Ord 18-00ORDINANCE NO. 18-00
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DF_J_,RAY BEACH, FLORIDA, DESIGNATING THE ATLANTIC
AVENUE BRIDGE LOCATED AT EAST ATLANTIC AVENUE
AND THE INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY, AS MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED HEREIN, AS A LOCAL HISTORIC
SITE TO BE LISTED IN THE LOCAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC
PLACES; PROVIDING FOR THE AMENDMENT OF THE
"ZONING MAP OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, 1994" TO SHOW
THE HISTORIC DESIGNATION IN AN OVERLAY MANNER;
PROVIDING A GENERAL REPEALER CLAUSE, A SAVING
CLAUSE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, Section 4.5.1 of the Land Development Regulations of the Code of
Ordinances of the City of Delray Beach provides for the designation and protection of historic sites; and
WHEREAS, a designation report was prepared for the Atlantic Avenue Bridge located at
East Atlantic Avenue and the Intracoastal Waterway; and
WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Board held a duly noticed pubhc hearing in regard
to the historic designation on July 19, 2000, and voted unanimously to recommend that the Atlantic
Avenue Bridge be designated a local historic site; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission of the City of Delray Beach has conducted a duly
noticed public hearing in regard to the designation of the Atlantic Avenue Bridge as a local historic site.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. That the following described property in the City of Delray Beach, Florida, is
hereby designated as a local historic site in accordance with and under the provisions of Section 4.5.1 of
the Land Development Regulations of the City of Delray Beach, to-wit:
THE ATLANTIC AVENUE BRIDGE (State Structure #930864),
located at East Atlantic Avenue and the Intracoastal Waterway in the City
of Delray Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida.
Section 2. That the Planning Director of said City shall, upon the effective date of this
ordinance, amend the Zoning Map of the City of Delray Beach, Florida, to show the historic designation,
in an overlay manner.
Section 3. That all ordinances or parts of ordinances in confhct herewith be, and the
same are hereby repealed.
Section 4. That should any section or provision of this ordinance or any portion thereof,
any paragraph, ~entence, or word be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such
decision shall not affect the vahchty of the remainder hereof as a whole or part thereof other than the
part declared to be invahd.
Section 5. That this ordinance shall become effective mediately upon its passage on
second and final reading.
15th
PASSED AND ADOPTED in regular session on second and final reading on this the
day of Auqust ,1999.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
City Clerkff
First Reading August 1, 2000
SecondReadmg August 15, 2000
- 2 - Ord. No. 18-00
TO:
THRU:
FROM:
DAVID~. HARDEN, CITY M, ANAGER
PAU~ J~"~N~ PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR
PATRICIA CAYCE, HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLANNER
SUBJECT:
MEETING OF AUGUST 15, 2000
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES TO DESIGNATE THE
ATLANTIC AVENUE AND THE GEORGE BUSH BOULEVARD
BRIDGES TO THE LOCAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES.
At the City Commission meeting of August 1, 2000 the following information was
requested:
1. What affect would an historic designation have on the ability to provide
maintenance and repair to the bridges?
Pursuant to LDR Section 2.4.6(J) (1) Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for Historic
Structures, Sites, and in Historic Districts.
A COA is required for any building, structure, appurtenance, improvement, or landscape
feature, which will be erected, altered, restored, renovated, excavated, relocated or
demolished and which involves any exterior architectural features, landscape feature, or
site improvements, except for those items specifically exempted by a list promulgated by
the director. However, a COA is not required for general, occasional maintenance
of any historic building, interior, structure or site, or any building or structure
within a historic district. General, occasional maintenance shall include minor
repairs that restore or maintain the historic site or current character of the
building or structure. Thus, when a building permit application is submitted for
repair and maintenance the planning department would determine that a COA or
review by the HPB was not required and sign off on the permit application.
Additionally, the Palm Beach County Commission in 1997 designated the Camino Real
Bridge in Boca Raton historic over the opposition of FIND, centered around similar repair
and maintenance issues. This designation has not negatively impacted the bridge.
Background material relating to Resolution 86-95 with respect to the City's
opposition to the construction of the Ocean Avenue Bridge in Boynton Beach.
On November 21, 1995 the City Commission passed Resolution 86-95 which stated the
City's opposition to the reconstruction of the Ocean Avenue Bridge. The Resolution also
opposed any construction or reconstruction of any bridges located within the city limits of
Delray Beach which utilized US Coast Guard guide clearances requiring a 21' vertical
clearance and a 125' horizontal clearance.
Attachment: LDR Section 2.4.6(J)(1) and Resolution 86-95
File/s/pz/hpb/Bridges-cc
SECTION 2.4.6 (I)(2) (b)
The floor elevation for flood-proofing certification after the lowest
floor is complete, or in the instance where the structure is subject to
the regulations applicable to Coastal High Hazard Area, after
placement of the horizontal structure members of the lowest floor;
The above elevation shall be prepared by, or under the direction of,
a registered land surveyor or professional engineer and certified by
same.
(3) Procedures:
(a)
Pre-Construction: The general data material may be provided as a
part of a site plan and/or preliminary engineering plans which are
submitted as a part of a site plan or plat submittal. However, a
separate submission is required when not so associated. A separate
submission shall be processed concurrent with review of the building
permit application.
(b) Construction Certification: Upon placement of the lowest floor,
or flood-proofing by whatever construction means, or upon placement
of the horizontal structural members of the lowest floor, whichever is
applicable, it shall be the duty of the permit holder to submit to the
Chief Building Official a certification of the lowest floor, flood-proof
elevation, or elevation of the lowest portion of the horizontal structural
member of the lower floor, whichever is applicable, in relation to mean
sea level. When flood-proofing is certified for a particular building, said
certification shall be prepared by, or under, the direct supervision of a
professional engineer and certified by same. Any work undertaken
prior to submission of the certification shall be at the permit holder's
risk. The Chief Building Official shall review the floor elevation survey
data submitted, and any discrepancies detected by said review shall
be corrected by the permit holder immediately and prior to further
progressive work being permitted to proceed. Failure to correct
deficiencies or to submit the survey shall be cause to issue a stop-work
order.
