, dry
docks, shipways, large scale military and civilian housing, hospitals, chemical
Commission Memorandum of February 23, 2005
First Reading Public Hearing - Historic Designation
28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station
Page 90f12
plants, sewage works, industrial plants, schools, dams, steel mills, and
commercial buildings.
In Miami Beach, the Merritt-Chapman & Scott Corporation constructed the upper
structure of the 28th Street Pumping Station in 1926 and the 74th Street sewer
outfall in 1937. Examples of their work outside of Miami Beach include:
dredging and jetty work in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire (1934); the
Pennsylvania Railroad Ore Dock No. 11 in Cleveland, Ohio (1938 and 1945); the
Cedar Point shoreline in Sandusky, Ohio (1940); the E.1. DuPont de Nemours
and Company river bulkhead in Cleveland, Ohio (1941); the Buffalo South
Sewer Outfall in Buffalo, New York (1942); the Presque Isle breakwall in Erie,
Pennsylvania (1944); the concrete foundations of the Mackinac Bridge in
Michigan (1954 to 1957); the general contractor of the Glen Canyon Dam in
Page, Arizona (1956 to 1966); and the joint general contractor of the
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in Virginia (1960 to 1964).
During World War II, the Merritt-Chapman & Scott Corporation completed more
than $5 million in projects for the United States government. The company
partnered with the George A. Fuller Company to construct major military facilities
in Londonderry, Ireland; Reykjavik, Iceland; Argentia, Newfoundland; and
Quonset Point, Rhode Island. The Merritt-Chapman & Scott Corporation was
acquired by the Dunbar and Sullivan Dredging Company of Cleveland, Ohio,
sometime during the 1960s.
(6) Have vielded. or are Iikelv to vield information imoortant in ore-history or
history:
Retention of the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station promote the general
welfare of the City by providing an opportunity for the study and appreciation of
the Mediterranean Revival style of architecture as applied to a utilitarian
structure. It further encapsulates the remarkable history of Miami Beach's sewer
system and the foresight of the City to combine it with high art. The obelisk and
base structure are a landmark which represents the architectural and cultural
history of Miami Beach and provides a valuable sense of history and place
during the City's first land development period. It is important to retain one of
the few remaining public works of art from this era. Public works of art record
our history, express civic pride, and reflect the goals and collective
consciousness of our community.
(7) Be listed in the National Reaister of Historic Places:
Currently, the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station are neither listed
individually as an historic site nor are they located within an historic district on
the National Register of Historic Places. However, they appear to have clear
potential to be determined to be eligible for national historic designation.
(8) Consist of a aeoaraohicallv definable area that oossesses a sianificant
concentration of sites. buildinas or structures united bv historicallv
Commission Memorandum of February 23, 2005
First Reading Public Hearing - Historic Designation
28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station
Page 10 of 12
sianificant cast events or aesthetically by clan or ohysical develooment.
whose comoonents may lack individual distinction:
This criterion is not applicable to an individual historic structure designation.
(b) A buildina, structure (includina the oubUc oortions ofthe interior), imorovement
or landscaoe feature may be desianated historic even if it has been altered if the
alteration is reversible and the most sianificant architectural elements are intact
and reoairable.
Although the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station have been altered over the
years, they maintain most of their original architecture and design integrity. The obelisk
and base structure currently suffer from vandalism and deterioration due to many years
of deferred maintenance prior to Miami Beach's recent economic revitalization in the
1990s. Restoration and appropriate renovation of the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping
Station can be successfully completed by careful analysis of on-site conditions, original
architectural plans, and historical photographs. Despite alterations to this structure and
its present deteriorated condition, the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station are a
beautiful landmark that is prominently located in Fairgreen Park and surrounded by a
fine residential neighborhood.
ANALYSIS OF THE AMENDING ORDINANCE
In reviewing a request for an amendment to the Land Development Regulations of the City Code or
a change in land use, the Planning Board shall consider the following:
1. Whether the proposed change is consistent and compatible with the comprehensive plan and
any applicable neighborhood or redevelopment plans.
Consistent - The proposed historic designation is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan,
specifically with the Historic Preservation Element ofthe Comprehensive Plan's Objective No.1,
which states: ..... increase the total number of structures designated as historically significant
from that number of structures designated in 1988, either individually or as a contributing
structure within a National Register Historic Preservation District or a local Historic Preservation
District."
2. Whether the proposed change would create an isolated district unrelated to adjacent or nearby
districts.
Consistent - The amendment would not change the underlying zoning district for any areas
within the City.
3. Whether the change suggested is out of scale with the needs of the neighborhood or the city.
Consistent - The designation of the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station as a local historic
structure would help to encourage redevelopment and rehabilitation that is compatible with the
scale, characteristics, and needs of the surrounding neighborhood and help to preserve the
special architectural character of the historic built environment.
4. Whether the proposed change would tax the existing load on public facilities and infrastructure.
Commission Memorandum of February 23, 2005 .
First Reading Public Hearing - Historic Designation
28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station
Page 11 of 12
Consistent - The LOS for the area public facilities and infrastructure should not be negatively
affected, if at all, by the proposed amending ordinance.
5. Whether existing district boundaries are illogically drawn in relation to existing conditions on the
property proposed for change.
Consistent - The proposed 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station Historic Structure is located
at 300 West 28th Street in Fairgreen Park. The site boundaries are logically drawn because
they consist of a 67 -foot diameter circular area that includes the original 1926 structure and its
appurtenances (Le. the obelisk, base structure, fountain basins, stairs, 1948 southern addition,
any remains of its 62-foot diameter landscape wall, and the underground 66-foot diameter
holding tank). The 1976 pumping station and its recent expansions in the park are not included
within the site boundaries. A detailed description of the proposed boundaries is delineated
within the attached Designation Report and amending Ordinance.
6. Whether changed or changing conditions make the passage of the proposed change necessary.
Consistent - The success of historic preservation in the ongoing revitalization of Miami Beach
supports the protection of the proposed historic structure. Past demolition of historic structures,
as well as physical deterioration of historic monuments, demonstrates the necessity of this
amendment to maintain the historical integrity of the City.
7. Whether the proposed change will adversely influence living conditions in the neighborhood.
Consistent - The proposed amendment should not adversely influence living conditions or the
quality of life for the surrounding properties. Indeed, the quality of living conditions in
designated historic areas has significantly improved since the City started designating historic
sites and districts. The thousands of Design Review approvals (both substantial rehabilitation
and minor improvements) within the existing historic districts demonstrate this principle. The
historic designation of the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station should significantly assist in
assembling funds necessary for restoration work that will positively affect the quality of life in the
surrounding neighborhood.
8. Whether the proposed change will create or excessively increase traffic congestion beyond the
levels of service as set forth in the comprehensive plan or otherwise affect public safety.
Consistent - As historic designation does not change the permitted land uses, the levels of
service set forth in the Comprehensive Plan will not be affected. Likewise, public safety will not
be affected by historic designation.
9. Whether the proposed change will seriously reduce light and air to adjacent areas.
Consistent - If historic designation results in the retention of existing structures, there will be no
reduction in light and air either on site or to adjacent properties.
10. Whether the proposed change will adversely affect property values in the adjacent area.
Consistent - As property values and value of construction have historically increased in the
existing historic sites and districts, there is no evidence to suggest that designation would
Commission Memorandum of February 23, 2005
First Reading Public Hearing - Historic Designation
28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station
Page 12 of 12
adversely affect property values in the area surrounding the proposed historic designation. To
the contrary, the designation of the historic structure should help to reinforce and promote
continuous quality enhancement of the area.
11. Whether the proposed change will be a deterrent to the improvement or development of
. adjacent property in accordance with existing regulations.
Consistent - The proposed amendment will not change the development regulations for
adjacent properties, which must comply with their own site specific development regulations.
Furthermore, the proposed ordinance should not affect the ability for an adjacent property to be
developed in accordance with said regulations.
12. Whether there are substantial reasons why the property cannot be used in accordance with
existing zoning.
Consistent - The permitted land uses are not affected since the proposed amendment does not
change the underlying zoning district for any property.
13. Whether it is impossible to find other adequate sites in the city for the proposed use in a district
already permitting such use.
Not Applicable
FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed amending ordinance has no associated negative fiscal impact upon enactment.
STAFF ANALYSIS
The proposed historic designation of the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station is appropriate to
protect the aesthetic, architectural, and historical importance of this landmark prominently located
on Pinetree Drive. The positive social and economic impacts that preservation has had on the
revitalization of Miami Beach, as well as worldwide media recognition of the City, is well known.
Local residents and visitors from around the world are seeking the very special urban character of
Miami Beach and its historic monuments, which the Planning Department seeks to preserve. The
historic designation and future restoration of this fine work of art will further underscore Miami
Beach's place among great American cities that understand and protect their history.
As a consequence of the new pumping station construction, which is being completed on the north
side of Fairgreen Park, the Historic Preservation Board concluded that the site boundaries should
be limited to the original 1926 structure and its appurtenances. The Administration concurs with
these findings. Therefore, the Administration recommends that the Mayor and City Commission
adopt the proposed ordinance on first and only reading public hearing by designating the 28th Street
Obelisk and Pumping Station as an historic structure, with the modified boundaries as
recommended by the Historic Preservation Board on December 14, 2004.
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MAP 1A: PROPOSED HISTORIC STRUCTURE BOUNDARIES OF THE 28TH STREET
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THE 28TH STREET OBELISK
AND PUMPING STATION
MIAMI BEACH HISTORIC STRUCTURE
DESIGNATION REPORT
PREPARED BY
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH PLANNING DEPARTMENT
DECEMBER 14, 2004
Revised January 25, 2005
Revised February 23, 2005
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
HISTORIC STRUCTURE DESIGNATION REPORT
THE 28TH STREET OBELISK AND PUMPING STATION
PREPARED BY'
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH PLANNING DEPARTMENT
MIAMI BEACH CITY COMMISSION
David Dermer, Mayor
Simon Cruz, Vice Mayor
Commissioners:
Matti Herrera Bower
Luis R. Garcia, Jr.
Saul Gross
Jose Smith
Richard L. Steinberg
Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager
2
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD
Mitch Novick, Chair
Beth Dunlop, Vice Chair
Judith Berson-Levinson, Ed. D.
Allan Hall
Carie Penabad
Randall Robinson, Jr.
William Taylor
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH PLANNING BOARD
Victor Diaz, Chair
Joy Malakoff, Vice Chair
Theodore Berman
Marlo Courtney
Cathy Leff
Jean-Francois Lejeune
Jerry Libbin
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Jorge G. Gomez, AICP, Director, Planning Department
William H. Cary, Assistant Planning Director
Thomas R. Mooney, AICP, Design and Preservation Manager
PRINCIPAL AUTHOR
Shannon M. Anderton, Senior Planner
PRINCIPAL EDITOR
William H. Cary, Division Director
RESEARCHERS
Shannon M. Anderton, Senior Planner
Carolyn Klepser, Historical Research Consultant
MAP PRODUCTION
Juan Diaz, Planning Technician
Susana Alonso, Planner
3
THE 28TH STREET OBELISK AND PUMPING STATION
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
HISTORIC STRUCTURE DESIGNATION REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. REQUEST.....,...,.,.........,...,..............,..........,..............,....,.........,.....,..., 5
II. DESIGNATION PROCESS.,...,.,...................,.........,.....,..,...........,........... 6
III. RELATION TO ORDINANCE CRITERIA.................................................... 7
IV. DESCRIPTION OF BOUNDARIES............................................................. 17
v. PRESENT OWNERS......,............,....,............,........"....".........,.........."... 18
VI. PRESENT USE.. ..., ... ..... .... ..... ...,. ..., ..., .... ... ...... ..... ..... .................."....,.. 18
VII. PRESENT ZONING...............",..,..................",.......................,............... 18
VIII. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND..,...,........................................................... 19
IX. ARCHITECTURAL BACKGROUND....................,.......,.....,..........,............. 33
X. PLANNING DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS....... ................................ 60
XI. FIGURE INDEX..,............"............................,..............,...."............"..... 62
XII. BIBLIOGRAPHy....,...............".....................,..................................,.,..., 64
4
I. REQUEST
On April 18, 2001, the City Commission unanimously approved a motion (7 to 0) to
designate the Pinetree Drive Historic Roadway as an historic site on first reading public
hearing and scheduled the second reading public hearing for May 16, 2001. The City
Commission, at the suggestion of Commissioner Luis R. Garcia, Jr., also directed staff
to expand the boundaries of the proposed Pinetree Drive Historic Roadway to include
the original 1926 obelisk and pumping station site (inclusive of its park setting), which
is located at 300 West 28th Street between Pinetree Drive and Sheridan Avenue in
Fairgreen Park.
Section 118-591 in the Land Development Regulations of the City Code require certain
procedures to be undertaken in order to include the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping
Station site as an expansion of the original boundaries of the Pinetree Drive Historic
Roadway. The designation review process for expansion would have taken
approximately six months before the proposed expanded boundaries of the Pinetree.
Drive Historic Roadway would have been heard by the City Commission. Due to the
potential threat of alterations to the existing configuration of the road at that time,
staff believed it was prudent to immediately provide historic preservation protection to
the Pinetree Drive Historic Roadway and its Australian pines. Therefore, staff
recommended that the City Commission designate the Pinetree Drive Historic
Roadway, as originally proposed by the Historic Preservation Board, because it would
afford the earliest possible protection to the historic site. Further, it was also
recommended that the City Commission direct staff to prepare a preliminary evaluation
and recommendation report regarding the possible designation of the 28th Street
Obelisk and Pumping Station as a separate historic site in lieu of expanding the
boundaries of the proposed Pinetree Drive Historic Roadway. Staff believed this
request was appropriate due to the structure's special historic character, high quality
architectural design, and visual landmark nature to the surrounding residential
neighborhood and the entire City.
On June 6, 2001, the City Commission unanimously approved the designation (7 to 0)
of the Pinetree Drive Historic Roadway as an historic site on second reading public
hearing. At the same meeting, the City Commission approved a motion (7 to 0) to
direct staff to prepare a preliminary evaluation and recommendation report for.
consideration by the Historic Preservation Board relative to the possible designation of
the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station (inclusive of its park setting) as a
separate historic site.
On June 12, 2001, the Historic Preservation Board reviewed the preliminary evaluation
report, with recommendations prepared by the Planning Department, relative to the
proposed designation of the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station as a local
historic site. The Historic Preservation Board unanimously approved a motion (5 to 0;
1 absence, 1 vacancy) to direct staff to prepare a designation report and schedule a
public hearing relative to the designation of this proposed historic site to be known as
5
the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station Historic Site. The proposed historic site,
as represented in the preliminary evaluation and recommendation report, is generally
bounded by the center line of West 28th Street to the north, the center line of Sheridan
Avenue to the west, and the center line of Pinetree Drive to the south and east.
These boundaries include the original 1926 structure and its appurtenances, the 1976
pumping station and its recent expansions, and all of Fairgreen Park.
On December 14, 2004, the Historic Preservation Board reviewed the designation
report and unanimously approved a motion (7 to 0) to recommend approval of the
historic designation of the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station with modifications
to the site boundaries. The Board reduced the boundaries of the site from all of
Fairgreen Park to only a 67-foot diameter circular area that includes the original 1926
structure and its appurtenances (i.e. the obelisk, base structure, fountain basins,
stairs, 1948 southern addition, any remains of its 62-foot diameter landscape wall,
and the underground 66-foot diameter holding tank). Thereby, the name was changed
from 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station Historic Site to 28th Street Obelisk and
Pumping Station Historic Structure. (See Map 1A for site boundaries as recommended
by the Historic Preservation Board on December 14, 2004.)
On January 25, 2005, the Planning Board reviewed the designation report and
unanimously approved a motion (5 to 0; 2 absences) to recommend approval of the
historic designation of the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station with the expansion
of the site boundaries to include all of Fairgreen Park, The proposed historic structure,
as recommended by the Planning Board, is generally bounded by the center line of
West 28th Street to the north, the center line of Sheridan Avenue to the west, and the
center line of Pinetree Drive to the south and east. (See Map 1 B for site boundaries as
recommended by the Planning Board on January 25, 2005.)