(J) Certificate of Ap.oro.oriateness for Historic Structures, Sites, and in
Historic Districts:
(1) Rule: A Certificate of Appropriateness shall be required for the following
activities which occur on a designated historic site, designated historic interiors, or
within designated historic districts:
2467
SECTION 2.4.6 (J)(1) (a)
(a)
Any site plan development application which is processed under these
regulations for which action is required by the Planning and Zoning
Board.
(b)
Any development application which is processed under these
regulations for which action is required by the Site Plan Review and
Appearance Board or the Board of Adjustment; and in such case, the
Historic Preservation Board shall act in-lieu of such Board.
(c)
Any building, structure, appurtenance, improvement, or landscape
feature, which will be erected, altered, restored, renovated, excavated,
relocated, or demolished and which regards any exterior architectural
features (and interior architectural features in the case of designated
historic interiors), landscape features, or site improvements, except for
those items specifically exempted by a list promulgated by the Director.
(d) A Certificate of Appropriateness shall also be required for any material
change in existing walls, fences, sidewalks, and changes of color.
A Certificate of Appropriateness is not required for general, occasional
maintenance of any historic building, interior, structure, or site, or any building or
structure within a historic district. General, occasional maintenance shall include, but
not be limited to lawn and landscaping care and minor repairs that restore or maintain
the historic site or current character of the building or structure. General, occasional
maintenance shall not include any of the activities described and defined in divisions
(1)(a) through (1)(d) of this Section. A Certificate of Appropriateness will not be
required for any interior alteration (except for designated historic interiors), construction,
reconstruction, restoration, renovation, or demolition. General, occasional maintenance
and repair shall also include any ordinary maintenance which does not require a
building permit from the City.
(2) Reuuired Information:
(a)
Referred Develo.~ment Apl)licafion~,: When an item is before the
Board through referral from another approval or review body, the
submission material provided with the application supplemented with
additional information required by the Board shall be provided. A
separate application is not required.
(b)
Stand Alone A_D_Dlication: When an item goes before the Historic
Preservation Board and it is not associated with any land development
application, the following information in the form of photographs or
plans shall be provided:
Site plan and/or survey;
2468
RESOLUTION NO. 86-95
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, OPPOSING THE FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RECONSTRUCTION PLANS
OF THE OCEAN AVENUE BRIDGE IN THE CITY OF BOYNTON
BEACH, FLORIDA; FURTHER, OPPOSING ANY CONSTRUCTION
OR RECONSTRUCTION OF ANY BRIDGES LOCATED WITHIN THE
CITY LIMITS OF DELRAY BEACH UTILIZING U.S. COAST
GUARD GUIDE CLEARANCES.
WHEREAS, the Florida Department of Transportation has
proposed plans to reconstruct the Ocean Avenue Bridge in Boynton
Beach, Florida; and
WHEREAS, the bridge is planned to be reconstructed using
the U.S. Coast Guard Guide Clearances of a vertical clearance of 21
feet and a horizontal clearance of 125 feet; and
WHEREAS, the reconstruction of the Ocean Avenue Bridge and
any other bridge with a 21 ft. vertical clearance and a 125 ft.
horizontal clearance would have a severe detrimental effect on
neighboring homeowners and any businesses located in the surrounding
business community; and
WHEREAS, the reconstruction of the Ocean Avenue Bridge and
any other bridges with a 21 ft. vertical clearance and a 125 ft.
horizontal clearance would be of no benefit to the residents of
surrounding communities and would only hinder the residents ability
to enjoy their neighborhoods and business communities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Delray Beach adamantly opposes any
similar reconstruction of any bridges located within the City limits
of Delray Beach due to the adverse impacts on the citizens and
residents of the City of Delray Beach.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. That the City of Delray Beach promotes the
maintenance and repair of the existing bridges which span the
Intracoastal Waterway in Palm Beach County, Florida.
Section 2. That the City of Delray Beach adamantly
opposes the reconstruction of the Ocean Avenue Bridge in Boynton
Beach, Florida, and any bridge located within the City limits of
Delray Beach utilizing the U.S. Coast Guard Guide Clearances of 21
ft. vertical clearance and 125 ft. horizontal clearance. The U.S.
Coast Guard Guide Clearances are unreasonable and will have an
adverse impact on the citizens residing and conducting business in
the surrounding community. Furthermore, the City of Delray Beach
requests that the State of Florida eliminate plans to reconstruct
the Ocean Avenue Bridge utilizing the U.S. Coast Guard Guide
Clearances and urges the federal government to withhold any federal
funds allocated towards subsidizing or financing the reconstruction
of the Ocean Avenue Bridge until the Florida Department of
Transportation has provided plans which reflect clearance dimensions
acceptable to the business community and residential neighborhoods.
Section 3. That the City Clerk of the City of Delray Beach
shall furnish a copy of this resolution to the City of Boynton
Beach, Florida, for the purpose of being forwarded to the
appropriate federal authorities, state authorities and specifically
the U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Department of Transportation.
Section 4.
upon adoption.
That this resolution shall take effect immediately
PASSED AND ADOPTED in regular session on this 21st day of
November, 1995.
ATTEST:
City Clerk
-2- Res. No.
TO:
THRU:
FROM:
D~. H~.~CITY MANAGER
PATRICIA CAYCE, HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLANNE
SUBJECT:
MEETING OF AUGUST 1, 2000
FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO DESIGNATE THE
ATLANTIC AVENUE BRIDGE TO THE LOCAL REGISTER OF
HISTORIC PLACES.
The current bridge, which is the fourth to be located at th~s site, was constructed in 1952.
Its location is the original site of the barge crossing which in 1895 linked Atlantic Avenue
to the barrier island and the beach on the east side of the Intracoastal Waterway. The
first bridge at the site, a hand cranked wooden swing bridge, was constructed in 1911. A
second more substantial bridge was built in 1918, and in 1926 a new double lift wood
and concrete bridge replaced the 1918 span. The Atlantic Avenue Bridge is historically
significant as an important means of transportation spanning the Intracoastal Waterway
along the City's main commercial area. It plays a crucial role in linking downtown Delray
Beach and the commercial and residential areas west of the bridge with the beach and
its adjacent commercial and residential sections.
Architecturally the Atlantic Avenue Bridge is significant as a good example of a double-
leaf Bascule bridge built by Cleary Brothers Construction Company, a notable
construction company that built a number of distinguished bridges in Florida during the
mid-twentieth century. The bridge is a very important part of the Atlantic Avenue
streetscape and its proportions are complementary with the neighboring historic
properties in the adjacent Marina H~storic District. Conferring historic status on the
bridge will help to preserve it because all alterations or proposed demolition will require
review and approval by the Historic Preservation Board
The Historic Preservation Board considered this item at a Public Hearing on July 19,
2000. After discussion, the Board voted unanimously to recommend historic designation
to the City Commission.
By motion, approve the ordinance de.~nating the Atlantic Avenue Bridge, located at
East Atlantic Avenue and the Intracoastal Waterway, to the Local Register of Historic
Places.
Attachment: Designation Report
File/s/pz/h pb/Atlantic Bridge-cc
Designation Report
for the
Atlantic Avenue Bridge
in the
City of Delray Beach
Prepared by
Janet G. Murphy & Associates, Inc.
for the
Downtown Merchant & Business Association
the
The Delray Beach Historic Preservation Board
and the
City of Delray Beach
May 2000
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
Table of Contents
General Information
Location Map
Time Line
Architectural Significance
Historical and Cultural Significance
Statement of Significance
Threats and Recommendations
VIII. End Notes
IX. Bibliography
X. Photograph Log
Report Prepared By:
Janet G. Murphy & Associates, Inc.
218 Almeria Road
West Palm Beach, Florida 33405
(561) 8324224 (561) 804-9598 (fax)
Bridge Owned By:
State of Florida
Department of Transportation
District 4 Sub Office
7900 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, Florida 33413-3342
(561) 434-3903 (561) 343-3928 (fax)
Report Prepared May 2000
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
Setting
The Atlantic Avenue Bridge spans the Intracoastal Waterway in downtown Delray Beach.
The bridge connects the City's commercial areas east and west of the Intracoastal. Atlantic
Avenue is State Road 806 that leads to State Road A1A adjacent to the Delray Beach Municipal
Beach. The bridge is located 3/10th of a mile west of AIA.
From A1A to the bridge is a four block commercial area that was originally platted as the
Town of Linton in 1896. To the west of the bridge is an older commercial area. In 1899, the
area east of the Intracoastal Waterway and a small portion of land to the west of the Intracoastal
was platted as the Fractional East Half of Section 16, Township 46 South, of Range 43 East. In
1911 the portion west of the Intracoastal was incorporated as the Town of Delray and in 1923 the
portion east was incorporated as the Town of Delray Beach. These towns merged in 1927 to
create the City of Delmy Beach.
The commercial buildings along Atlantic Avenue are mostly one or two stories in height and
Masonry Vernacular in style. The earliest extant buildings along Atlantic Avenue were
constructed in the 1920s Boom Era, though the predominant number of buildings were
constructed in the 1930s and 1940s. Buildings continued to be constructed along Atlantic
Avenue throughout the second half of the twentieth century, including more modem construction
in the 1980s and 1990s.
The Marina Historic District is a locally designated district located along the west bank of the
Intracoastal Waterway south of the Atlantic Avenue Bridge. It is a linear district running
approximately four blocks tong and one to one-and-one-half blocks wide. The only other
historically designated property in the proximate vicinity is the locally designated 1926 Colony
Hotel located three blocks west of the bridge at 525 East Atlantic Avenue. Veterans Park is
located adjacent to the bridge on the northwest side. Commercial and residential condominiums
line the Intracoastal Waterway northeast and southeast of the bridge.
Physical Description
The Atlantic Avenue Bridge (State Structure # 930864) is a gear driven, Chicago-style,
double-leaf, Bascule bridge. Construction of the bridge was begun in1951 and was completed in
1952. It is a four-lane highway and pedestrian bridge constructed of steel and concrete. The
structure length is 234.9 feet and the deck width is 51.8 feet, with the roadway width from curb
to curb being 39.7 feet. The approach roadway width, including the shoulders, is 57.7 feet and
there is no median. The vertical clearance, when closed, is 12 feet above the mean high water
level and the horizontal clearance is 80 feet. The main bridge span, which is the double-leaf
moveable span, is covered with steel decking while the sidewalks have aluminum diamond plate
decking. There are concrete balustrades on the bridge approaches and steel handrails on top of
the draw spans.
The bridge site includes a Bridge Tender's House. This rectangular masonry building at the
northwest comer of the bridge was constructed upon completion of the bridge in 1952. The
Bridge Tender's House was redesigned to its present appearance in 1991. The architect for the
project was Robert Cuttle. The Community Redevelopment Agency provided the funding for the
redesign of the Bridge Tenders House, which included re-roofing the building, repairing and
repainting the existing stucco finish, and additions of a cupola, pineapple finial and shutters.
Three years prior to the redesign, the Florida Department of Transportation modified the Bridge
Tender's House so that it would meet National Electrical Code requirements. The building
currently features one-over-one aluminum windows on all elevations, Bermuda-style aluminum
shutters, a single flush door with a small -window on the west elevation, a wood rolled beam
covered with copper flashing, and a standing-seam metal gable roof with a cupola and finial.
N £ 2NO
NE
1ST
ST
ST
TLAN VETERANS
PLAZAI PARK
ATLANTIC
ATLANTIC
S E 1ST ST
BUD'S
S E 2ND
I
/ LOWRY STREET
DELRA Y
~1 b,.~:"'~l ~ oROVE
BARR
TERRA CE SPA NIgH
II
A V E N U E
WA TERWA Y EAST
COMMERCIAL
CONDO
BAR
HARBOUR
CONDO
MIRAMAR STREET
SEA GA TE
TOWERZ
INGRAHAM
DOVER HOUSE
OCEAN PLACE
CONDO
COCONUT ROW
JARDIN DEL
MAR CONDO
OCEAN ~RR
N
C;TY OF OELRAY BEACH. FL
DLANNING & ZONING DEDARTMENT
EAST ATLANTIC AVENUE BRIDGE
-- DIGIf,4L t~qS£ ,4ZAP SY"~I'EAI -- MAm REF LNI4.40
III. Time Line
1893-95:
In 1893, the Florida East Coast Line Canal and Transportation Company
built two dredge boats to dig canals below Palm Beach; one machine
started to cut south from Lake Worth, and the other began to work north
from Biscayne Bay. On May 18, 1895, the canal company completed the
canal when the dredges operating from both ends met. The canal was
originally known as the Florida East Coast Canal, and renamed the
Intracoastal Waterway in 1929.
c. 1895-1911:
A lighter barge was used to take passengers across the East Coast Canal
(called the "Canal" in Delray Beach). Two lighters were used; a small one
for people and a large one for horses and wagons. Several residents
farmed land between the canal and the ocean and the lighter was the only
means of getting produce to the railroad station.