II. DESIGNA liON PROCESS
The process of historic designation is delineated in Sections 118-591 through 118-593
in Subpart B of the Land Development Regulations of the City Code (Chapter 118,
Article X, Division 4). An outline of this process is delineated below.
Step One: A request for designation is made either by the City Commission, the
Historic Preservation Board, other agencies and organizations as listed in
the Land Development Regulations of the City Code, or the property
owners involved. Proposals for designation shall include a completed
application form available from the Planning Department.
Step Two: The Planning Department prepares a preliminary evaluation report with
recommendations for consideration by the Board,
Step Three: The Historic Preservation Board considers the preliminary evaluation to
determine if proceeding with a designation report is warranted.
6
The designation report is an historical and architectural analysis of the
proposed district or site. The report:
1) describes the historic, architectural and/or archeological
significance of the property or subject area proposed for Historical
Site or District designation;
2) recommends Evaluation Guidelines to be used by the Board to
evaluate the appropriateness and compatibility of proposed
Developments affecting the designated Site or District; and
3) will serve as an attachment to the Land Development Regulations
of the City Code,
Step Four: The designation report is presented to the Board at a public hearing. If
the Board determines that the proposed site or district satisfies the
requirements for designation as set forth in the Land Development
Regulations of the City Code, the Board transmits a recommendation in
favor of designation to the Planning Board and City Commission.
Step Five: The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed
designation, and shall consider the proposed historic designation as an
amendment to the Land Development Regulations of the City Code and,
subsequently, transmit its recommendation to the City Commission.
Step Six: The City Commission may adopt an amendment to the Land
Development Regulations of the City Code which thereby designates the
Historic Preservation Site or Historic District after one (1) public hearing
for a parcel of land less than ten (10) contiguous acres or after two (2)
public hearings for a parcel of land which is more than ten (10)
contiguous acres.
III. RELATION TO ORDINANCE CRITERIA
1. In accordance with Section 118-592 in the Land Development Regulations of
the City Code, eligibility for designation is determined on the basis of
compliance with the listed criteria set forth below.
(a) The Historic Preservation Board shall have the authority to recommend
that properties be designated as historic buildings, historic structures,
historic improvements, historic landscape features, historic interiors
(architecturally significant public portions only), historic sites or historic
districts if they are significant in the historical, architectural, cultural,
aesthetic or archeological heritage of the city, the county, state or
nation. Such properties shall possess an integrity of location, design,
7
setting, materials, workmanship, feeling or association and meet at least
one (1) of the following criteria:
(1) Association with events that have made a significant contribution
to the history of the city, the county, state or nation;
(2) Association with the lives of persons significant in the city's past
history;
(3) Embody the distinctive characteristics of an historical period,
architectural or design style or method of construction;
(4) Possesses high artistic values;
(5) Represent the work of a master, serve as an outstanding or
representative work of a master designer, architect or builder who
contributed to our historical, aesthetic or architectural heritage;
(6) Have yielded, or are likely to yield information important in pre-
history or history;
(7) Be listed in the National Register of Historic Places;
(8) Consist of a geographically definable area that possesses a
significant concentration of sites, buildings or structures united by
historically significant past events or aesthetically by plan or
physical development, whose components may lack individual
distinction.
(b) A building, structure (including the public portions of the interior),
improvement or landscape feature may be designated historic even if it
has been altered if the alteration is reversible and the most significant
architectural elements are intact and repairable.
2. The 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station are eligible for designation as an
historic structure as they comply with the criteria as specified in Section 118-
592 in the Land Development Regulations of the City Code outlined above.
(a) Staff finds the proposed historic structure to be eligible for historic
designation and in conformance with the designation criteria for the
following reasons:
8
( 1 ) Association with events that have made a siQnificant contribution
to the history of the city, the county, state or nation;
The 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station are associated with
several significant events from the early development period and
the land development boom in Miami Beach. In 1915, the year of
its incorporation, the total assessed property value in Miami Beach
was $244,815. Beginning in 1920, the growth of Miami Beach
was exceptional. The City of Miami Beach engaged Allen Hazen,
George C. Whipple and Weston E. Fuller, civil engineers from New
York City, to plan its water supply, sewerage, and sewage
disposal system in 1921. They were one of the leading private
consulting engineering firms in the country at that time.
By 1923, the development of Miami Beach burst ahead with $8
million in total assessed property value. It was the biggest
increase since the development of Miami Beach started and the
beginning of the land development boom. Announcements were
made each day of record building permits, new residents, and
prominent visitors, In 1923, Miami Beach constructed a sewer
system to provide service to a rapidly growing population, This
sewer system served the southern portion of the City from the
Collins Canal south to Government Cut.
The land development boom peaked in 1925 when the total
assessed property value in Miami Beach jumped from $12 million
in 1924 to an astonishing $42 million just one year later. Miami
Beach saw a greater influx of people from other states and
countries in 1925 than any previous winter season. That same
year the sewer system was expanded to service the area from the
Collins Canal north to Surprise Lake. Due to the flatness of the
land, a new pumping station was required at 28th Street between
Pinetree Drive and Sheridan Avenue. In 1925, the City of Miami
Beach hired the same consulting engineering firm, then Hazen and
Whipple, to design the new pumping station and obelisk. (Fuller
left the Hazen firm in 1924.)
On June 16, 1925, the City of Miami Beach received the area
known today as Fairgreen Park via a perpetual easement from
John Collins' Miami Beach Improvement Company for the purpose
of constructing and operating the new pumping station. The
development company directly benefited from having a sanitary
sewer system within the vicinity of its property. The construction
of the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station was completed by
December 4, 1926.
9
(2) Association with the lives of persons siQnificant in the city's past
history;
John Stiles Collins. (1837-1928) In 1925, John Collins' Miami
Beach Improvement Company deeded a parcel of land to the City
of Miami Beach for the erection of a pumping station at 28th
Street and Pinetree Drive. Collins, a Quaker and a horticulturalist
from New Jersey, was one of the investors in the failed coconut
planting project of 1882 on the 65-mile coastal tract from Key
Biscayne to Jupiter, Florida. In 1907, Collins and Elnathan Field
established a farm on the rich high ground west of Indian Creek
roughly between present day 30th Street and 46th Street (just
north of the future site of the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping
Station). In 1909, Collins bought Fields' interest and became sole
owner of the land from 14th Street to just south of 69th Street
between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay in today's Miami
Beach. Collins planted Australian pines along the farm road to
protect the fragile avocado trees from salt laden winds.
In 1912, Collins and his family formed the Miami Beach
Improvement Company. The development company constructed a
canal and a bridge which would provide two direct routes from the
farm to the railroad and harbor at Miami. These two structures
were intended to facilitate transportation of crops, but they also
literally paved the way for further development of the Beach. The
Collins Canal and Collins Bridge were completed in 1912 and
1913, respectively.
The demand for real estate caught up with Collins' farm to the
point where he was ready to subdivide the land and sell out.
Although the farm was broken up and many choice lots were sold
in 1923, Collins held substantial acreage from the real estate
market until there was some sense of normalcy in the buying.
Then in late 1925, at the age of 88, ~ollins put the unsold
portions of the farm on the market. Every lot was sold
immediately. From the beginning, this area proved popular as an
exclusive residential neighborhood. Collins' original farm road with
its pine tree windbreak was chosen to remain as a residential
thoroughfare; it was appropriately named Pinetree Drive. In order
to meet the needs of the growing population north of the Collins
Canal, the City constructed a new pumping station at 28th Street
and Pinetree Drive in 1926.
Louis F. SnediQar and Claude Renshaw. The 28th Street Obelisk
and Pumping Station were planned for and constructed under the
10
administration of Miami Beach Mayor Louis F. Snedigar and City
Manager Claude Renshaw. Louis F. Snedigar, nicknamed Red,
served four terms as the Mayor of the City of Miami Beach (1922-
1924, 1924-1926, 1928-1930, and 1934-1937) as well as a
member of the Miami Beach City Council (1947-1948) and later
the Dade County Commission. Claude Renshaw, an engineer and
the former mayor of Roundup, Montana, became Miami Beach's
first City Manager in 1925. He was an enduring and well-
respected administrator who served Miami Beach for 33 years
until he retired on March 1, 1958.
(3) Embody the distinctive characteristics of an historical period,
architectural or desiQn style or method of construction;
The City of Miami Beach hired Hazen and Whipple, civil engineers
from New York City, to design the 28th Street Obelisk and
Pumping Station. The firm produced final architectural plans for
the obelisk and pumping station on September 15, 1925. A
building permit was issued for the $125,000 project on January
18, 1926. The underground work of the pumping station was
finished by August 1, 1926, and work began on the upper
structure by the Merritt-Chapman & Scott Corporation of New
York City. By December 4, 1926, the construction of the obelisk
and platform structure was completed and the pumping station .
was put into operation.
The 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station were designed in the
Mediterranean Revival style of architecture with a fine attention to
detail. Mediterranean Revival architecture was the "style of
choice" in Miami Beach from the mid 191 Os to early 1930s, The
design of the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station was
appropriate for the surrounding exclusive residential neighborhood
with its beautiful homes and estates of prominent people.
The slender solid masonry obelisk soars 40 feet from an
octagonal-shaped platform structure. The monumental, four-sided
shaft of the obelisk rises from a square base and tapers to a
pyramidal apex with three small square vents on each side. A
transition piece, located between the square base and shaft of the
obelisk, features a decorative cast stone cartouche framed with
scrolls and flanked by swags of garland and loose ribbons.
The obelisk is mounted on top of an octagonal-shaped platform
structure. Trefoil-shaped fountain pools with tucked bases
decorate the east, west, and south (now removed) elevations of
11
the structure. Although the fountains are presently not in
operation, water originally spouted from the mouth of a Japanese-
inspired cast stone sea creature into the gracefully curved base of
the pool below. Small double-hung, wooden sash windows (now
removed) with simple wrought iron grilles flank the fountains,
Stairs with wrought iron railings and scrolled end rails lead up to
the platform on the north side of the structure. Wrought iron
railings (two sections still remain) alternate between the elevated
back walls of the fountains and frame the perimeter of the
platform. Red terra-cotta tiles finish the floor and steps of the
platform. A low landscape wall with finials and steps (all now
demolished) form a perfect circle around the obelisk and base
building. This landscape wall was 62 feet in diameter and traced
the shape of the sewage holding tank below the ground.
(4) Possess high artistic values;
The 1893 Columbian Exposition In Chicago inspired the City
Beautiful movement in America. Advocates of the reform
movement sought to improve their cities through beautification in
architecture, landscaping, and city planning. The era of the City
Beautiful movement spanned from 1900 to 1918, but its influence
continued for years to come. It impacted nearly every city in
America through its emphasis on the civic center, the aesthetic
design of public streets, monumental public buildings and facilities,
and large expenditures on public works for all of the citizens to
enjoy.
The City Beautiful movement had a significant impact on the
physical environment of Miami Beach during the City's early
development period and land development boom, which spanned
from about 1907 to 1926. Public and private interests were
inspired by this reform movement to beautify the area with.
monuments, fountains, parks, and grand public buildings. These
improvements benefited the citizens of Miami Beach, and they
attracted new residents, distinguished visitors, business, and
tourists to the rapidly growing City.
The 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station are an excellent
example of a project inspired by the City Beautiful movement in
Miami Beach. Although this 1926 structure was carefully crafted
to serve a utilitarian function, its fine attention to detail enhanced
the triangular-shaped park (shown on the 1985 plat map as
Fairgreen Park) that established a beautiful landmark on Pinetree
Drive and Sheridan Avenue. Other notable projects that were
12
influenced by the City Beautiful movement and still survive in
Miami Beach include: the Star Island Water Tower in 1919, the
Flagler Memorial and Monument Island in 1920, "The Polo Player"
and "The Great Spirit" statues in 1923 and 1924, ornamental
fountains at 41st Street and Pinetree Drive as well as 20th Street
and Alton Road in 1924, and the Normandy Isle Fountain in 1925.
Miami Beach was also enhanced with the establishment of two
formally designed parks, Collins Park in 1913 and Lummus Park in
1915.
Miami Beach erected two grand public buildings in its endeavor to
develop "A City Beautiful." In 1925, at the peak of the land
development boom, City officials planned the construction of a
new City Hall at 1130 Washington Avenue. The nine-story
structure was designed by Martin Luther Hampton in the
Mediterranean Revival style of architecture. Delayed by the
devastation of the great hurricane of 1926, the new City Hall was
not realized until 1927. Today it is one of Miami Beach's most
recognizable and significant landmarks. In 1930, the John S.
Collins Memorial Library and Art Center (now the Bass Museum of
Art) was constructed at 2121 Park Avenue. It was the first
building in Miami Beach dedicated for the principal use as a public
library. Designed by Russell T. Pancoast in the Art Deco style of
architecture, the monumental structure was a key component in
the formally designed Collins Park.
(5) Represent the work of a master, serve as an outstandinQ or
representative work of a master desiQner, architect or builder who
contributed to our historical, aesthetic or architectural heritaQe;
Hazen and Whipple. One of the great pioneers in water treatment
was Allen Hazen (1869-1930). He was an advocate of slow sand
filtration as a means of safeguarding against disease and an early
promoter for the disinfection of drinking water by chlorination. He
was recognized as one of the world's foremost authorities in the
field of water works, encompassing such matters as
sedimentation, filtration, the chemistry of water analysis and
treatment, the design of dams and spillways, and the rational
design of water rates of flow. He also made significant advances
in the areas of water pollution as well as wastewater collection
and treatment. During his career, Hazen was invited to Chicago to
oversee the sewage treatment plant for the Columbian Exposition
in 1893, and he accompanied President-elect William H. Taft on an
inspection of the construction of the Panama Canal in 1909.
There seems little doubt that his visit to the greatest exhibition of
13
Beaux Arts and Neoclassical Revival architecture in the United
States left a strong imprint on his architectural tastes for the
future.
In 1895, Hazen established a consulting engineering practice in
Boston; it was relocated to New York City about a year later,
Hazen was joined by Harvard professor George C. Whipple in
1904, Whipple was an engineer and microbiologist with an
expertise in treatment processes, microbiology, and water supply
health studies, Hazen and Whipple were one of America's leading
consulting engineering practices who advised on hundreds of
projects throughout the country. Malcolm Pirnie was hired by
Hazen and Whipple in 1911 after completing his Master's of
Engineering degree at Harvard University. In 1915, Weston E.
Fuller, a sanitary engineer with the firm since 1903, was made a
full partner. The firm was renamed Hazen, Whipple and Fuller.
During the Florida land development boom of the 1920s, the large
influx of population to the state increased the demand for water
supplies and the necessity for sewage systems. Hazen's firm was
involved with several major projects in Florida, including the
installation of a rapid sand filter plant to treat the Loxahatchee
water supply for West Palm Beach and Palm Beach in 1919 as
well as developing a well water supply with the Pinellas Water
Company in St. Petersburg. The City of Miami Beach engaged
Hazen, Whipple and Fuller to plan its water supply, sewerage, and
sewage disposal system in 1921. Fuller departed the Hazen firm
in 1924. The City of Miami Beach hired the firm, then Hazen and
Whipple, again in 1925 to design a new pumping station at 28th
Street and Pinetree Drive.
Whipple died in 1928. In June of 1929, just six months after
being named partner, Pirnie left the firm to start his own practice,
Malcolm Pirnie Civil Engineer. Selected work from Hazen's firm
continued with Pirnie, including the Florida projects. After Hazen's
death in 1930, Malcolm Pirnie took over the remainder of the
projects from Hazen's firm. In 1937, the City of Miami Beach
hired Malcolm Pirnie Civil Engineer as a consultant on the
installation of a 36 inch-diameter cast iron sewer outfall 7,000
feet out into the Atlantic Ocean at 74th Street. That same year
Pirnie hired Allen Hazen's son, Richard. In 1951, Richard Hazen
and another Pirnie engineer, Alfred Sawyer, left the firm to found a
new partnership, Hazen and Sawyer. Malcolm Pirnie died in 1967
at the age of 78. Today Malcolm Pirnie, Inc., and Hazen and
14
Sawyer are two of the most prominent and highly respected
consulting engineering firms in the country.
Merritt-Chapman & Scott Corporation. The Merritt-Chapman &
Scott Corporation was founded in 1860 and headquartered in New
York City. They were involved in marine salvage and wrecking
operations. The company also constructed a wide variety of
projects that included public utilities, bridges, tunnels, airfield and
air base facilities, bulkheads, piers, roads, tank farms, dry docks,
shipways, large scale military and civilian housing, hospitals,
chemical plants, sewage works, industrial plants, schools, dams,
steel mills, and commercial buildings.
In Miami Beach, the Merritt-Chapman & Scott Corporation
constructed the upper structure of the 28th Street Pumping
Station in 1926 and the 74th Street sewer outfall in 1937.
Examples of their work outside of Miami Beach include: dredging
and jetty work in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire (1934); the
Pennsylvania Railroad Ore Dock No. 11 in Cleveland, Ohio (1938
and 1945); the Cedar Point shoreline in Sandusky, Ohio (1940);
the E.1. DuPont de Nemours and Company river bulkhead in
Cleveland, Ohio (1941); the Buffalo South Sewer Outfall in
Buffalo, New York (1942); the Presque Isle breakwall in Erie,
Pennsylvania (1944); the concrete foundations of the Mackinac
Bridge in Michigan (1954 to 1957); the general contractor of the
Glen Canyon Dam in Page, Arizona (1956 to 1966); and the joint
general contractor of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in Virginia
(1960 to 1964).
During World War II, the Merritt-Chapman & Scott Corporation
completed more than $ 5 million in projects for the United States
government. The company partnered with the George A. Fuller
Company to construct major military facilities in Londonderry,
Ireland; Reykjavik, Iceland; Argentia, Newfoundland; and Quonset
Point, Rhode Island. The Merritt-Chapman & Scott Corporation
was acquired by the Dunbar and Sullivan Dredging Company of
Cleveland, Ohio, sometime during the 1960s.
(6) Have vielded, or are Iikelv to vield information important in pre-
history or history;
Retention of the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station promote
the general welfare of the City by providing an opportunity for the
study and appreciation of the Mediterranean Revival style of
architecture as applied to a utilitarian structure. It further
15
encapsulates the remarkable history of Miami Beach's sewer
system and the foresight of the City to combine it with high art.
The obelisk and base structure are a landmark which represents
the architectural and cultural history of Miami Beach and provides
a valuable sense of history and place during the City's first land
development period. It is important to retain one of the few
remaining public works of art from this era. Public works of art
record our history, express civic pride, and reflect the goals and
collective consciousness of our community.
(7) Be listed in the National Reaister of Historic Places;
Currently, the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station are neither
listed individually as an historic site nor are they located within an
historic district on the National Register of Historic Places.
However, they appear to have clear potential to be determined to
be eligible for national historic designation.
(8) Consist of a aeoaraphically definable area that possesses a
sianificant concentration of sites, buildinas or structures united by
historically sianificant past events or aesthetically by plan or
physical development, whose components may lack individual
distinction;
This criterion is not applicable to an individual historic structure
designation.
(b) A buildina, structure {includina the public portions of the interior},
improvement or landscape feature may be desianated historic even if it
has been altered if the alteration is reversible and the most sianificant
architectural elements are intact and repairable.
Although the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station have been altered
over the years, they maintain most of their original architecture and
design integrity. The obelisk and base structure currently suffer from
vandalism and deterioration due to many years of deferred maintenance
prior to Miami Beach's recent economic revitalization in the 1990s.
Restoration and appropriate renovation of the 28th Street Obelisk and
Pumping Station can be successfully completed by careful analysis of on-
site conditions, original architectural plans, and historical photographs.
Despite alterations to this structure and its present deteriorated
condition, the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station are a beautiful
landmark that is prominently located in Fairgreen Park and surrounded by
a fine residential neighborhood.
16
IV. DESCRIPTION OF BOUNDARIES
On December 14, 2004, the Historic Preservation Board reviewed the designation
report and unanimously approved a motion (7 to 0) to recommend approval of the
historic designation of the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station with modifications
to the site boundaries (see Map 1 A). The Board reduced the boundaries of the site
from all of Fairgreen Park to only a 67-foot diameter circular area that includes the
original 1926 structure and its appurtenances (i.e. the obelisk, base structure, fountain
basins, stairs, 1948 southern addition, any remains of its 62-foot diameter landscape
wall, and the underground 66-foot diameter holding tank).
A detailed legal description of the boundaries for the proposed historic structure, as
recommended by the Historic Preservation Board on December 14, 2004, is as
follows:
A portion of land that is located in Section 27, Township 53 South,
Range 42 East, and bounded by the perimeter of a circumference having
a radius of 33.50 feet and an arc length of 210.49 feet. The location of
the radius point of said circumference is described as follows:
Commence at the point of intersection of the eastern right-of-way line of
Sheridan Avenue and the northern right-of-way line of West 28th Street,
as shown in SAUDOR COURT, recorded in Plat Book 35, at Page 20,
Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida; thence South 80 25' 08"
West, along the extension of the eastern right-of-way line of Sheridan
Avenue for a distance of 32.89 feet to the point of intersection with the
center line of said West 28th Street; thence North 740 13' 22" East,
along the center line of said West 28th Street for a distance of 73.05
feet; thence South 150 46' 38" East, at a right angle with the center line
of said West 28th Street for a distance of 102.64 feet to the radius point
(center of obelisk) of the above mentioned circumference. Said lands
located, lying and being in the City of Miami Beach, Miami-Dade County,
Florida, and containing 3,526 square feet (more or less).
17
V. PRESENT OWNERS
The City of Miami Beach has owned and controlled the property since it was deeded to
the City of Miami Beach by John Collins' Miami Beach Improvement Company on June
16, 1925. (The perpetual easement which transfers the described property from the
Miami Beach Improvement Company to the City of Miami Beach was recorded in Deed
Book 666, Page 79, on June 25, 1925.)
VI. PRESENT USE
The current use within the boundaries of the proposed historic structure is a non-active
pumping station that is surrounded by a passive park setting on the south and east
sides and an active modern pumping station on the north and west sides, portions of
which are still under construction.
VII. PRESENT ZONING
The established zoning district within the boundaries of the proposed historic structure
is GU or Government Use. Please refer to the zoning map for more detailed
information (Map 2).
18
VIII. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Historical Overview. In order to better understand the creation of the 28th Street
Obelisk and Pumping Station, it is necessary to recall the early development history of
Miami Beach.
Miami Beach was originally part of the 65-mile coastal tract that was planted with
coconuts in a commercial project by New Jersey investors Henry Lum, Elnathan Field,
and Ezra Osborn. Lum purchased from the government the oceanfront land from
today's 11 th Street to Fisher Island in Miami Beach. (He later sold most of this land to
J.E. and J.N. Lummus.) Field and Osborn bought from the government the coastal
land that extended from the Lum property north to Jupiter and south to Key Biscayne,
Together Lum, Field, and Osborn acquired all of the coastal land, with minor breaks,
between Key Biscayne and Jupiter by 1882 and early 1883.'
During the course of three years, over 300,000 coconuts were shipped in from the
Caribbean and cast ashore to be planted by a mobile work crew. The first camp site
for the coconut planting operations was located in the area of today's Lummus Park in
Miami Beach. The planters had sown 38,000 coconuts by the fall of 1883, and the
camp moved south to Key Biscayne. The subsequent camp sites were located at the
Biscayne House of Refuge, just south of today's 72nd Street, and then the Ft.
Lauderdale House of Refuge about nine miles south of the Hillsboro Inlet. By the third
year of work, they had planted 334,000 coconuts of the originally proposed 450,000,
and the company's finances were virtually exhausted. It was at this point that John
Collins was advised of the project. Collins (1837-1928) was a Quaker and a
horticulturalist from New Jersey. He advanced $5,000 to his friend Field so that the
work could proceed. Of course the coconut planting project was unsuccessful, but it
was the first major effort to commercialize Miami Beach.2
In 1896, Collins traveled to Miami to investigate the failed coconut planting project.
After examining the Field and Osborn property, he still saw agricultural promise in the
coastal tract. Collins bought Osborn's share of the property and thereby became
partners with Field in 1907. They established a farm on the rich high ground west of
Indian Creek roughly between present day 30th Street and 46th Street3 (just north of
the future site of the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station) (see Figure 1). It was
located 1,000 feet west of the ocean and was a mile long and about 700 feet wide.
The land clearing for the farm eventually covered 160 acres. Farm buildings were
constructed on the western shore of Indian Creek at today's 41 st Street. Collins
, Howard Kleinberg, Miami Beach (Miami, Florida: Centennial Press, 1994). pp. 10-14.
2 Ruby Leach Carson, "Forty Years of Miami Beach," TeQuesta, volume XV, 1955, pp. 6-7.
3 Biscayne Engineering Company, Miami Beach Improvement Company, "Plat Map of the Ocean Front
Property," 11 December 1912, sheets 1 and 2.
19
planted 2,945 avocado
trees in the summer of
1907 and 1908. In 1909,
Collins bought Fields'
interest and became sole
owner of the land from
what is now 14th Street to
just south of 69th Street
between the Atlantic
Ocean and Biscayne Bay.
In addition to avocado
trees, Collins planted
potatoes, bananas, and
mango trees. By 1913,
Collins' farm occupied a
full 300 acres, 200 of
which were planted with
avocado trees. At its
peak, there were a total of
10,000 avocado and
mango trees growing in
the farm's orchard.4
Figure 1 This 1914 photo was taken looking to the north of the Collins
Canal (lower left) in Miami Beach. It shows John Collins' farm (left) and
Lake Pancoast (middle right). The furrows in the ground (middle left) were
rows of castor beans planted during World War I. Collins participated in a
government-assisted plan that used the extracted castor bean oil for
airplanes. The home of Thomas J. Pancoast, Collins' son-in-law, is visible on
the northern bank of Lake Pancoast at 2600 Collins Avenue (upper right).
"At first it appeared [Collins'} efforts with avocados would parallel the failure of earlier
coconut plantings. In the case of avocados, the wind sweeping in off the ocean
across the narrow strip and Indian Creek and into his orchards was damaging the
crop. ,,5 "To protect the young grove from the wind, Collins planted the twin lanes of
Australian pine trees which later became Pinetree Drive.,,6 (See Figure 2.)
Collins was joined in Florida by his sons Arthur, Lester, and Irving Collins, and his
daughter Katherine and her husband, Thomas J. Pancoast. On June 3, 1912, the
family formed the Miami Beach Improvement Company. 7 This appears to be the first
official use of the term "Miami Beach," even before the town was incorporated.
(Miami Beach was incorporated as a town on March 26, 1915, and later as a city on
May 1, 1917.) The company platted some of their land holdings for sale and dredged
the marshy southern end of Indian Creek (today's Lake Pancoast). The company also
4 Charles Edgar Nash, The MaQic of Miami Beach (Philadelphia: David McKay Company, 1938), pp.
86-89 and 107.
5 Kleinberg, p. 24.
6 Carson, p. 8.
7 Carson, p. 9.
20
planned two other ambitious projects: a canal linking Indian Creek to Biscayne Bay and
a 2.5 mile-long wooden bridge across the bay. Collins sought a canal to move his
crops more efficiently to market. After an arduous dredging process, the Collins Canal
was completed in 191 2 and still survives as the oldest manmade structure in the City.
The construction of the bridge across Biscayne Bay, however, strained Collins'
finances to the limit: "A long struggle to get the permit was followed by failure of his
contractors, and just when things looked blackest an angel was found in Carl G.
Fisher, who...provided the cash and zip to transform a desolate sand bank into the
world's most dazzling resort. ,,8
"Carl Fisher [1874-1939] was a high-living Industrialist from Indiana who made a
fortune with Prest-O-Lite automobile headlamps and built the Indianapolis Speedway.
When he learned of Collins' financial difficulty, Fisher decided to bail him out and
include himself in. On January 21, 1913, he advanced Collins $50,000 in bonds to
complete the bridge and, in turn, was given 200 acres of land [between present day
14th Street and 19th Street] on the beach. It ran from the ocean to the bay, 1,800
feet wide north and south. It was but a beginning for Fisher, who was to carve an
empire out of it. ,19
Indeed, it was John Collins' ambitious bridge project at age 75 that first caught Carl
Fisher's attention and admiration and introduced him into the history of Miami Beach.
With Fisher's financial assistance, the Collins Bridge was completed in 1913, an
engineering marvel and the longest wooden bridge in the world at the time. It was the
only link with the mainland until the County (now MacArthur) Causeway opened in
1920. Miami Beach was developing so rapidly that the bridge quickly outgrew its
usefulness after only a dozen years of use. The Collins Bridge was dismantled in 1925
and then replaced by the Venetian Causeway in 1926.10
In 1916, Fisher built the Miami Beach (now Municipal Par 3) Golf Course slightly west
of the future site of the obelisk and pumping station at 28th Street and Pinetree Drive.
The 18-hole golf course was divided in the middle by Dade Boulevard. The first nine
holes and the clubhouse (now the 21 st Street Community Center) extended from the
Collins Canal south to Lincoln Lane between Washington Avenue and the Meridian
. Avenue bridle path. The second nine holes lay north of Dade Boulevard up to 28th
Street between Pinetree Drive and Prairie Avenue (see Figure 8).
By 1919, the Collins family owned a large tract of land but did not have enough funds
to develop it. Fisher, on the other hand, had a lot of cash and a desire to develop
more land in Miami Beach, They agreed to form a partnership and established the
8 Lorenz More, Florida Hotel and Travel Guide (New York: Florida Guide Company, 1942), p. 282.
9 Kleinberg, p. 30.
10 Kleinberg, pp. 65 and 104.
21
Miami Beach Bay Shore Company in
March of 1919. The Collins family
contributed $100,000 in cash and about
360 acres of low land generally located
on the western side of Miami Beach and
north of the Collins Canal. Fisher
purchased the adjoining 165 acres of
land from a Mr. Richardson and
advanced sufficient funds to clear,
bulkhead, and fill all of the land by
suction dredge from Biscayne Bay. 11
Together Fisher and the Collins family
controlled the land generally west of
Indian Creek from Dade Boulevard to
just south of 69th Street with minor
brea ks. 12 Fisher held a 51 percent
interest in the company and the Collins
family held a 49 percent interest.
According to historian Polly Redford,
they formed a "partnership to dredge,
fill, and improve their unused land, plus
an agreement to develop [Fisher's] Alton
Beach and [the Collins family's] Miami
Beach as one large unit. ,,13 (By 1935,
the Collins family assumed control of
the Miami Beach Bay Shore Company
after Fisher filed for personal
bankruptcy.14)
.. ~
Iii...... .r;f-'
'.'e~ ~ -
.; ~.l{l- '"
Figure 2 John Collins' original farm road with its pine tree
windbreak evolved into a residential thoroughfare around
1920. This photo was taken looking down (south)
Pinetree Drive in 1921.
On April 29, 1920, the Miami Metropolis reported that the Miami Beach Bay Shore
Company, a $3 million development enterprise, planned two new roadways with lush
landscaping. "Pine Tree road [sic] will be the name of the new 1 DO-ft. motor roadway
and drive on the east side of the Bay Shore property. Along either side will be a nine-
foot bridle path... This Pine Tree road [sic], which will... be met at the north end of
the land by another road, 'Bay Shore Drive, , [renamed North Bay Road prior to platting]
11 Historical Museum of Southern Florida, Carl Fisher Papers, box 11, Miami Beach Bay Shore
Company, Letter from Thomas Pancoast to Carl Fisher, 15 March 1919; and Letter from Carl Fisher to Frank
Shutts, 24 July 1 919.