1896:
The original plat was recorded for the Town of Linton by William S.
Linton of Saginaw, Michigan.
1896:
First Florida East Coast Railway train arrives in Linton.
1898:
Post Office is renamed Delray. The original name was Linton.
1902:
East Atlantic Avenue is paved with rocks from Swinton to the Canal,
1911:
Town of Delray incorporated and John Shaw Sundy is elected Delray's
fa'st Mayor.
1911:
First bridge built over the Canal. This first bridge was a hand-cranked
Swing Bridge. Young boys enjoyed it as a diving platform, walking up the
pulley wires and diving fi:om the top of the poles.
August 1918:
A new wooden bridge is built, replacing the 1911 Swing Bridge.
According to an article in the Palm Beach Post, the swing bridge had
become a travel menace, and for months had bore the sign "Unsafe."
1921:
U. S. President Warren G. Harding visits Delray Beach. He is
photographed on a boat going through the Canal with the bridge open.
1923:
Town of Delmy Beach incorporated. The town included the land between
the canal and the ocean.
1926:
State bonds for the construction of the new bridge over the East Coast
Canal at Delray were sold to Pmden & Company.
1926:
The 1918 bridge was replaced with a new wood and concrete double lift
bridge.
1927:
Town of Delray and Town of Delray Beach combine to incorporate as the
Town of Delray Beach.
Feb. 1, 1928:
A contract for the Bridge Tenders House was let at the meeting of the
Board the County Commissioners. The estimated cost is $2500.
1928-1929:
The Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) was formed to buy the
privately-owned Florida East Coast Canal (toll canal). In December 1929,
by an act of Congress, the waterway became the Intracoastal Waterway,
extending approximately 350 miles from Jacksonville to Miami.
1938-1950:
Federal Intracoastal Navigation District widens and deepens the Intracoastal
Waterway. This was considered vital to the World War II effort.
1951-1952:
The 1926 Double Lift Bridge was replaced with a Chicago-style, double-
leafBascule Bridge. The 100 foot steel bridge was fabricated by the
Nashville Bridge Company and constmcted onsite by Cleary Brothers
Construction Company. The 300 foot concrete road approaches were
constructed by Brinson Construction Company. The bridge tenders house
was constructed in 1952 upon completion of the bridge. The bridge is built
of steel draw spans, steel hand mils on the draw spans, aluminum diamond
plate decking and reinforced concrete bridge approaches and approach
balustrades. Mechanically it is a gear driven bridge with a Hopkins's
flame. The total cost was $469,000.
1988:
The bridge receives a $t.6 million rehabilitation. Much of the machinery
and structural steel was reconditioned. The fenders and Hopkins frame
were replaced in kind. The Bridge Tender's House was modified with a
new electrical system and control console.
1988:
The Marina Historic District is listed on the Delray Beach Local
Register of Historic Places.
1991: Bridge Tenders house is redesigned.
IV. ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
The Atlantic Avenue Bridge is architecturally significant as a good example bridge engineering
because it represents advanced American bridge-building technology of the mid-twentieth
century. It is a gear driven, Chicago-style, double-leaf, bascule bridge that has had little alteration
since it was completed in 1952. The bridge contributes positively to the Atlantic Avenue
streetscape because its Iow vertical clearance provides a clear view across the Intracoastal
Waterway from both the east and the west and its scale is in keeping with the neighboring
buildings. The bridge was constructed by Cleary Bros. Construction Company, a notable firm that
built numerous bridges from 1919 to the late 1970s in Palm Beach County and throughout the
State of Florida.
Bascule bridges are a type of moveable balanced structure that can be tilted at the abutment to
move up and out of the way of boats and barges. The term Bascule derives from the French term
for a weighing device or seesaw. Bascule bridges are the most ancient in principle of the
moveable bridges. The drawbridge of a medieval castle was a Bascule bridge that was simply
hinged at its base and hauled up when necessary. The amount of effort required to raise a
drawbridge could be dramatically reduced if the bridge was counterbalanced, with the hinge
nearer the span's center of gravity. Many ingenious forms of counterbalancing were developed by
Dutch bridge builders for their canal spans so that heavy structures could be lifted by one person, t
Though Bascule bridges have been built since ancient times, the technology of today's bridges
developed into their modem form between the 1880s and 1940s. Bascule bridges that use hinge
mechanisms to move the spans are usually called heel and trunnion designs.2 However, many
American Bascule bridges use a form of the patent Scherzer roller bearing as a pivot. In this type
of bridge, the lifting spans rock backwards as they raise on a geared track. This kind of bearing is
most advantageous because it allows the whole width of the channel to be clear when the bridge is
opened. The Atlantic Avenue Bridge is a Chicago-style, floor mounted machine gear driven
bridge that transfers power from a motor to gears which pivot the bridge on mmnions?
On September 14, 1950, a contract in the amount of $413,29I was awarded to Cleary Bros.
Construction Company for the construction of the new Atlantic Avenue Bridge.4 The steel bridge
would be fabricated by the Nashville Bridge Company and constructed onsite by Cleary Bros.