12 Kenneth Ballinger, Miami Millions (Miami, Florida: Franklin Press, 1936), p. 86.
14 Redford, p. 190.
13 Polly Redford, Billion Dollar Sandbar (New York: E.P. Dutton and Company, 1970), pp. 118-119.
22
now being built on the west side of the [Bay Shore property], the two roads having a
total mileage of about nine miles. The scenic possibilities of this motorway are
unsurpassed and everything will be done to make it beautiful. ,,15 Thereby Collins'
original farm road with its pine tree windbreak evolved into a residential thoroughfare.
(The Pinetree Drive Historic Roadway was adopted by the City Commission on June 6,
2001.)
Although a farmer at heart, Collins ultimately recognized the potential for greater
development of the land beyond agriculture. To Collins, farming came first, and the
useless beach where nothing would grow could at least turn a profit from tourists, By
1923, the demand for real estate caught up with Collins' farm to the point where he
was ready to subdivide the land and sell out. The lots, 50 feet by 150 feet in size,
were priced at $3,500 and up, To discourage speculation, a $500 discount was
offered if a house was built on the lot within a year of the date of purchase. The
decision to give up the farm was a difficult one for Collins. The farm was his passion
as well as a business that paid consistently well. "It marked his period of greatest
conquest and represented years of thought and effort. Money alone was not the
dominant factor in his decision, but the farm at last stood in the way of municipal
progress, so it had to go. ,,16
Although the farm was broken up and many choice lots were sold in 1923, Collins
withheld substantial acreage from the real estate market. He wanted to wait until the
normal building trend could absorb the property and avoid speculative buying that was
then prevalent on the market. Then in late 1925, at the age of 88, Collins put the
unsold portions of the farm on the market when there was some sense of normalcy in
the buying. The lots were offered at $25,000 each with a $5,000 deduction if a
building was erected within 14 months of the date of purchase. Every lot was sold
immediately.17 From the beginning, this area proved popular as an exclusive residential
neighborhood.18
15 "Beach Developments of Great Magnitude Are Now Under Way," Miami Daily Metropolis, 29 April
1920.
16 Nash, pp. 126-127.
17 Nash, pp. 129 and 132-133.
18 City of Miami Beach Archives, "The John S. Collins Memorial," (pamphlet) circa 1938.
23
Miami Beach Sewer System.
Beginning in 1920, the growth
of Miami Beach was
exceptional. The City of
Miami Beach engaged Allen
Hazen, George C. Whipple and
Weston E. Fuller, civil
engineers from New York City,
to plan its water supply,
sewerage, and sewage
disposal system in 1921.19
Hazen, Whipple and Fuller
were one of the leading
private consulting firms in the
country at that time.
~
In 1923, at the beginning of
the land development boom,
Miami Beach constructed a
sewer system to provide
service to a rapidly growing
population. This sewer
system served the southern
portion of the City from the
Collins Canal south to
Government Cut. Sewage
flowed by gravity to a pumping station located at the southeast corner of 11 th Street
and Jefferson Avenue (see Figure 3). A 24 inch-diameter cast iron force main
connected this pumping station to Government Cut where sewage was pumped
through the force main to the outfall and discharged into the channel during the
outgoing tides.20
Figure 3 As seen in this 1951 photo, the City of Miami Beach built the
Mediterranean Revival style "pump house" (center) at 1059 Jefferson
Avenue in late 1922. The one bedroom house contained the pump
room and gate room for the 11 th Street Pumping Station. A large
sewage storage tank was located underneath the pump house. In 1945,
the original 1922 pumping station was abandoned, and a new pumping
station was built to the southeast of the pump house on the same
property. The water tower (right) was erected for Carl Fisher's Miami
Ocean View Company at 1035 Jefferson Avenue in 1917. August
Geiger designed both the water tower and the pump house. These
structures were demolished prior to the construction of Fire Station No.
1 on this same site in 1967.
On July 1, 1924, the Miami Beach city limits were expanded from around 46th Street
to 87th Terrace. In 1925, at the peak of the land development boom, the sewer
system was expanded to service the area from the Collins Canal north to Surprise Lake
(just north of West 47th Street). Due to the flatness of the land, another pumping
station was required at West 28th Street between Pinetree Drive and Sheridan
Avenue,21 The City of Miami Beach hired the same consulting engineering firm, then
19 Judy Berkun, ed., "Malcolm Pirnie, Inc.: The First Century (1895-1995)," report published by
Malcolm Pirnie, Inc., White Plains, New York, June 1995, p. 14.
20 City of Miami Beach Archives, M.N. Lipp, "New Force Main and Outfall for Continuous Sewage
Disposal into Atlantic Ocean at Miami Beach, Fla.," Pipe Proqress, volume XXIII, no. 3, June 1938, p. 6.
21 Ibid.
24
Hazen and Whipple, to design the new pumping station and obelisk in 1925.22 (Fuller
left the Hazen firm in 1924.) The construction of the pumping station was finished by
August 1, 1926, and work began on the obelisk and platform structure by the Merritt-
Chapman & Scott Corporation of New York City.23 By December 4, 1926, the
construction of the obelisk and platform structure was completed and the pumping
station was put into operation (see Figure 7).24 A 20 inch-diameter force main was
laid from this station at 28th Street to the 11 th Street Pumping Station where it
connected into the existing 24 inch-diameter force main.
In 1929, the municipal sewage facilities were further enlarged to service the area
between Surprise Lake and 63rd Street. A small lift station was constructed at 51 st
Street and Pinetree Drive. Sewage was pumped into the gravity system south of the
Flamingo Waterway which would eventually flow into the 28th Street Pumping
Station.25
The 11 th Street and 28th Street Pumping Stations originally held underground tanks to
store sewage during periods of incoming tides when pumping was prohibited. These
storage tanks quickly became insufficient for a rapidly growing City. Miami Beach was
also faced at that time with the necessity of extending sewer service to other areas
which were then unserved. 26
In 1937, the City of Miami Beach devised a solution to address their inadequate sewer
system. A new force main and outfall were constructed for a continuous sewage
disposal system into the Atlantic Ocean (see Figure 4 and Figure 5). The force main
was laid from the 28th Street Pumping Station to the oceanfront at 74th Street. The
36 inch-diameter cast iron outfall line extended from 74th Street to the point of
discharge 7,000 feet offshore in 40 feet of water near the Gulf Stream. The
northeasterly or southeasterly ocean currents tended to move the sewage toward the
Gulf Stream.
Malcolm Pirnie Civil Engineer was hired as a consultant for the design of the sewer
outfall at 74th Street. (Malcolm Pirnie left the Hazen firm in 1929 to start his own
practice.)27 G.G. Werner of Pirnie's firm was the resident engineer who oversaw its
22 City of Miami Beach, Building Department, Building Permit Card No. 154, Pumping Station - 28th
Street Between Sheridan Avenue and Pinetree Drive, permit no. 1681, 18 January 1926; architectural plans
signed by Hazen and Whipple of New York City on 15 September 1925.
23 "City's Work Resumed," Miami Herald, 30 July 1926.
24 "Obelisk and Park Make Beauty Spot," Miami Herald, 4 December 1926.
25 City of Miami Beach Archives, Lipp, p. 6.
26 Ibid.
27 Berkun, pp. 14 and 17.
25
installation. The Merritt-Chapman
& Scott Corporation of New York
City constructed the sewer
outfall. The City of Miami Beach
designed the force main and
supervised the construction of the
entire project. Work on this new
system commenced around June
1, 1937, and it was put into
operation for sewage disposal on
December 1 7, 1937. (This period
of time was at the height of the
"Art Deco" building boom in
South Beach.) Raw sewage was
now pumped north through the
City to 74th Street instead of its
original southern flow to
Government Cut.28
Figure 4 This 1937 photo shows a three-length section of pipe in
process of being lowered into the Atlantic Ocean as part of the then
new sewer outfall line in Miami Beach. The 36 inch-diameter, cast
iron outfall line extended from 74th Street to the point of discharge
7,000 feet offshore in 40 feet of water near the Gulf Stream.
There were five pumping stations
in operation in Miami Beach by
the end of 1937. They were
located at 11 th Street and
Jefferson Avenue, 28th Street
and Pinetree Drive, 51 st Street and Pinetree Drive, 63rd Street and Indian Creek Drive,
and 69th Street and Indian Creek Drive. The progress of the sewer system in the City
shows the rapid rate of urban growth during the 1920s and 1930s, and the steps that
were undertaken to meet the needs of the increased population.
The outfall line at 74th Street discharged sewage into the Atlantic Ocean about a mile
and a half offshore until the late 1970s. Then, in order to comply with stricter federal
environmental regulations, the flow of sewage in the sewer system was once again
reversed from the north end of the City to the south. This reversed operation required
an upgrade of the existing pumping stations and the installation of new force mains
during the late 1970s through the early 1980s. Raw sewage is still today pumped
south through the force mains in Miami Beach, under Government Cut, across Fisher
Island, and finally to the sewage treatment plant on Virginia Key, There are now 23
active sewage pumping stations throughout Miami Beach. The City is currently
renovating and upgrading these pumping stations.
28 City of Miami Beach Archives, Lipp, pp. 6-7 and 11.
26
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28th Street Obelisk and PumpinQ Station. The 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping
Station were planned for and constructed under the administration of Miami Beach
Mayor Louis F. Snedigar and City Manager Claude Renshaw. Louis F. Snedigar,
nicknamed Red, served four terms as the Mayor of the City of Miami Beach (1922-
1924, 1924-1926, 1928-1930, and 1934-1937) as well as a member of the Miami
Beach City Council (1947-1948) and later the Dade County Commission. Snedigar
was a notorious lush and a drinking partner of Carl Fisher. He acknowledged his
problems publicly, and the citizens of Miami Beach overlooked his transgressions
because they liked his job performance. Born in Bartow, Florida, in 1890, Snedigar
was a star baseball player at Stetson University. Although he signed a contract in
1913 with Connie Mack, owner and manager of the Philadelphia Athletics, he never
made it to the major leagues. In 1914, he utilized his law degree and joined the firm
of Shutts, Smith and Bowen in Miami. By 1919, he formed his own law practice with
Francis Miller and established offices in Miami and Miami Beach. He also opened up
his own real estate office on the west side of Collins Avenue between 19th Street and
20th Street in Miami Beach.29
Claude Renshaw (1891-1984) was an engineer and the former mayor of Roundup,
Montana, before he became Miami Beach's first City Manager in 1925. He was an
enduring and well-respected administrator who served Miami Beach for 33 years until
he retired on March 1, 1958. Renshaw was a key player in overseeing the successful
development of Miami Beach, During his long tenure, he managed Miami Beach
through the peak and fall of the land development boom in South Florida, the
devastation of the great hurricane of 1926, and the economic circumstances of the
Great Depression, The later part of his career was marked by the war effort when
Miami Beach was a major military training and redistribution center during World War II
(1942-1945) and the ensuing postwar building construction boom. According to
historian Polly Redford, "For people lucky enough to live [here] year round, the Beach
was a pleasant place indeed. Much of the credit was due to the administration of
Claude Renshaw... The city's affairs were run with an honesty and efficiency
remarkable in the State of Florida. As a result, Miami Beach was one of the first cities
in the South to recover from the great depression, and after 1935 could boast a
substantial and steadily increasing prosperity. ,/.30
On June 16, 1925, John Collins' Miami Beach Improvement Company deeded the area
known today as Fairgreen Park to the City of Miami Beach for the purpose of
constructing and operating a pumping station at 28th Street and Pinetree Drive (see
Figure 6). The perpetual easement was signed by the Miami Beach Improvement
Company's vice-president, Irving Collins, and the secretary-treasurer, Thomas J.
Pancoast (John Collin's son and son-in-law, respectively). It reads in part: II That we in
29 Kleinberg, pp. 84-85 and 217.
30 Redford, p. 206.
28
consideration of the benefits accruing by
reason of having a sanitary sewer system
provided for property in the vicinity of the
proposed pumping station... do hereby grant
unto the City of Miami Beach... the
perpetual right and easement to construct
and operate a sanitary sewer pumping
station of the design accepted by us...
Provided: That the said City of Miami
Beach...does hereby agree.' To plant and
maintain grass, trees, shrubs, vines and
flowers upon the aforesaid tract of land, the
same as in the public parks of the City; To
construct a ventilating flue within the shaft
of the obelisk of the pumping station and to
install and operate the most approved type
of ventilating equipment guaranteeing
elimination of objectionable odors; [and] To
maintain the entire premises in a neat and
sanitary condition at all times. ,/.31
Figure 6 In 1925, John Collins' Miami Beach
Improvement Company deeded a parcel of land to the
City of Miami Beach for the purpose of constructing
and operating a pumping station at 28th Street and
Pinetree Drive. This photo was taken of John Collins
Hazen and Whipple, civil engineers from standing beside a small palmetto in 1927 when he
New York City, were hired to design the was 90 years old.
28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station for the City of Miami Beach. The firm
produced final architectural plans for the obelisk and pumping station on September
15, 1925. A building permit was issued for the $125,000 project on January 18,
1926.32 The City of Miami Beach contracted with the Merritt-Chapman & Scott
Corporation of New York City to construct the obelisk and platform structure.33 The
obelisk and pumping station were built in approximately the center of a triangular-
shaped parcel of land known today as Fairgreen Park, which was bounded on the
north by West 28th Street, on the west by Sheridan Avenue, and on the southeast by
Pinetree Drive (see Figure 7 and Figure 8). The site was located in the Flamingo
Terrace subdivision, which was platted by John Collins' Miami Beach Improvement
Company in conjunction with W.H.H. Gleason, his wife Flora B. Gleason, and Mary H.
Gleason, a widow, on April 29, 1924.34 (William Gleason was a mainland
31 City of Miami Beach, City Clerk's Office, 28th Street Pumping Station Park, file no. E-9, Perpetual
Easement from the Miami Beach Improvement Company, dated June 16, 1925, book 666, p. 79.
32 City of Miami Beach, Building Department, Building Permit Card No. 154, Pumping Station - 28th
Street Between Sheridan Avenue and Pinetree Drive, permit no. 1681, 18 January 1926; architectural plans
signed by Hazen and Whipple of New York City on 15 September 1925.
33 "City's Work Resumed," Miami Herald, 30 July 1926.
34 City of Miami Beach, Public Works Department, Miami Beach Improvement Company and W.H.H.
Gleason et ai, Flamingo Terrace Subdivision, 29 April 1924, plat 26-A.
29
carpetbagger who for a brief
period claimed to be Lieutenant
Governor of Florida. He bought
land in Miami Beach in 1882.35)
According to the City of Miami
Beach Annual Report of 1926,
the 28th Street Pumping Station
was originally constructed to
serve Sewer System No.2, which
included the area from the Collins
Canal on the south to Surprise
Lake on the north. By November
30, 1926, approximately 75
percent of this sewer system was
completed or in the process of
construction, and it was expected
to be finished and in operation
within two months from that
date. It would serve 2,100 lots
with its 15.8 miles of trunk line
and 9.1 miles of laterals. With
the completion of the entire
system, there would be in
operation more than 21 miles of
main line and 1 5 miles of laterals
serving 3,500 lots.36
Figure 7 The pumping station at 28th Street and Pinetree Drive
was carefully designed to conceal its utilitarian function for the
surrounding residential neighborhood and adjacent Miami Beach
(now Municipal Par 3) Golf Course. This photo was taken of the
southwest corner of the pumping station near the end of 1926
when the construction was completed. Notice the original low
landscape wall with pyramidal-shaped finials and steps surrounding
the base of the obelisk and platform structure; all are now
demolished.
The City of Miami Beach Annual
Report of 1926 describes the
new 28th Street Obelisk and
Pumping Station as follows:
"Perhaps the most outstanding
piece of work was the construction of the pumping station at Twenty-eighth Street.
This structure, centrally located on a plot of ground bounded by Pine Tree Drive,
Twenty-eighth Street, Flamingo Drive and Sheridan A venue, is of a most modern type.
As much care and thought was given to its architectural design as to the engineering
features. Rising 50 feet above the ground from a magnificent base of artistic
proportions is a slender obelisk, and surrounding this monument there will soon be
flowers, palms and fountains, marking the station, not as an ordinary pumping plant,
35 Kleinberg, pp. 9-11.
36 City of Miami Beach Archives, "City of Miami Beach Annual Report," 30 November 1926, p. 11.
30
destined for some remote part of a city, but as a structure, splendid and graceful,
surrounded by a beautiful park, yet performing an important duty, efficiently and
silently. Two electrical pumps of 104 horse power each, capable of pumping together
7,000 gallons per minute from a well of 170,000 gallons capacity, force the sewage
south through a 20-inch cast iron main. These are the most important parts of the
mechanism, though the other parts, such as the sluice gates, screen chambers, and
venturi meters, each perform their own particular function. ,,37
On August 1, 1926, the Miami Herald newspaper reported: "Underground work of the
pumping station under construction at Twenty-eighth Street and Pine Tree Drive,
Miami Beach, is complete and work has been started on the upper structure by Merritt,
Chapman & Scott, contractors. ,1.38 The construction of the 28th Street Obelisk and
Pumping Station was completed about four months later. The Miami Herald
newspaper announced on December 4, 1926: "An obelisk and surrounding park make
the newly completed sewage disposal pumping station at Miami Beach a beauty spot
in the city. The station now is in operation. Machinery is 22 feet below the surface
and the building is chiefly for a base for the obelisk. ,,39
37 City of Miami Beach Archives, "City of Miami Beach Annual Report," 30 November 1926, p. 13.
38 "City Improvement Program Progresses at Miami Beach," Miami Herald, 1 August 1926.
39 "Obelisk and Park Make Beauty Spot," Miami Herald, 4 December 1926.
31
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("<")
IX. ARCHITECTURAL BACKGROUND
Historical OriQin of Obelisks. Ancient Egyptians erected obelisks in honor of their sun
god and principal deity Ra. The shape of the obelisk was said to have been modeled
after the rays of the sun. The ancient obelisks of Egypt were made from a sinQle piece
of stone. The four-sided piece of stone stood upright and gradually tapered as it rose
with a general ratio of about ten times the diameter at the base. It terminated in a
small pyramid called a "pyramidion," which was occasionally clad in copper or gold,
Most ancient obelisks were built of the warm, reddish-colored granite from the quarries
of Syene (now Aswan) in the southern region of Egypt. They ranged in height from 20
feet to over 100 feet and reached weights of 400 tons. When Egypt began to decline
in power, the obelisks also declined in height. Obelisks were known to the ancient
Egyptians as tekhen, a term whose origin is unknown. The Greeks gave the name
obeliskos or "small roasting spit" from which the modern name "obelisks" is derived.40
The ancient obelisks of Egypt were dedicated to Ra in Heliopolis, the main center of
worship for the sun god just north of present day Cairo. The Egyptian kings of the 5th
Dynasty (2490 to 2340 B.C.) were probably the earliest rulers to decorate their
temples with obelisks. They erected a single obelisk at the center of the temples.
Beginning in the 11th and 12th Dynasties (2040 to 1800 B,C.), the kings of upper and
lower Egypt, known as pharaohs, dedicated pairs of obelisks in Heliopolis, Thebes,
Memphis, Piramesse, and Tanis. The obelisks were found standing in pairs at the
entrance of the temples. They were generally carved with inscriptions on all four sides
to honor the greatness of the pharaohs, the length of their reign, and their victories in
wars. The majority of ancient obelisks were constructed between the 18th and 25th
Dynasties in Egypt (1567 to 1085 B.C.) .41
The prosperity of the Egyptian Dynasties came to an end when Queen Cleopatra of
Ptolemy surrendered to the first Roman Emperor Augustus in 30 B,C. Romans took
more than 50 obelisks from Egypt as trophies of conquest and decorated Rome and
other areas of the Roman Empire with them. When the Roman Empire was in decline,
the obelisks were toppled or simply collapsed. During the Renaissance of Italy in the
16th century, the obelisks in Rome shared in the great revival of art and learning. The
Catholic Popes unearthed the obelisks, mended their broken shafts, and re-erected
them in front of major basilicas around Rome. Crosses and other Christian emblems
were added to the apex of the obelisks. The obelisks became markers for the religious
pilgrims who came to Rome,42 and they symbolized the power of the Pope and the
Catholic church.
40 Nobuyoshi Tanaka, "Obelisks from Ancient Egypt," report published by the author, 1 September
2002, p. 1.
41 Ibid.
42 I.T. Hecker, "Obelisks, and the New York Obelisk," The Catholic World, volume XXXII, no. 192,
March 1881, pp. 721-735.
33
During the 19th century, Egypt gave
four of its ancient obelisks as gifts to
New York City, Paris, London, and
Dorset, England. The New York City
and London obelisks, commonly referred
to as "Cleopatra's Needles," were
originally erected before the sun temple
in Heliopolis, Egypt, during the reign of
Thothmes III (1504 to 1450 B.C.). The
pair of obelisks was about 70 feet in
height and weighed nearly 200 tons a
piece. They were relocated to
Alexandria, a seaport in northern Egypt,
during the reign of the Roman Emperor
Augustus (27 B.C. to 14 A.D.).
if
~
"
i
The obelisks were later separated and
given as gifts to England and the United
States from Egypt. One was moved to
the bank of the Tha'mes River in London
in 1878, and the other went to Central
Park in New York City in 1881 (see
Figure 9).43 Presently, there are about
24 ancient Egyptian obelisks of larger
size that exist throughout the world:
five in Egypt (Luxor, Fayyum, Karnak,
Heliopolis, and Cairo), 13 in Rome, one in Florence, one in Istanbul, one in New York
City, one in Paris, one in London, and one in Dorset, England.44
Figure 9 A pair of ancient obelisks (dating from 1504 to
1450 B.C.) was given as gifts by the ruler of Egypt to
England and the United States. One of "Cleopatra's,
Needles" was moved to the bank of the Thames River in
London in 1878. The other was re-erected in Central
Park in New York City in 1881, as seen in this circa 1900
photo.
In the United States, the cultural meaning of obelisks transformed from an image of
power to a symbol of death and remembrance during the first half of the 19th
century.45 Unlike the ancient obelisks of Egypt, the modern obelisks were not built of
a sinqle piece of stone but with a structural skeleton clad in stone. The Bunker Hill
Monument in Boston was constructed to commemorate the 1775 battle of Bunker Hill
during the American Revolution, The 221-foot high granite obelisk was designed by
Horatio Greenough in 1825 and opened to the public in 1842. In Washington, D.C.,
the Washington Monument was built as a memorial to the first president of the United
States and the "father' of our country" George Washington (1732-1799). It was
43 Ibid.
44 Tanaka, p. 1.
45 Benjamin Weiss, "Burndy Library Exhibit Examines Obelisks Over the Centuries," MIT Tech Talk (MIT
News Office, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts), 15 March 2000, pp. 1-2.
34
designed by Robert Mills and erected
between 1848 and 1884. The 555-foot
high obelisk was built of white marble
reinforced with granite. The pyramidion at
the apex of the obelisk was originally clad
in aluminum, then a precious metal. A pair
of much smaller obelisks was erected at the
entrance of George Washington's tomb at
his Mount Vernon estate in Virginia.46
In Miami Beach, the Flagler Memorial on
Monument Island was commissioned by
Carl Fisher to commemorate Florida pioneer
Henry Morrison Flagler (1830-1913) (see
Figure 10). The 96-foot high obelisk was
built by John B. Orr and sculpted by Ettore
Pellegatta and H.P. Peterson in 1920. Six
years later, the City of Miami Beach erected
a pumping station at 28th Street and
Pinetree Drive. The 40-foot high obelisk
and platform structure were carefully
designed to conceal their utilitarian function
within a park setting for the surrounding
residential neighborhood and adjacent
Miami Beach (now Municipal Par 3) Golf
Course, The 28th Street Obelisk and
Pumping Station were designed by Hazen
and Whipple; the upper structure was built
by the Merritt-Chapman and Scott
Corporation.
>41~> """'
..~
...
T
~~t""~ir";i'.; .,"'.
..
~,t.t4
'"
:~-.~?:-:~.. .:"::~:;~~~t;~~~~~~i~~
- ~. ."'-......,r.,.;:s:...~;~.......~~~ ~:~;).Jw~r-. ...~.c::.
;.'- -_c~ .~~~...~g~~~~r_.;"_,:,:",,~~~~,~
Figure 1 0 In Miami Beach, the Flagler Memorial on
Monument Island was commissioned by Carl Fisher in
1920 to commemorate Florida pioneer Henry Morrison
Flagler. The design of this "modern" obelisk was
inspired from the ancient obelisks of Egypt, similar to
the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station.
46 J.B. Calvert, "Classics: Obelisks," report published by the University of Denver, Denver, Colorado,
16 September 1999, pp. 1-2.
35
The City Beautiful Movement. At
the turn of the twentieth century,
America was torn between a
simpler agrarian society and the
Industrial Revolution. The
population of the United States
increased from 31.4 million to
91.9 million between 1860 and
1910. The percentage of
Americans living in cities was 46
percent by 1910. With many
people now living in urban areas,
questions arose relative to the
quality of city life with its crime,
poverty, and urban blight. The
reformers of urban America were
generally middle and upper-
middle class. They felt a sense
of responsibility to improve the
lives of the inner city poor
throughout the country. The
lower classes were living in
squalid and unhealthy conditions
in the urban centers.47
Figure 11 The 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago was a tour
de force in early city planning and architectural cohesion. One of
the highlights of the fair was the Court of Honor (shown above). It
featured formal Beaux Arts and Neoclassical Revival style buildings
that surrounded a central court with a reflecting pool and a
monumental statue. The architectural beauty and formal plan of the
fair's "White City" inspired the City Beautiful movement that swept
across America. The era of the City Beautiful movement spanned
from about 1900 to 1918, although its influence continued for the
next 30 to 40 years.
The 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago was a tour de force in early city planning
and architectural cohesion. The fair was designed by a team consisting of Daniel
Hudson Burnham, Charles F. McKim, Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr., Augustus Saint-
Gaudens, and Abram Gottlieb. The basic plan of the fair featured a large central
architectural court surrounded by formal Beaux Arts and Neoclassical Revival style
buildings. The central court was enclosed by a reflecting pool and dominated by a
monumental statue as the focal point of the exposition (see Figure 11). It was the
first example in America of a group of buildings designed in relation to one another and
the strategic placement of public spaces.48 The beauty of the central court and the
well-planned balance of bright white buildings, water, and open green spaces was a
revelation for the 27 million visitors to the Chicago World's Fair. In stark contrast to
the grey urban sprawl and blight of other American cities, the shimmering "White City"
seemed to be a utopia.49
47 Julie K. Rose, "City Beautiful: The 1901 Plan for Washington, D.C.," report published by the
University of Virginia, American Studies Project, Charlottesville, Virginia, Spring 1996, pp. 1-3.
48 Laurence Conway Gerckens, American City Planninq Since 1900 (Hilliard, Ohio: On-Call Faculty
Program, 1993), pp. A 19-A21 .
49 Rose, p. 3.
36
The City Beautiful movement in America was inspired from the 1893 Columbian
Exposition in Chicago, Advocates of the reform movement sought to improve their
cities through beautification in architecture, landscaping, and city planning. One of the
basic premises of the City Beautiful movement was its vision of the reality of the
urban conditions and the relationships between grand public projects and the individual
good. There was an emphasis on the expenditure of money on public works for
monumental projects in order to attract wealth to the city and thus repaying project
costs. It was believed that the creation of civic beauty resulted in civic pride and
urban moral order, The era of the City Beautiful movement spanned from 1900 to
1918, but its influence continued for years to come. It impacted nearly every city in
America through its emphasis on the civic center, the aesthetic design of public,
streets, monumental public buildings and facilities, and large expenditures on public
works for all of the citizens to enjoy. 50
Following the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago, a fervor swept the nation for the
construction of great public buildings and other monumental structures. City Beautiful
advocates adopted the fair's "White City" as their model, and they promoted the
Beaux Arts and Neoclassical Revival styles for their ideal civic centers. Cities were
complemented with new State capital buildings, art museums, libraries, and colleges
on a grand scale. Beaux Arts and Neoclassical Revival structures were constructed in
great numbers; outstanding examples included the New York Public Library (located at
42nd Street and 5th Avenue), Pennsylvania Station, and Grand Central Terminal in
New York City as well as the Union Terminal and Lincoln Memorial in Washington,
D.C., amongst many others. The City Beautiful movement also inspired the creation of
some of the first comprehensive plans in the United States, such as the McMillan Plan
of 1901-1902 for Washington, D.C., the Cleveland Group Plan of 1903, and the Plan
of Chicago in 1909.51
50 Gerckens, pp. 83, 812-814, and C16-C17.
51 Gerckens, pp. A19-A21 and 89-810.
37
The Role of the City Beautiful Movement in Miami Beach. Miami Beach's early
development period spanned from about 1907 to 1926. The era began with a series
of events that included the establishment of the John Collins' farm in 1907, the filing
of the first land plat by the Lummus brothers' Ocean Beach Realty Company on July 9,
1912, the completion of the Collins Canal in 1912 and the Collins Bridge in 1913, and
the incorporation of Miami Beach on March 26, 1915. During the first development
period, the Miami Beach pioneers moved quickly ahead to convert the mangrove
swamp into America's winter playground. They cleared the mangrove trees, filled in
the low lying areas and created new islands with sand pumped up from the bottom of
the bay, built roads and other infrastructure, planted landscaping, and constructed new
residences, hotels, apartments, and commercial buildings. The total assessed property
value the year Miami Beach was incorporated, 1915, was $244,815.52 The progress
of development on the beach was briefly slowed by World War I from 1914 to 1918.
Beginning in 1920, the growth of Miami Beach was exceptional; but in 1923, it burst
ahead with $8 million in total assessed property value. It was the biggest increase
since the development of Miami Beach started and the beginning of the land
development boom, "During the boom the flow of money and credit was so
tremendous that the building trade roared like a forest fire out of control. ,,53
Announcements were made each day of record building permits, new residents, and
prominent visitors. The land development boom peaked in 1925 when the total
assessed property value in Miami Beach jumped from $12 million in 1924 to an
astonishing $42 million just one year later. Miami Beach saw the greatest influx of
people from other states and countries in 1925 than any previous winter season. "On
the Beach in 1925-1926 it looked as if the American Dream had finally come true.'
everyone was richer than he'd ever expected... A t the end of the boom [Miami Beach]
would have 56 hotels with a total of 4000 rooms, 178 apartment houses, 858 private
residences, 308 shops and offices, 8 casinos and bathing pavilions, 4 polo fields, 3
golf courses, 3 movie theatres, 3 schools..., 2 churches...; and two radio stations...;
and a brand-new auditorium, the Miami Beach Gardens. ,,54
The early development period of Miami Beach concluded with the "bust" of the land
development boom around 1926. The "bust" was precipitated by four major
unanticipated events. First, the Florida East Coast Railway called an embargo in its
Miami area yards in 1925 due to a backlog of building supplies without enough
laborers to unload them. The railroad embargo delayed many construction projects in
South Florida. Second, the "binder boys" descended upon Florida in 1925. They
bought options, known as binders, on valuable property for a small sum of money with
a first payment due usually in a month. The binder boys had no intention of holding on
52 Carson, p. 20.
53 Nash, pp. 130 and 134-135.
54 Redford, pp. 154-155.
38
to the options but sold them over and
over at a handsome profit. The eventual
purchaser of the property on the day
that the heavy payment fell due was the
sucker. During the reign of the "binder
boys," from about March to August of
1925, land was selling fast at inflated
prices across the state. Third, the Prins
Valdemar ran aground and capsized in
the Miami harbor on January 1 0, 1926.