The Nashville Bridge Company ',,,'as a very prolific bridge building company that fabricated spans
and supports for bridges throughout the United States. Some of their Florida bridges include the
Brickell Avenue Bridge (Dark County, 1929), the N.W. 2Th Avenue Bridge (Dark County, 1938),
the Royal Park Bridge (Palm Beach County, 1922-23), the Boynton Beach Bridge (Palm Beach
County, 1936), the El Camino Real Bridge (formerly the Boca Raton Club Bridge, Palm Beach
County, 1938-39), the Flagler Memorial Bridge (Palm Beach County, 1938), the McArthur-
Fishler Bridge (Nassau County, 1948), the Choctawhatchee River Bridge (Walton County, 1940),
and the Port Orange Bridge (Volusia County, 1950).5
Cleary Bros. Conslruction Company .was a West Palm Beach general contracting firm that
operated for approximately sixty years from 1919 to the late 1970s. John B. and Daniel A. Cleary
began their construction business by purchasing Lockman Construction Company in 1919. In
1935, the Clearys incorporated as Cleary Brothers Construction Company and were based out of
an office in the Comeau Building at 319 Clematis Street in West Palm Beach. John was the first
president and Daniel the first vice-president. During their first twenty years in business, the
Clearys did very little bridge work. This changed in the early 1940s when the Cleary Bros. were
hired by the State of Florida to widen the original railroad bridges throughout the Florida Keys in
order to make them capable of handling automobile traffic. During World War II, the Clearys
were contracted by the government to do airport work. They worked on Morrison Air Field (now
the Palm Beach Airport), Sebring Air Field and the Boca Raton Air Field. Following the War,
Cleary Bros. resumed their bridge building work. In 1947, they constructed the double-bascule
Singer Island Bridge in Palm Beach County (this bridge has since been replaced with a large non-
moveable bridge). Examples of bridges that the Cleary Bros. built in Florida prior to 1950 include
the Boca Raton Club Bridge (Palm Beach County, 1938-39), the West Bay Lift Bridge (Bay
County, 1944-45), the White City Lift Bridge (Gulf County, 1947), and the Lantana Bridge (Palm
Beach County, 1950).6 In 1950, they were awarded the contract to construct the Atlantic Avenue
Bridge. The work started after the1951 winter season and was completed in November 1952.
When the Atlantic Avenue Bridge was completed, Daniel A. Cleary was the president, Vincent R.
Gorham the vice-president, and Clarence D. Lyman the secretary and treasurer. John B. Cleary
had passed away in 1951. Daniel Cleary was the son of Dan and Julia Cleary of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Daniel Cleary learned his trade from his father, who was also a contractor and bridge builder.7
The Cleary's continued to work throughout the state from Pensacola to Key West until the late
1970s, when they dissolved the company due to legal entanglements with the State of Florida?
Several members of the Cleary family reorganized their business and started a new construction
company named Palmwood Corporation, Inc. This company remains in business at the present
time.
V. HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
The history of the Atlantic Avenue Bridge begins in 1894-1896, the years when the East Coast
Canal was dredged from Lake Worth to Biscayne Bay. Also during these years, the Town of
Linton was settled and the lighter barge was established to transport people and supplies across
the canal. In 1898, the Linton Post Office was renamed Delray. As the population of the area
grew, bridges were built to accommodate the increased traffic over the canal at Atlantic Avenue.
The first, a wooden swing bridge, was completed in 1911. This was replaced with another
wooden bridge in 1918. The second wooden bridge was replaced in1926 during the Florida Land
Boom with a concrete lift bridge. The current double Bascule bridge was completed in 1952
during a second building and population boom.
In 1894, William S. Linton and his friend David Swinton, both of Saginaw, Michigan, traveled
to south Florida on a tropical wilderness adventure. While in West Palm Beach, they learned of a
land sale near the Orange Grove House of Refuge No. 3 and traveled down the newly dredged
East Coast Canal to inspect the land. Linton, with Swinton's help, purchased 160 acres fi.om the
owner, Captain William Gleason, for $25 an acre.
The following year Linton returned with about 10 people who each purchased 5 acres of his
land. With great effort, these pioneers cleared the land and began planting crops. In 1896, Henry
Flagler's East Coast Railroad arrived in the settlement on its route south to Miami. In conjunction
with the arrival of the train, E. Burslem Thomson, a civil engineer for Flagler's Model Land
Company, surveyed, platted and recorded the Town ofLinton.9 The growth of the town and
surrounding settlements necessitated a means of transportation to be established across the canal
at Atlantic Avenue. Two lighter barges were brought in to transport passengers and their supplies.
The smaller barge carried passengers and limited supplies while the larger barge carried wagons,
horses and produce being grown east of the canal. Much of the produce was taken to the railroad
station west of the canal for distribution to the north. In 1898, Linton experienced financial
trouble resulting in foreclosure of his land, and the town was renamed Delray.
By the mm-of-the century, the town had grown fi.om a small settlement of pioneer families to
150 residents, and by 1910 the population had risen to 250 residents. The railroad helped
facilitate this growth with regular passenger and fi.eight service, bringing supplies, residents and
winter visitors. By 1911, Atlantic Avenue had been paved with rocks from Swinton Avenue to
the canal, and the avenue was in its early stage of becoming a commemial corridor. The lighter
barge was no longer a sufficient means of transportation across the canal, so a wooden swing
bridge was constructed. This was a hand-cranked swing bridge, and early photographs show boys
walking on the pulleys and diving fi.om the top of the posts into the canal. This new bridge
created easier access between the Town of Delray, west of the canal, and the Town of Delray
Beach, east of the canal. The bridge, however, began experiencing trouble within five years, and
collapsed into the water in 19177o A new wooden bridge was built in 1918 to replace the bridge
that had become a travel "menace.''~
Like many other towns in South Florida, the Florida Land Boom of the mid 1920s had a
significant impact on the Town of Delray. Land auctions were held nearly every day and
commercial and residential buildings rose quickly in order to accommodate the new residents and
winter visitors. The Land Boom also brought several new developments to the town. These
included a number of new subdivisions, the yacht basin along the canal just north of the bridge,
and a new $35,000 bridge over the canal. This bridge was constructed in 1926 to replace the 1918
wooden bridge, which had become structurally unsafe. Photos of this new bridge indicate that it
was a wood and concrete, double lift bridge.