The sailing vessel completely blocked
the ship channel leading into and out of
the busy port for 42 days. It prevented
freighters from delivering their cargoes
to merchants and builders, and many of
the ships inside the harbor were unable
to leave. Fourth, a great hurricane
devastated Miami Beach and the South
Florida area on September 18, 1926.
Miami Beach suffered wind gusts of
132 miles per hour and extensive
property damage, Within 24 hours of
the storm, martial law was declared in
Miami Beach. It was the final blow to
the then struggling land development
boom.55
Figure 12 Collins Park is one of the earliest examples of
the City Beautiful movement in Miami Beach. John Collins
donated the land for park purposes in 1913. A later
example of the City Beautiful movement in Miami Beach is
the John S. Collins Memorial Library and Art Center (now
the Bass Museum of Art) (shown above). Built in 1930,
the monumental structure is located at 2121 Park A venue
in the formally designed Collins Park. It was the first
building in Miami Beach dedicated for the principal use as a
public library.
During the City's early development period and land development boom, the City
Beautiful movement had a significant impact on the physical environment of Miami
Beach. Public and private interests were inspired by this reform movement to beautify
the area with monuments, fountains, parks, and grand public buildings. These
improvements benefited the citizens of Miami Beach, and they attracted new
residents, distinguished visitors, business, and tourists to the rapidly growing City.
One of the earliest examples of the City Beautiful movement in Miami Beach is Collins
Park. In 1913, John Collins' Miami Beach Improvement Company donated land to the
City of Miami for a park in then unincorporated Miami Beach. (Miami Beach was not
incorporated until 191 5.) The new park was located between 21 st and 22nd Streets
from Park Avenue to Miami Beach Drive. On May 3, 1920, Collins Park was sold back
to the Miami Beach Improvement Company from Miami for $1,000. The development
company then sold the property to the City of Miami Beach for $1 on August 9,
55 Kleinberg, pp. 95-98 and 106-108.
39
1920.56 Two years after John Collins'
death in 1928, the John S. Collins
Memorial Library and Art Center was
built at 2121 Park Avenue in the
formally planned Collins Park (see
Figure 12). The monumental structure
was constructed by John B. Orr and
designed by Collins' grandson, Russell
T. Pancoast, in the Art Deco style.57
It was the first building in Miami
1
Beach dedicated for the principal use
as a public library. . The John S.
Collins Memorial Library was in
operation until 1962 when the original
building was converted into the Bass
Museum of Art, and a new public
library was regrettably constructed in
front of it (to the east).
il
Figure 13 The Normandy Isle Fountain was erected by the
developer of the island, Henri Levy, in 1925. The
Mediterranean Revival style fountain is representative of the
City Beautiful movement in Miami Beach. It serves as a
wonderful entrance feature to Normandy Isle at the
intersection of 71 st Street and Bay Drive.
Another example of the City Beautiful
movement in Miami Beach is the
ornamental fountain constructed for John Collins at Pinetree Drive and 41 st Street in
1924. Built by John B. Orr, the Classically-inspired fountain features three-tiers with a
large quatrefoil shaped pool underneath. The fountain and land were donated to the
City of Miami Beach for park purposes in 1927.58 They are now located within the
Pinetree Drive Historic Roadway (adopted by the City Commission on June 6,2001),
Lummus Park and the Normandy Isle Fountain are two additional surviving examples of
the City Beautiful movement in Miami Beach. In 1915, Miami Beach purchased a strip
of oceanfront land from J.N. and J.E. Lummus' Ocean Beach Realty Company for
$40,000 to create Lummus Park; it spanned from Fifth to 15th Streets on Ocean
Drive.59 The Lummus brothers spent more than $40,000 on creating and maintaining
56 City of Miami Beach, City Clerk's Office, Collins Park, file no. WD-12, Warranty Deed from the
Miami Beach Improvement Company (MBIC) to the City of Miami, dated 16 January 1913, book 102, p. 219;
Warranty Deed from the City of Miami to the MBIC, dated 3 May 1920, book 224, p. 316; and Warranty Deed
from the MBIC to the City of Miami Beach, dated 9 August 1920, book 231, p. 99.
57 City of Miami Beach, Building Department, Building Permit Card No. 31, John S. Collins Memorial
Library and Art Center, 21 st Street and Collins Avenue, permit no. 4002, 30 September 1930.
58 City of Miami Beach, Building Department, Building Permit Card No. 97, Fountain, 41 st Street and
Pinetree Drive, permit no. 809, 17 April 1924. City of Miami Beach, City Clerk's Office, Park at 41 st Street
and Pinetree Drive, file no. WD 11-4, Warranty Deed from the Miami Beach Improvement Company, dated 27
September 1927, book 1147, p. 341.
59 City of Miami Beach, City Clerk's Office, Lummus Park, file no. WD-13, Warranty Deed from the
Ocean Beach Realty Company to the Southern Bank & Trust Company (as Trustee), dated 6 November 1915,
40
Lummus Park between 1 91 2 and 1 91 7.
They built sidewalks, planted coconut trees
and Bermuda grass, and installed two tennis
courts in the park when it was turned over to
the City of Miami Beach.50 Lummus Park
would later become the "front porch" of the
Miami Beach National Register Architectural
District,
Henri Levy, developer of Normandy Isle,
installed a wonderful entrance feature at
71 st Street and Bay Drive in 1925 (see
Figure 13). Designed in the Mediterranean
Revival style, the ornamental fountain
features an eight-sided pillar crowned with
an open monitor-like finial with eight slender
twisted columns. Levy donated the fountain
and land to the City of Miami Beach for park
purposes in 1926.61
~.
;jt '1'.
Carl Fisher had a dramatic impact on the
beautification of Miami Beach during its early
development period. He carefully planned his
new development projects and paid close
attention to details, including the
architectural style of new structures,
landscaping, the strategic placement of
different building uses, and the beautification
of utilitarian structures in residential
neighborhoods. In 1917, Carl Fisher built two waters towers at 1035 Jefferson
Avenue (see Figure 3) and 1755 Jefferson Avenue; both structures are now
demolished.52 The water towers were designed by August Geiger in the Beaux Arts
style with skillfully crafted details. Two years later, Fisher constructed a third water
Figure 14 The Star Island Water Tower was built
in 1919 for Carl Fisher in the long parkway on Star
Island. It is an excellent example of the City
Beautiful movement in Miami Beach. Although
utilitarian in nature, the Star Island Water Tower
was designed to beautify and enhance the
residential island (just like the 28th Street Obelisk
and Pumping Station).
book 145, p. 202; Warranty Deed from the Southern Bank & Trust Company to the City of Miami Beach, dated
4 December 1917, book 176, p. 26.
60 J.N. Lummus, "The Miracle of Miami Beach," pamphlet (Miami, Florida: Miami Post Publishing
Company, 1952). pp. 41-42.
61 "Where Is It?" Miami Beach Sun, 26 January 1971, p. 3. City of Miami Beach, City Clerk's Office,
Isle of Normandy - Ocean Side Section, Resolution No. 1401, dedication of streets, avenues, and easements
from the Normandy Beach Properties, Inc., 16 June 1926.
62 City of Miami Beach, Public Works Department, Records, Water Towers, plan AT-619, 1755
Jefferson Avenue, 1917; and plan AT-695, 1035 Jefferson Avenue, 21 May 1917.
41
tower in the long parkway on Star Island (see Figure 14).63 It has a stylistic feeling of
a Medieval watch tower or carillon (bell tower). Although utilitarian in nature, these
water towers were designed to beautify and enhance the surrounding neighborhoods
(similar to the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station).
One of Fisher's greatest beautification projects in Miami Beach was the Flagler.
Memorial and Monument Island (see Figure 10). To honor his fellow pioneer Henry
Morrison Flagler, Fisher constructed the Flagler Memorial and Monument Island in
1920 just south of the Collins Bridge in Biscayne Bay. (The Collins Bridge was
replaced by the Venetian Causeway in 1926,) The memorial was built by John B. Orr
and sculpted by Ettore Pellegatta and H.P. Peterson. It consists of a 96-foot high
obelisk surrounded by four allegorical figures. Fisher deeded the Flagler Memorial and
Monument Island to the City of Miami Beach in 1939.64 Today the obelisk and island
can be seen from public and private boat tours on Biscayne Bay as well as by people
traveling on the MacArthur and Venetian Causeways. It is considered by many to be a
"backyard" landmark to the luxurious private estates on the neighboring Star Island,
Palm Island, Hibiscus Island, and the Venetian Islands. Adjusting for scale, the
monument is the local equivalent of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. The
Flagler Memorial and Monument Island were recently adopted by the City Commission
as an individual historic site on March 20, 2002.
Fisher was responsible for many beautification projects in Miami Beach, He
commissioned various statues for the Nautilus Hotel and polo grounds just north of
West 41 st Street and Alton Road in 1923 and 1924. They were built by John B. Orr
and sculpted by Ettcre Pellegatta. All of the statues are now destroyed with the.
exception of "The Polo Player" at North Michigan Avenue and West 43rd Street as
well as "The Great Spirit" (the proud Native American on horseback) at 41 st Street
and Pinetree Drive.65 Fisher hired architect John N. Bullen to design the ornamental
fountain at 20th Street and Alton Road.66 Built by Bunell and Cail in 1924, the
Classically-inspired fountain features four tiers (now covered with chattahoochee) with
a large circular pool underneath. The fountain and land were donated to the City of
63 Historical Museum of Southern Florida, Carl Fisher Papers, box 10, Miami Beach Development
Summaries, "Nearly Two Million Dollars in Improvements at Miami Beach During the Year 1919."
64 "Putting Up Steel Work for Flagler Memorial," Miami Metropolis, 16 December 1920. City of Miami
Beach, City Clerk's Office, Flagler Memorial Park, file no. WD-26, Warranty Deed from the Alton Beach Realty
Company, dated 21 January 1939, book 1945, p. 181.
65 Smithsonian Institution Research Information System, Inventories of American Paintings and
Sculpture, John B. Orr and Ettore Pellegatta, "The Polo Player," "The Great Spirit," and Various Sporting
Statues, nos. 66310007-66310009 and 66310011, no date. Doris Reno, "Vizcaya & Flagler Sculptor Modest
Man," Miami Herald, 9 September 1956.
66 Historical Museum of Southern Florida, Newsletter File, "From a Mangrove Swamp to a Paradise,"
Miami Beach Reqister, 24 December 1923, p. 19.
42
In 1925, at the peak of the land
development boom, the City of
Miami Beach planned several
ambitious projects under the
administration of Mayor Louis F,
Snedigar and City Manager
Claude Renshaw in an endeavor
to develop a "City Beautiful."
These projects included the 28th
Street Obelisk and Pumping
Station as well as a new City Hall
at 1130 Washington Avenue (see
Figure 15). The rapidly growing
City had already outgrown the
first City Hall at 617 Collins
Avenue (built in 1920). A new
nine-story structure was
designed by Martin Luther
Hampton in the Mediterranean
Revival style. According to the
City of Miami Beach Annual Report of 1926, the site of the second City Hall was
selected because it "...borders on four streets [and] the city hall will stand out always'
in distinct relief, unobstructed by any other building or buildings. With this in mind,
Miami Beach for park purposes in
1926.67 Fisher also deeded the
land at 50th Street and Alton
Road to the City of Miami Beach
for a park in 1926. Two years
after Fisher's death in 1939, the
City of Miami Beach
commissioned the Carl Fisher
Memorial in the park. It was
constructed by Grover Hodge and
designed by Russell T. Pancoast
in the Art Deco style.68
The CITY lit MIAMI BEACH
W<: A,"<: Building
cA City 'Beautiful
financiully slnm~ nnd
"s n<:"dy Jl<:d<:d
us money amJ the
ingenuity
..I
man
I Tire Old City Hall
above.
CUll make it.
Smull cunu:.!h
In h<:
Tire
New
City
H,'(l
below.
exclusive
hut
with <:\"<:ry
"dvIlnt"g<:
..I"
great
111Cln)(lolis.
Figure 15 As seen in this promotional brochure from 1929, the City
of Miami Beach proudly announced the construction of a new City
Hall. The endeavors of the City of Miami Beach were clearly
expressed in the ad, which states: "We are building a City
Beautiful." The new City Hall was erected at 1130 Washington
Avenue in 1927; the building was occupied on January 1, 1928
(lower right). It replaced the first City Hall at 617 Collins Avenue
(upper left).
67 City of Miami Beach, Building Department, Building Permit Card No. 72, Fountain, Park at Alton
Road and 20th Street, permit no. 720, 4 February 1924. City of Miami Beach, City Clerk's Office, Alton Road
and 20th Street, file no. WD 11-1, Warranty Deed from the Miami Beach Bay Shore Company, dated 13 July
1926, book 1074, p. 465.
68 City of Miami Beach, City Clerk's Office, Park at Alton Road and 50th Street, file no. WD 11-2,
Warranty Deed from the Miami Beach Bay Shore Company, dated 13 July 1926, book 1435, p. 86. City of
Miami Beach, Building Department, Building Permit Card No.1 01, Carl G. Fisher Memorial, 50th Street and
Alton Road, permit no. 15409, 11 February 1941.
43
there was designed a structure, beautiful and architecturally graceful in appearance,
yet an office building in every modern detail. ,169 Delayed by the devastation of the
great hurricane of 1926, the new City Hall was not realized until 1927. It served as
the center of the municipal government until 1977 when it was replaced by Miami
Beach's current City Hall at 1700 Convention Center Drive. The building, now referred
to as Old City Hall, was the first local historic designation in Miami Beach when it was
adopted by the City Commission as an historic site in 1983.
Another "City Beautiful" project planned by the City of Miami Beach in 1925 was the
28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station. This new pumping station would meet the
needs of the growing population north of the Collins Canal as well as provide the
residential neighborhood with an attractive obelisk in a park setting. On June 16,
1925, John Collins' Miami Beach Improvement Company deeded the area known
today as Fairgreen Park to the City of Miami Beach for the purpose of constructing and
operating a pumping station at 28th Street and Pinetree Drive. The development
company directly benefited from having a sanitary sewer system within the vicinity of
its property. The permanent easement was contingent upon the following conditions:
the design of the pumping station was subject to the approval of the Miami Beach
Improvement Company; the pumping station would incorporate a ventilating flue
within the shaft of the obelisk to guarantee the elimination of objectionable odors; the
tract of land must be landscaped and maintained by the City in the same manner as
other public parks in Miami Beach; and the City must maintain the property in a neat
and sanitary manner at all times.70
The City of Miami Beach hired Hazen and Whipple, civil engineers from New York City,
to design the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station. The firm produced final
architectural plans for the obelisk and pumping station on September 15, 1925 (see
Figure 18 and Figure 19). A building permit was issued for the $125,000 project on
January 18, 1926.71 The underground work of the pumping station was finished by
August 1, 1926, and work began on the upper structure by the Merritt-Chapman &
Scott Corporation of New York City.72 By December 4, 1926, the construction of the
obelisk and platform structure was completed and the pumping station was put into
operation.73
69 City of Miami Beach Archives, "City of Miami Beach Annual Report," 30 November 1926, p. 2.
70 City of Miami Beach, City Clerk's Office, 28th Street Pumping Station Park, file no. E-9, Perpetual
Easement from the Miami Beach Improvement Company, dated June 16, 1925, book 666, p. 79.
71 City of Miami Beach, Building Department, Building Permit Card No. 154, Pumping Station - 28th
Street Between Sheridan Avenue and Pinetree Drive, permit no. 1681, 18 January 1926; architectural plans
signed by Hazen and Whipple of New York City on 15 September 1925.
72 "City Improvement Program Progresses at Miami Beach," Miami Herald, 1 August 1926.
73 "Obelisk and Park Make Beauty Spot," Miami Herald, 4 December 1926.
44
Architectural BackQround of the
28th Street Obelisk and PumpinQ
Station. Unlike the Beaux Arts
and Neoclassical Revival styles of
the City Beautiful movement, the
28th Street Obelisk and Pumping
Station were designed in the
Mediterranean Revival style of
architecture, Mediterranean
Revival architecture was the "style
of choice" in Miami Beach from
the mid 191 Os to early 1930s. Its
connotation of Mediterranean
resort architecture, combining
expressions of Italian, Moorish,
North African, and Southern
Spanish themes, was found to be
an appropriate and commercially
appealing image for the new
Floridian seaside resort which
spoke of wealth, refinement, and
elegance. It was a style that was
simultaneously being used
expansively in California and other
areas of similar climate with great
success,
Figure 16 The Mediterranean Revival design of the 28th
Street Obelisk and Pumping Station was appropriate for the
surrounding residential neighborhood and nearby Miami
Beach (now Municipal Par 3) Golf Course. This photo was
taken of the southeast corner of the structure sometime
before 1948. Notice that the original low landscape wall
with pyramidal-shaped finials and steps surrounding the base
of the obelisk and platform building are still intact.
The Mediterranean Revival design of the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station
was appropriate for the surrounding exclusive residential neighborhood with its
beautiful homes and estates of prominent people. Although this structure was
carefully crafted to serve a utilitarian function, its fine attention to detail enhanced
the triangular-shaped park (shown on the 1985 plat map as Fairgreen Park) that
established a beautiful landmark on Pinetree Drive and Sheridan Avenue. (For
historical photographs of the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station, see Figure
16, Figure 20 and Figure 21.)
The slender solid masonry obelisk soars 40 feet from an octagonal-shaped platform
structure. The 6 foot 6 inch wide square base of the obelisk climbs 4 feet in height
to cyma recta molding. {This molding design consists of a double curvature which
is concave at the outer edge and convex at the inner edge.} The square base steps
in and continues to rise 5 feet 10 inches in height to cyma recta molding above;
this section features scored concrete blocks. A transition piece, which rises 2 feet
2 inches in height and curves inward, has a decorative cast stone cartouche framed
with scrolls and flanked by swags of garland and loose ribbons. The monumental,
four-sided shaft rises from the transition piece 26 feet in height where it tapers to a
45
2 foot pyramidal apex with three small square vents on each side. An 8 inch by 8
inch ventilation flue through the shaft of the obelisk connects to the pumping
station equipment below. 74
The obelisk is mounted on top of an octagonal-shaped platform structure, which
spans approximately 24 feet across and rises 7 feet 6 inches above grade. Trefoil-
shaped fountain pools with tucked bases decorate the east, west, and south (now
removed) elevations of the structure, as evidenced in the original architectural plans
and historical photographs of the site. The back wall of each fountain projects
forward from the structure and ascends above it to form a part of the platform
railing system. Although the fountains are presently not in operation, water
originally spouted from the mouth of a Japanese-inspired cast stone sea creature
into the gracefully curved base of the pool below. The sea creature is featured in
an arched niche with a scroll supported sill that is centered in the back wall above
the fountain pool. Small double-hung, wooden sash windows (now removed) with
simple wrought iron grilles flank the fountains. On the north side of the structure,
central stairs with wrought iron railings and scrolled end rails lead to the platform
above; two side stairs (now removed) connect to the sunken equipment room of
the pumping station below. Wrought iron railings (two sections still remain)
alternate between the elevated back walls of the fountains and frame the perimeter
of the platform. Red terra-cotta tiles finish the floor and steps of the platform. 75
As seen in the original architectural plans and historical photographs of the 28th
Street Obelisk and Pumping Station, a low landscape wall (unfortunately now
removed) formed a perfect circle around the obelisk and platform structure. This
landscape wall was 62 feet in diameter and traced the shape of the sewage holding
tank below the ground. It was divided by four sets of low steps which aligned
with the central axes of the three fountains and the stairs leading up to the
platform. Pyramidal-shaped, cast stone finials defined each entrance.76 (Refer to
Figure 22 through Figure 25 for aerial photographs which document the historical
evolution of the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station site from its original
conditions to its present physical state.)
The 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station maintain most of their original
architecture and design integrity, even though they have been somewhat altered
over the years by a range of custodians (see Figure 17). In 1948, an addition was
constructed on the south side of the obelisk to house an electrical generator. 77
74 Ibid.
75 Ibid.
76 Ibid.
77 City of Miami Beach, Building Department, Building Permit Card No. 119, Fountain and Pumping
Station - City Park at 28th Street and Pinetree Drive, 1948.
46
Although the addition features
a semi-circular niche on the
south wall, it replaced a
decorative fountain and
destroyed the carefully
planned symmetrical design of
the obelisk and platform
structure. The original
landscape wall and. steps may
have been removed at the
same time the 1948 addition
was constructed. Other
reversible alterations include
the following: the
replacement of portions of the
wrought iron platform railings
with a masonry wall with Figure 17 This recent photo shows the east elevation of the
original 1926 pumping station (center) as well as the expansion of
pierced brick panels, the 1976 pumping station on the same site (far right). The original
modifications to the 1926 pumping station maintains most of its original architecture
fountains, and inappropriately and design integrity. In 1948, an addition was constructed on the
south side (left) of the obelisk to house an electrical generator.
placed mechanical equipment. This addition destroyed the carefully planned symmetrical design of
The monument and base the obelisk and platform structure; it is of no functional use or
structure currently suffer necessity today.
from vandalism and deterioration due to many years of deferred maintenance prior
to the City's recent economic revitalization in the 1990s.
~
In 1976, the original 1926 pumping station was disconnected, and a new pumping
station was constructed immediately to the northeast of the original facilities on the
same site.78 Presently, the City has upgraded and expanded the 1976 pumping
station, which is now occupying much more of the original park site.
With the removal of the south addition and other non-original elements, the
restoration of the ornamental architecture and landscaped site of the 28th Street
Obelisk and Pumping Station can be successfully accomplished by careful analysis
of available original plans and historical photographs. Despite minor alterations and
damages to this structure over its 77 year life, it continues to be a remarkable
representation of the architectural and cultural legacy of Miami Beach. It is not
often that a utility station that pumps sewage is dramatically incarnated as a work
of high art, dignity, and grace worthy of any great city. Restoration of the original
obelisk, its octagonal architectural pedestal, and the surrounding circular landscape
wall above the former utilitarian holding tank will once again capture a spectacular
78 City of Miami Beach, Building Department, Building Permit Card No. 179-3, Pumping Station - 28th
Street and Pinetree Drive, permit no. 89031, 18 March 1976.
47
pocket park of great pride to the neighborhood and City. Appropriate landscaping
of the pumping station site would likewise mitigate any adverse aesthetic impact of
the recently constructed modern expansion on the property.
48
ORIGINAL ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS OF
THE 28TH STREET OBELISK AND PUMPING STATION
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49
Figure 18 The City of Miami Beach
hired Hazen and Whipple, a leading
civil engineering firm from New York
City, to design the 28th Street Obelisk
and Pumping Station. The firm
produced final architectural drawings
for the structure on September 15,
1925. This original west elevation
drawing shows the slender 40-foot
high obelisk mounted on top of a
platform building. The equipment
room and sewage holding tank are
shown in dashed lines below the
platform structure. A ventilation flue
through the shaft of the obelisk
connects to the pumping station
equipment below.
Figure 19 As seen in this original site
plan of the 28th Street Obelisk and
Pumping Station, the obelisk (center)
is mounted on top of an octagonal-
shaped platform structure, which
spans about 24 feet across and rises
7 feet 6 inches above grade. Trefoil-
shaped fountain pools decorate the
east, west, and south elevations of
the base building. On the north side
(left) of the structure, central stairs
lead to the platform above, and two
side stairs (now removed) connect to
the sunken equipment room of the
pumping station below. A low
landscape wall with finials and steps
(all now demolished) form a perfect
circle around the obelisk and base
building. This landscape wall was 62
feet in diameter and traced the shape
of the sewage holding tank below the
ground.
HISTORICAL PHOTOGRAPHS OF
THE 28TH STREET OBELISK AND PUMPING STATION
Figures 20 and 21 These historical photographs show the original conditions of the south elevation (Figure 20, left) and north
elevation (Figure 21, right) of the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station. They were taken of the structure sometime before
the construction of its southern addition in 1948.
50
HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF
THE 28TH STREET OBELISK AND PUMPING STATION SITE
51
Figure 22 This 1927 aerial photo
shows the 28th Street Obelisk and
Pumping Station (center) about a year
after their construction. Notice that
the obelisk and platform structure are
prominently located within a casually
landscaped park setting. The photo
was taken looking towards the
northwest just south of West 26th
Street.
Figure 23 This 1941 aerial photo was
taken looking towards the west (top)
of the 28th Street Obelisk and
Pumping Station site (center). Notice
that the slender 40-foot high obelisk
and octagonal-shaped platform
structure are surrounded by a circular
landscape wall and steps (later
removed).
HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF
THE 28TH STREET OBELISK AND PUMPING STATION SITE
52
Figure 24 A small addition was built
in 1948 on the south side (left) of the
28th Street Obelisk and Pumping
Station to house an electrical
generator, as seen in this 1954 aerial
photo. The original landscape wall
and steps may have been removed at
the same time this addition was
constructed.
Figure 25 In 1976, the original 1926
pumping station was disconnected,
and a new pumping station was built
to the northeast (lower right) of the
original facilities on the same site.
The City has recently upgraded and
expanded the 1976 pumping station,
which is now occupying much more
of the original park site. This aerial
photo was taken in 2000 (before the
construction of the 1976 pumping
station improvements began).
Hazen and Whipple. As a greater understanding of disease
transmission evolved during the mid 19th century, it was
proven that impure water was often the cause of cholera
and typhoid. By the late 19th century, there was
tremendous pressure for better water from the public in
Europe and the United States where cities and industries
were growing at phenomenal rates. Sanitary conditions,
particularly in the industrial cities, by today's standards
were very poor. The annual death rates from cholera,
typhoid, and other intestinal diseases were often higher in
municipalities than rural areas due to contaminated water
supplies.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, American
engineering education developed rapidly and the supply of
civil engineers greatly increased. Municipalities often hired
a private consulting. engineer for projects that required
specialized skills not available in-house or projects for
which time was limited. Many of America's leading
sanitary engineers, including Allen Hazen and George C.
Whipple, formed consulting firms and advised on hundreds
of projects throughout the country. 79
Figure 26 Allen Hazen (1869-
1930) was one of the great
pioneers in water treatment. His
firm planned the water supply,
sewerage, and sewage disposal
system for Miami Beach in 1921.
Four years later, the firm was
hired again to design the
pumping station at 28th Street
and Pinetree Drive.
Allen Hazen was born in Norwich, Vermont, in 1869. He enrolled in the New
Hampshire College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. In 1885, he graduated .with a
bachelor's degree in chemistry at the age of fifteen. Hazen then completed graduate
work in sanitary chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 1888, he
was persuaded to join a group of young scientists recruited by the state of
Massachusetts for a new research effort at the Lawrence Experiment Station. This
facility was established to perform research on a viable system for treating sewage,
The City of Lawrence, Massachusetts, authorized the construction of a sand filtration
plant on the Merrimac River in response to the threat of a typhoid epidemic. Hazen
was the chief chemist who implemented and supervised the facility. During his five
year stint at the research station, Hazen made significant contributions to the sanitary
engineering field in the methods of the purification of water. In 1893, he was invited
to Chicago to oversee the sewage treatment plant for the Columbian Exposition.
Hazen became a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1896 and was
later elected four terms as vice-president and director of the organization.80
79 Royce Hanson, ed., Perspectives on Urban Infrastructure (Washington, D.C.: National Academy
Press, 1984), section 32, p. 21.
80 Judy Berkun, ed., "Malcolm Pirnie, Inc.: The First Century (1895-1995)," report published by
Malcolm Pirnie, Inc., White Plains, New York, June 1995, pp. 5-7.
53
During his career, Hazen discovered the rational design of sand filters, the method of
classifying materials in terms of grading and hydraulic properties, and the simple
procedures for measuring chemical and physical qualities of water. Hazen was soon
recognized as one of the world's foremost authorities in the field of water works,
encompassing such matters as sedimentation, filtration, the chemistry of water.
analysis and treatment, the design of dams and spillways, and the rational design of
water rates of flow. 81
Hazen wrote many books and articles in the sanitary engineering field, including
Filtration of Public Water Supplies, Clean Water and How to Get It, and On
Sedimentation. His published works on flood flows, yield of reservoir storage, and
filtration became well know. Hazen was one of the great pioneers in water treatment.
He was an advocate of slow sand filtration as a means of safeguarding against disease
and an early promoter for the disinfection of drinking water by chlorination. In addition
to his contributions in water treatment, he also made significant advances in the areas
of water pollution as well as wastewater collection and treatment.82
In January of 1895, Hazen and Alfred Noyes established a consulting engineering
practice, Noyes and Hazen, at 85 Water Street in Boston. The firm specialized in
addressing problems of water supply, sewerage, and sewage disposal. Noyes died
unexpectedly just a year after the partnership was formed. Hazen moved to New York
City where he continued to practice as Allen Hazen, Engineer. Hazen's main interest
was designing filtered water systems for large cities. In 1897, the firm installed the
first modern filtration plant in the United States in Albany, New York. It was a
showcase system that transformed the polluted Hudson River into a safe water supply.
Other filter installations soon followed in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Providence,
Denver, Pittsburgh, as well as Yonkers and Watertown, New York. The first decade of
the 20th century was often called the Golden Age of America's sanitary engineering
practice because American cities began the large-scale building of water treatment
systems.83
In 1904, Hazen was joined by Harvard professor George C. Whipple, and the practice
was renamed Hazen and Whipple, Civil Engineers. Whipple was an engineer and
microbiologist with an expertise in treatment processes, microbiology, and water
supply health studies. He was the author of Microscopy of Drinkinq Water and co-
author of Fresh Water Bioloqy. 84
81 Edward S. Brown, "The Hanover Water Works Company: One Hundred Years of Service,"
Dartmouth Colleqe Librarv Bulletin (Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire). volume XXXV, no. 2, April
1995, p. 1.
82 Berkun, pp. 6-7.
83 Berkun, p. 8.
84 Ibid.
54
During the early 1900s, Hazen and Whipple were involved in a number of important
water projects, including the Borden Brook Reservoir in Springfield, Massachusetts,
and the Hudson River town of Poughkeepsie, New York. Water supply studies were
conducted for St. Louis, Minneapolis and Toledo, Ohio. In 1909, Hazen was appointed
to a select engineering commission that accompanied President-elect William H. Taft
on an inspection of the construction of the Panama Canal. 85
The firm's reputation for excellence spread, and they were hired for important new
projects. Their work included a new treatment plant to condition the waters of the
Scituate Reservoir in Providence, Rhode Island; a water filter system for Toronto,
Ontario, in 1910; a new water supply for the City of Boston with the development of
the Quabbin Reservoir; and aeration systems for the Ashokan and Kensico Reservoirs
as part of New York City's Catskill water supply project in 1907 and 1908.86
Malcolm Pirnie was born in New York in 1889 and grew up in Springfield,
Massachusetts. He joined Hazen and Whipple in 1911, at the recommendation of his
professor after completing his Master's of Engineering degree at Harvard University.