Florida's Land Boom was short lived, and after two hurricanes (1926 and 1928) and the Stock
Market crash of 1929, much of Delray Beach's real estate was virtually worthless. Delray Beach,
however, maintained its status as a resort community and it remained relatively stable in terms of
growth and development throughout the 1930s?2 Growth slowed during the Worid War II years,
but sharply increased afterwards when many veterans returned with their families to settle in the
area. Newspaper articles from the late 1940s through the early 1950s consistently reported record
numbers of building permits and significantly increased construction of both commercial and
residential buildings. The tourist population also increased past its pre-War levels. In addition,
from 1938 to 1950, the Federal Intracoastal Navigational District, which bought the Florida East
Coast Canal in 1929 and renamed it the Intracoastal Waterway, widened and deepened the canal
as part of the World War II effort and to promote increased navigation. The two-lane, 1926
Atlantic Avenue Bridge no longer met the needs of the community or the increased marine traffic,
so a new bridge was proposed.
Discussion of a new Atlantic Avenue Bridge began shortly at~er World War II when U.S.
engineers of the War Department requested that the Atlantic Avenue Bridge be replaced in order
to accommodate an eighty-foot horizontal clearance to allow increased marine traffic. Meetings
were held by the County Commission and City Council to discuss replacement of the bridge.
These discussions led to the determination that Delray Beach needed two new bridges; a
replacement of the Atlantic Avenue Bridge and a new bridge over the Intracoastal at NE Eighth
Street.
In June of 1947, Delray Beach merchants banded together to fight for the rebuilding of the
Atlantic Avenue Bridge before start of the proposed Eighth Street Bridge. They gathered more
than 200 names on a petition requesting that the County Commission make immediate
arrangements and plans for financing of a new, modem bridge to span the Intracoastal at Atlantic
Avenue. This was a direct attack on the proposition of lb'st building a bridge over the Intmcoastal
at Eighth Street. The petition stated that the reconstruction of the Atlantic Avenue Bridge was
vital to the future growth of the city because the present bridge was more than twenty years old,
was obsolete and worn out, and may at times be condemned and be required to remain open for
boat traffic indefinitely, in which event the traffic from the business section to the beach would be
interrupted indefinitely?
Convinced that the majority of the people of Delmy Beach wanted the Atlantic Avenue Bridge
given priority over the Eighth Street Bridge, County Commissioner C.Y. Byrd stated that he
would start immediately to do everything in his power to see if the new Atlantic Avenue Bridge
could be financed through the State Road Board using surplus gasoline tax funds instead of
having the building financed by a bond issue. Commission Byrd also stated that it would not be
possible for the Eighth Street Bridge to be given consideration for financing by using gasoline tax
funds because the Eighth Street Bridge was considered purely a local bridge for local
convenience. As a result of the petition, County Engineer, Jake Boyd, was instructed to proceed
with complete plans for the Atlantic Avenue Bridge including its approaches.~4
Those in favor of building the Eighth Street Bridge before replacing the Atlantic Avenue
Bridge called a special meeting of the De[ray Beach Property Owners Association to begin plans
to fight the petition. They invited Commissioner Byrd to attend in order to hear their position.
The June 20, 1947 edition of De!ray Beach News reported that the supporters of the Eighth Street
Bridge moved swiftly into high gear to inform voters of their beliefs why the Atlantic Avenue
Bridge should not be erected until the Eighth Street Bridge was completed. President of the
De[ray Beach Property Owners Association, Kenneth Montgomery, stated that the city needed two
bridges and the Property Owners Association had made extensive investigations into the matter
two years previous and their findings backed the building of the Eighth Street Bridge first. Some
of the reasons he stated for building the Eighth Street Bridge first included the significant expense
of building a temporary bridge at Atlantic Avenue, the need for beach residents to have another
means of reaching the mainland in the case of a hurricane, the need of an additional bridge for
providing better fire protection to the beach area, and the need to ease congestion at the Atlantic
Avenue Bridge. In addition, it was suggested the Eighth Street Bridge should be built first
because it would be far better to have traffic diverted and rolled over to a new bridge eight blocks
away than to have congestion, exasperation and delay that was bound to occur if an attempt was
made to handle the heavy traffic over any type of temporary structure at Atlantic Avenue. Since
the expression of the meeting was so overwhelmingly in favor of two bridges, with the Eighth
Street Bridge to be built first, Commissioner Byrd stated that if that was the way the residents
wanted it, he would submit a bill for both bridges, and if they passed the State Legislature, the
election to validate the Eighth Street Bridge project would be submitted to the people first. The
election would take place in December when all of the property owners would be back to vote,
and if it failed to pass, an election would be held on the Atlantic Avenue Bridge some time later?
On December 16, 1947, Delmy Beach property holders overwhelmingly authorized the
issuance of $200,000 worth of municipal bonds to build the Eighth Street Bridge. To appease
those concerned about the construction of a new Atlantic Avenue Bridge, representatives of the
State Road Department and County Commission announced that a new Atlantic Avenue Bridge
would be to be started as soon as the Eighth Street Bridge was completed, which was expected to
be late 1949.
From the initial discussions of replacing the Atlantic Avenue Bridge, there was great concern
that businesses would be severely hurt due to loss of direct bridge access from the beach and
businesses east of the Intmcoastal Waterway to the commemial and residential areas west of the
waterway. Local businesses were particularly worded that winter visitors would not put up with
the sixteen block detour and would instead stay and shop in other towns in order to avoid this
inconvenience. In May 1949, County Engineer J.M. Boyd and the Palm Beach County
Commission traveled to Tallahassee to meet with members of the State Road Deparmaent to
discuss the bridge project. They were informed that problems of steel supply and other factors
would make it impossible to predict when work would begin and how tong it would take to
complete. They were also informed that any temporary structure or means of transportation for
crossing the Intracoastal would have to be at local expense since the original appropriation did not
include additional funds for this purpose.. Any benefit that might be derived from a drop in the
costs of material or contractors' fees would be used in the widening or enlarging of the proposed
structure? Numerous meetings of the City Council, the Chamber of Commerce and the County
Commission followed this announcement in efforts to educate the public on the proposed bridge
project and allow for local input. In these meetings, local merchants and residents emphasized
that it was vital that the bridge construction only interrupt one winter season.
On September 14, 1950, a contract in the amount of $413,291 was awarded to Cleary Bros.
Construction Company for the construction of the new Atlantic Avenue Bridge. According to an
article in the Delray Beach News,
"The new four-lane bridge will be of the jackknife type, constructed of concrete
and steel. Roadways on either side of the bridge will be raised, graded and
drainage systems will be installed. Construction work on the project will be begun
when the necessary amount of steel has been obtained. Under the terms of the
contract the old bridge may not be removed before April 1, 1951, and then not
unless the necessary steel is on the job. It is also specified in the agreement that
when the old bridge is removed, some means, such as a pontoon bridge, must be
provided for foot Ixaftic to pass to and from the beach. It is hoped that the bridge
will be completed and reopened for the season of 1952.''~?
After receiving the contract, Cleary Bros. finalized engineering and construction plans with the
State Road Department and hired Nashville Bridge Company to fabricate the steel structure.
According to County Engineer Boyd, the first phase of the span construction would begin 90 days
before the date set for delivery of the fabricated bridge steel. He estimated the entire job would be
completed six months later. They were hoping to have the job started by June 1, 1951, and
completed March 1952. Unfortunately, due to increased steel requisitions by the Government for
defense planning, shipments of rolled steel were protracted, delaying the start of the bridge
construction for several months.
On Septemberl 3, 1951, County Commissioner Ben Sundy, County Engineer J.M. Boyd,
general superintendent of Bridge Construction for Cleary Bros., J.H. Langford, and vice-president
of Cleary Bros., V.R. Gordon, announced that the delivery of steel for the Atlantic Avenue Bridge
had been assured by the Nashville Bridge Company and construction on the span would get
underway within the next two weeks, pending an order from the State Road Department. They
also stated that all electrical equipment, footings, steel and additional materials were ready for the
project. No sketch was available, but the men stated that the bridge would be similar to that of the
bridge know as "Sunny Isles" in Dade County, running from North Miami Beach to Federal
Highway. Cleary Bros. estimated that it would take four to six weeks to remove the "famous old
Atlantic Avenue Bridge.''~ When the bridge was closed, a ferry would be commissioned to
provide pedestrians with a means of transportation for crossing the Intmcoastal.
On September 20, 1951, a bridge opposition group requested that the County Commission stop
or delay the construction of the Atlantic Avenue Bridge. Most members of the opposition group
were Atlantic Avenue business owners who wanted the bridge construction postponed until April
1952 so not to interrupt the business of the approaching winter season. The commissioners stated
that there would be no great inconvenience as the new Eighth Street Bridge was just a few blocks
north and that construction would not be. delayed. On September 27, 1951, detour signs went up
and Cleary Bros. started demolishing the bridge. 29 On October 8~, the ferry, which was actually a
harbor tug boat, began its regular sixteen hour a day operation transporting pedestrians across the
Intracoastal.
As construction of the bridge continued, discussions began concerning the bridge approaches
and the widening of Atlantic Avenue from Federal Highway to AIA. In February 1952, County
Commissioner Ben Sundy announced that $104,000 had been placed in the State Road
Department budget for the purpose of widening Atlantic Avenue fi.om Federal Highway to the
Ocean Boulevard (A 1A). This work would include the 300 foot approaches to either side of the
Atlantic Avenue Bridge. The construction of sidewalks and storm sewers would also be included
in the project. Sundy stated that all involved hoped that the work would be done in the summer
months.
In May 1952, the project engineer for the State Road Department reported that work on the
Atlantic Avenue Bridge was going along as scheduled and was 80 percent complete. He said that
they were now waiting for the delivery of bridge flooring and sidewalk grating which was due
sometime that month. He was confident that the bridge would be completed on schedule and
predicted the opening date as sometime in September. The Superintendent in change of works for
Cleary Bros. was of the same opinion and stated that both steel bridge leaves had been let down in
a test and they fit perfectly. The leaves were operated on an auxiliary motor which would be used
in the event of power lines falling. This would ensure that there would be no danger of the bridge
being shut down due to exterior power failure. The Superintendent also added that the contracts
for the bridge approaches had been let to Brinson Construction Company of Tampa, Florida, on
April 23, I952, and that work would start within the next two weeks.2°
One month later, at a meeting of the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce, it was disclosed
that the steel strike was delaying the completion of the Atlantic Avenue Bridge. The steel decking
for the bridge road surface was in the fabrication plant on Long Island and would not be available
until two weeks after the final settlement of the steel strike. Chamber members were upset
because Cleary Bros. had stated that all steel and materials for the bridge were on hand when the
contract was signed, which turned out not to be the case? In August, Commissioner Sundy
reported that the bridge and bridge approaches would be open to traffic on or before November 1 ~t.
However, in September, that prediction was changed to mid-November due to delays in obtaining
the bridge flooring. Much of the flooring arrived in mid-October, and on October 27~, the
$100,703 State Road Department contract for widening the road approaches to the Atlantic
Avenue Bridge was let to W.L. Cobb Construction Company of Tampa, Florida. Work was to
begin immediately with an anticipated completion date of January 1953.
After a fourteen-month and five-day construction period, the new Atlantic Avenue Bridge was
opened to traffic on November 10,1952. Crews of the Florida Power and Light Company were
observed working around-the-clock the weekend proceeding the formal opening of the bridge
connecting the power and lights. More than 300 persons attended the dedication of the $413,291
span and heard addresses by County Commissioner Kenneth P. Foster, Delray Beach Mayor
Robert Holland, and introductions of visiting notables by County Commissioner Lake Lytal.
Distinguished guests who were introduced to the public included ex-County Commissioner C.Y.
Byrd, original sponsor of the bridge project and to whom the bridge was dedicated, Daniel Cleary
and Vincent Gorham of the Cleary Broth, ers Construction Company, Linda Allen, Secretary of the
Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce, and County Commissioners Paul Rardin and Herbert
Evens, County Engineer Jake Boyd, County Commission Attorney Harry Johnston and
Department of Parks Superintendent Jack Gross? Ex- County Commissioner C.Y. Byrd and
Delray Beach Mayor Robert Holland were the first to cross the bridge by automobile.