The firm was located at that time at 103 Park Avenue in New York City. In 1915
Weston E. Fuller, a sanitary engineer with the firm since 1903, was made a full,
partner. The firm was renamed Hazen, Whipple and Fuller. Pirnie was promoted to
junior partner in 1916. He briefly left the firm during World War I to contribute his
sanitary engineering services on a mission to Russia in 1917 and a mission to France
in 1918.87
After 1915, when the technology for modern water treatment had been developed,
Hazen turned his attention to other water supply projects, especially dams and
hydrology. Water supply studies and projects included St. John's, Newfoundland, and
San Francisco's Hetch-Hetchy system.88
During the Florida land development boom of the 1 920s, the firm was involved with
several major projects in the state. The large influx of population to Florida's young
towns and cities increased the demand for water supplies and the necessity for
sewage systems. The first project in Florida began in 1919 with the installation of a
rapid sand filter plant to treat the Loxahatchee water supply for West Palm Beach and
Palm Beach. The operation was under the direct supervision of Malcolm Pirnie. His
solutions were developed based upon his knowledge of the water supplies in Florida
and the needs of the area. Other projects in Florida soon followed. In St. Petersburg,
85 Berkun, pp. 7-9.
86 Berkun, p. 15.
87 Berkun, pp. 9-10 and 13.
88 Berkun, p. 9.
55
the firm worked with the Pinellas Water Company in developing a well water supply.
In 1921, the City of Miami Beach engaged Hazen, Whipple and Fuller to plan its water
supply, sewerage, and sewage disposal system.89 The City of Miami Beach hired the
firm, then Hazen and Whipple, again in 1925 to design its new pumping station at
28th Street and Pinetree Drive. (Fuller left the firm in 1924 to become a professor of
civil engineering at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania.) Hazen and Whipple were
then located at 25 West 43rd Street in New York City.90
Whipple died in 1928. In January of 1929, Malcolm Pirnie was made a full partner
along with Chester M. Everett. The firm then became Hazen, Everett and Pirnie. In
June of 1929, just six months after being named partner, Pirnie left Hazen to start his
own practice, Malcolm Pirnie Civil Engineer. Selected work from Hazen's firm
continued with Pirnie, including the West Palm Beach and other Florida projects. In
1930, Allen Hazen died at the age of 61, and Malcolm Pirnie acquired the books and
records of the partnership of Hazen, Everett and Pirnie. The remainder of the Hazen
firm's projects was reverted to Pirnie. Robert Sawyer was the first engineer to join
Pirnie in early 1930. Other professional staff to be hired by the firm was Carl
Arenander in 1934, Gus Werner in 1936, Richard Hazen (Allen Hazen's son) in 1937,
and Ernest Whitlock, Bob Mitchell, and Malcolm Pirnie, Jr., in 1939. The City of
Miami Beach hired Malcolm Pirnie Civil Engineer in 1937 as a consultant on the
installation of a 36 inch-diameter cast iron sewer outfall 7,000 feet out into the
Atlantic Ocean at 74th Street. In 1939, the total staff of Malcolm Pirnie Civil Engineer
was about 25 people with offices in New York City, Miami Beach, and Richmond,
Virginia.91
Prior to World War II, Pirnie worked on committees of the Construction League of the
United States which advised Congress in developing legislation that later created the
Public Works Administration (PWA). He served as Deputy Administrator of the
National Recovery Act (NRA) and later the Technical Board of Review for the PWA,
He was a consultant to the War Department on water supply problems of the Atlantic-
Gulf and New Jersey Ship Canals. During World War II, Pirnie was a consultant to the
Commanding Generals of the Quartermaster Corps who undertook the largest single
public works project of the war; they developed a completely new water system for
San Juan, Puerto Rico. He was a consultant to the Army Service Forces and to the
Administrator of the Federal Works Administration. He was also a member of the
Construction Advisory Committee which advised the Army and Navy Munitions Board
and War Production Board. For his contributions during World War II, Pirnie was one
89 Berkun, pp. 14-15.
90 City of Miami Beach, Building Department, Building Permit Card No. 154, Pumping Station - 28th
Street Between Sheridan Avenue and Pinetree Drive, permit no. 1681, 18 January 1926; architectural plans
signed by Hazen and Whipple of New York City on 15 September 1925.
91 Berkun, pp. 13-14 and 17-19.
56
of six engineers to receive the President's Certificate of Merit. In 1944, Pirnie was
elected President of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He received the
prestigious 1948 Hoover Medal from the four Founder Engineering Societies for his
service to the public welfare.92
In 1951, Richard Hazen and another Pirnie engineer, Alfred Sawyer, left the firm to
found a new partnership, Hazen and Sawyer. Malcolm Pirnie retired in 1957 and died
in 1967 at the age of 78.93 The firm of Malcolm Pirnie was incorporated in 1970.
Today Malcolm Pirnie, Inc., and Hazen and Sawyer are two of the most prominent and
highly respected consulting engineering firms in the country,
92 Berkun, pp. 11-12.
93 Berkun, pp. 12 and 19.
57
Merritt-Chapman & Scott Corporation. The Merritt-Chapman & Scott Corporation was
originally established in 1860 as the Coast Wrecking Company. The business was
later reorganized as Merritt's Wrecking Organization. In 1897, it merged with
Chapman Derrick & Wrecking Company to form Merritt & Chapman Derrick &
Wrecking Company. The business merged again in 1922 with T.A. Scott Company to
form Merritt-Chapman & Scott Corporation. Throughout, the company was
headquartered in New York City.94
The Merritt-Chapman & Scott Corporation was involved in marine salvage and
wrecking operations. They also constructed a wide variety of projects that included
public utilities, bridges, tunnels, airfield and air base facilities, bulkheads, piers, roads,
tank farms, dry docks, shipways, large scale military and civilian housing, hospitals,
chemical plants, sewage works, industrial plants, schools, dams, steel mills, and
commercial buildings.95
In Miami Beach, the Merritt-Chapman & Scott Corporation constructed the upper
structure of the 28th Street Pumping Station in 192696 and the 74th Street sewer
outfall in 1937.97 Examples of their work outside of Miami Beach include: dredging
and jetty work in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire (1934); the Pennsylvania Railroad
Ore Dock No. 11 in Cleveland, Ohio (1938 and 1945); the Cedar Point shoreline in
Sandusky, Ohio (1940); the E.1. DuPont de Nemours and Company river bulkhead in
Cleveland, Ohio (1941); the Buffalo South Sewer Outfall in Buffalo, New York (1942);
the Presque Isle breakwall in. Erie, Pennsylvania (1944); the concrete foundations of
the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan (1954 to 1957); the general contractor of the Glen
Canyon Dam in Page, Arizona (1956 to 1966); and the joint general contractor of the.
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in Virginia (1960 to 1964). During World War II, the
Merritt-Chapman & Scott Corporation completed more than $5 million in projects for
the United States government. The company partnered with the George A. Fuller
Company to construct major military facilities in Londonderry, Ireland; Reykjavik,
Iceland; Argentia, Newfoundland; and Quonset Point, Rhode Island.98
94 Mystic Seaport Museum, G.W. Blunt White Library, Mystic, Connecticut. Manuscript Collection,
"Records of the Merritt-Chapman & Scott Corporation," collection 2, no date.
95 Bowling Green State University, Jerome Library, Bowling Green, Ohio. Historical Collections of the
Great Lakes, "Dunbar and Sullivan Dredging Company," collection GLMS-3, box 16, folder 24, Organizational
Brochure, 1950.
96 "City's Work Resumed," Miami Herald, 30 July 1926.
97 City of Miami Beach Archives, Lipp, pp. 8 and 11.
98 Bowling Green State University, Jerome Library, Bowling Green, Ohio. Historical Collections of the
Great Lakes, "Dunbar and Sullivan Dredging Company," collection GLMS-3, box 16, folder 24, Organizational
Brochure, 1950.
58
By 1950, the Merritt-Chapman & Scott Corporation formed five operating divisions:
Marine and Heavy Construction, Industrial and Building Construction, Great Lakes,
Derrick and Inland Salvage, and Marine Salvage. The main office of the company was
located in New York City with branch offices in Cleveland, Ohio; New London,
Connecticut; and Boston, Massachusetts. Service yards were maintained as
operational bases in Staten Island, New York; Cleveland, Ohio; and New London,
Connecticut.99 The Merritt-Chapman & Scott Corporation was acquired by the Dunbar
and Sullivan Dredging Company of Cleveland, Ohio, sometime during the 1960s.100
99 Ibid.
100 Bowling Green State University, Jerome Library, Bowling Green, Ohio. Historical Collections of the
Great lakes, "Dunbar and Sullivan Dredging Company," collection GLMS-3, Organizational History, no date.
59
x. PLANNING DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Criteria for DesiQnation: The Planning Department finds the proposed 28th
Street Obelisk and Pumping Station Historic Structure to be in compliance with
the Criteria for Designation listed in Section 118-592 in the land Development
Regulations of the City Code.
2. Site Boundaries: On December 14, 2004, the Historic Preservation Board
reviewed the designation report and unanimously approved a motion (7 to 0) to
recommend approval of the historic designation of the 28th Street Obelisk and
Pumping Station with modifications to the site boundaries (see Map 1 A). The
Board reduced the boundaries of the site from all of Fairgreen Park to only a 67-
foot diameter circular area that includes the original 1926 structure and its
appurtenances (i.e. the obelisk, base structure, fountain basins, stairs, 1948,
southern addition, any remains of its 62-foot diameter landscape wall, and the
underground 66-foot diameter holding tank).
On January 25, 2005, the Planning Board reviewed the designation report and
unanimously approved a motion (5 to 0; 2 absences) to recommend approval of
the historic designation of the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station with the
expansion of the site boundaries to include all of Fairgreen Park (see Map 1 B).
The proposed historic structure, as recommended by the Planning Board, is
generally bounded by the center line of West 28th Street to the north, the center
line of Sheridan Avenue to the west, and the center line of Pinetree Drive to the
south and east.
For more information about site boundaries, please refer to Section I. - Request
and Section IV. - Description of Boundaries in the designation report.
3. Areas Subiect to Review: The Planning Department recommends that the
following areas within the boundaries of the proposed historic structure shall be
subject to review by the Historic Preservation Board: all exterior elevations and
plans of the 28th Street Obelisk and Pumping Station, all site and landscape,
features, and all new construction and landscaping within the site.
4. Review Guidelines: The Planning Department recommends that a decision on an
application for a Certificate of Appropriateness shall be based upon compatibility
of the physical alteration or improvement within the boundaries of the historic
structure as well as with surrounding properties, and where deemed applicable
in substantial compliance with the following:
a. The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines
for RehabilitatinQ Historic BuildinQs, as revised from time to time;
60
b. Other guidelines/policies/plans adopted or approved by resolution or
ordinance by the City Commission;
c. All additional criteria as listed under Sections 118-564(b) and 118-564(c)
in the land Development Regulations of the City Code;
d. City of Miami Beach Design Guidelines as adopted by the Joint Design
Review/Historic Preservation Board on October 12, 1993, amended June
7, 1994, as may be revised from time to time.
61
XI. FIGURE INDEX
Figure 0: (Cover) City of Miami Beach Archives. "City of Miami Beach Annual
Report," 30 November 1926, p. 11.
Figure 1: Photo: Florida State Archives, Florida Photographic Collection.
Reference Collection. "Aerial View of Pancoast lake: Miami Beach,
Florida," image no. Rc21472, 1914.
Text: City of Miami Beach Archives. "The John S. Collins Memorial,"
(pamphlet) circa 1938, p. 10.
Figure 2: Florida State Archives, Florida Photographic Collection. Reference
Collection. "looking Down Pine Tree Drive: Miami Beach, Florida," image
no. Rc21471a, 1921.
Figure 3: Photo: Historical Museum of Southern Florida. Miami Beach Convention
Visitors Bureau Archives. "11 th Street Pumping Station," (photo) March
1951.
Text: City of Miami Beach, Public Works Department. Records. 11 th
Street Pumping Station, plan PS22C, "Pump House," 1 September 1922;
and plan PS45, "New Pump Room and Wet Well," July 1945.
Figure 4: City of Miami Beach Archives. Lipp, M.N. Pipe ProQress. "New Force
Main and Outfall for Continuous Sewage Disposal into Atlantic Ocean at
Miami Beach, Fla.," volume XXIII, no. 3, June 1938, cover photo.
Figure 5: City of Miami Beach Archives. Lipp, M.N. Pipe ProQress. "New Force
Main and Outfall for Continuous Sewage Disposal into Atlantic Ocean at
Miami Beach, Fla.," volume XXIII, no. 3, June 1938, pp. 8-9.
Figure 6: Florida State Archives, Florida Photographic Collection. Reference
Collection. "John Collins Standing Next to a Small Palmetto: Miami
Beach, Florida," image no. Rc01814, 10 March 1927.
Figure 7: City of Miami Beach Archives. "City of Miami Beach Annual Report," 30
November 1926, p. 11.
Figure 8: City of Miami Beach, Public Works Department. Hoit, Richard B. Aerial
Atlas of Miami Beach, Florida. Miami, Florida: Richard B. Hoit, 12
February 1927, sheet 82A.
Figure 9: The Library of Congress, American Memory Historical Collections.
Detroit Publishing Company Photographic Collection. "Central Park, New
York, the Obelisk," call no. lC-D4-12688, circa 1900.
Figure 10: Historical Museum of Southern Florida. Photographic Collection, Miami
Beach Statues. Matlack, Claude C. "Flagler Memorial," (photo) no date.
Figure 11: Howe, Jeffery. A DiQital Archive of American Architecture. "World's
Fair of 1893, Columbian Exhibition, Chicago," (Boston College, Fine Arts
Department, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts), 1998.
Figure 12: City of Miami Beach Archives. Library File. "John S. Collins Memorial
Library and Art Center," (photo) no date.
Figure 13: Moore Parks, Arva and Carolyn Klepser. Miami Then and Now. San
Diego, California: Thunder Bay Press, 2002, p. 122.
62
Figure 14: Historical Museum of Southern Florida. Matlack Collection, Miami Beach
Public Buildings. "Star Island Water Tower," (photo) 22 May 1922.
Figure 15: Historical Museum of Southern Florida. "The lure of Miami Beach,
Florida," (brochure) Miami Beach, Florida: Atlantic Printers, 1929, p. 3.
Figure 16: Historical Museum of Southern Florida. Miami News Bureau Collection.
"Pumping Station Obelisk on Pinetree Drive," (photo) no date.
Figure 17: City of Miami Beach, Planning Department. "28th Street Obelisk and
Pumping Station," (photo) 8 January 2003.
Figure 18: City of Miami Beach, Building Department. Building Permit Card No.1 54,
Pumping Station - 28th Street Between Sheridan Avenue and Pinetree
Drive, permit no. 1681, 18 January 1926, plan and elevation drawing
dated 15 September 1925.
Figure 19: City of Miami Beach, Building Department. Building Permit Card No. 154,
Pumping Station - 28th Street Between Sheridan Avenue and Pinetree
Drive, permit no. 1681, 18 January 1926, plan and elevation drawing
dated 15 September 1925.
Figure 20: Historical Museum of Southern Florida. Miami Beach Convention Visitors
Association, Photo Collection, MBCV A Box 3-1, Monuments File, "28th
Street Monument," photo no. KS-131 B, date unknown.
Figure 21: Historical Museum of Southern Florida. Miami Beach Convention Visitors'
Association, Photo Collection, MBCV A Box 3-1, Monuments File, "28th
Street Monument," photo no. KS-131 A, date unknown.
Figure 22: City of Miami Beach Archives. Views and Descriptions File. Hoit,
Richard B. "Aerial Photo of Miami Beach," 1 December 1927.
Figure 23: City of Miami Beach, Public Works Department. Abrams Aerial Survey
Corporation. Aerial Survey of Miami Beach, Florida. Lansing, Michigan:
Abrams Aerial Survey Corporation, 1941, sheet 108.
Figure 24: City of Miami Beach, Public Works Department. Abrams Aerial Survey
Corporation. Aerial Survey of Miami Beach, Florida. Lansing, Michigan:
Abrams Aerial Survey Corporation, January 1954, sheet 51.
Figure 25: City of Miami Beach, Planning Department. Kodak Citipix Imagery.
Aerial Survey of Miami Beach, Florida. Rochester, New York: Eastman
Kodak Company, 2000, sheet 940000-534000.
Figure 26: American Water Works Association. Advocacy, Press Room, News
Releases. "Drinking Water in the 19th and 20th Centuries," no date, p.
1 .
63
XII. BIBLIOGRAPHY
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65