During the past forty-eight years, the 1952 Atlantic Avenue Bridge has played an important
role in the transportation of Delray Beach. With exception of the Bridge Tender's House, the
appearance of the bridge has remained unaltered. The gears and mechanical equipment have been
reconditioned and parts upgraded, though much of the system remains intact. In the 1970s, the
City of Delray Beach appealed to the Coast Guard for a restricted bridge opening schedule. The
request was denied based on the large volume of marine traffic, low vertical clearance of the
bridge and limited maneuvering space and strong currents which make it difficult for boats to
remain in a holding pattern. Today the bridge gets considerable pedestrian and automobile traffic
as well as a continued large volume of marine traffic. It is a vital and necessary part of Delray
Beach's transportation system and an important part of the Atlantic Avenue streetscape.
VI. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
The Atlantic Avenue Bridge is historically significant as an important means of transportation
spanning the tntracoastal Waterway along Delray Beach's main commercial corridor. It plays a
crucial role in linking downtown Del_ray Beach and the commercial and residential areas west of
the bridge with the beach and its adjacent commercial and residential sections. The Atlantic
Avenue Bridge clearly meets criteria (d) of the Delray Beach Historic Preservation ordinance for
local designation of historic sites by "exemplifying the historical, political, cultural, economic, or
social trends of the community in history." For more than one hundred years, the site of the
current bridge has been the historic site of Delray Beach's main point of travel across the Florida
East Coast Canal/Intmcoastal Waterway, beginning in the 1880s with the lighter barge, and
continuing with the 1911 and 1918 wooden bridges, the 1926 drawbridge, and the current 1952
double bascule bridge. The barges and the bridges have all played a significant role in connecting
the beach and commercial area east of the bridge with the commercial corridors and residential
neighborhoods west of the bridge, enabling the City to develop and thrive as a year-round
municipality as well as a seasonal resort town. Recently the bridge has aided in the increased land
values and development east of the Intracoastal Waterway as well as significant revitalization of
properties along Atlantic Avenue and older commercial corridors and neighborhoods west of the
Intmcoastal Waterway.
Architecturally the Atlantic Avenue Bridge is significant as a good example of a double-leaf
Bascule bridge built by Cleary Brothers Construction Company, a notable construction company
that built a number of distinguished bridges in Florida during the mid-twentieth century. The
bridge meets criteria (b) "embodies those distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style,
period or method of construction"of the Delray Beach Historic Preservation Ordinance for local
designation of historic sites. The Atlantic Avenue Bridge embodies distinguishing characteristics
of a method of construction for moveable, Bascule bridges of the twentieth century. In addition,
the size and scale of the bridge, particularly the vertical and horizontal clearances, are in keeping
with the scale of the buildings along Atlantic Avenue. The bridge has become a very important
part of the Atlantic Avenue streetscape .and its proportions are complementary with the
neighboring historic properties in the adjacent Marina Historic District.
VII. Threats and Recommendations
There is currently no impending threat to the Atlantic Avenue Bridge, however, during the past
decade there has been some discussion about replacing numerous Intracoastal bridges in order to
accommodate the two-way marine traffic that the U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Inland
Navigational District (FIND) would like to see on the waterway. In a 1996 article in the Palm
Beach Post, David Roach, FIND's assistant executive director, stated that his agency had plans to
develop the Intracoastal Waterway into a "sort of watery Interstate 95, wide enough for tugs,
barges, and other commercial vessels to transport petroleum, manufactured goods, and building
materials along the waterway.''23 To accommodate two-way marine traffic, a bridge would have
to have 21 feet of vertical clearance and 125 feet of horizontal clearance. Fortunately for those
wishing to preserve the character of the Intracoastal and its bridges, very few existing Intracoastat
bridges have the clearances necessary for this type of marine traffic. At the present time it would
be a daunting and financially unfeasible project for the bridge owners, mostly states and
municipalities, to undertake replacement of the bridges that don't meet FIND's specifications.
Many opponents believe that new and larger bridges would be visually disruptive to the
surrounding communities and pose a danger if they promoted increased traffic of hazardous
materials. In addition, opponents don't believe that the "build-it-and-they- will-come" attitude on
waterway commerce is accurate since the Intracoastal is only 10 feet deep for much of its expanse,
prohibiting many types commercial marine vessels from traveling the waterway.
Another development that could be viewed as either a threat or a protection for historic bridges
has been the enactment of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991.
Under this Act, and the earlier Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Act of 1987, some
historically significant bridges could be slated for replacement because the Acts facilitate the
massive replacement of the country's aging and deteriorated highway infrastructure. However,
the Acts also permit funding for bridge rehabilitation and relocation projects, and clearly state that
historic bridges should be rehabilitated, reused, and preserved. Moreover, ISTEA requires
funding for some preservation projects.
The Cultural Resources Department of the National Park Service produced a publication that
addressed the issue of bridge preservation. It offered evidence that preserving concrete, metal,
and stone bridges is financially prudent, technically feasible, and in many situations, the preferred
alternative to new construction. This publication also emphasized that innovative engineering
solutions must be embraced by bridge engineers and transportation officials in order to preserve
bridges as important physical reminders of our engineering and transportation legacy?
As presented in the statement of significance, the Atlantic Avenue Bridge meets the criteria for
local Historic Site Designation as a historically and architecturally significant structure. In
addition to its own significance, it is an important structure bemuse its scale compliments the
buildings in the adjacent Marina Historic District. Designating the bridge a historic site will help
preserve the bridge because all exterior alterations or proposed demolition would have to be
reviewed by the Delray Beach Historic P. reservation Board and meet the Board's Historic
Preservation Guidelines. It would also promote interest in the bridge's architecture and history
and enhance community recognition. The designation of the Atlantic Avenue Bridge will help
preserve the bridge and the historic Atlantic Avenue streetscape for future generations of Delray
Beach residents and visitors.
VIII. END NOTES
1. Martin Hayden, The Book of Bridges (New York City: Galahad Books, 1976) 105.
2. Donald C. Jackson. Great American Bridges and Dams (Washington D.C.: The Preservation
Press, 1988) 32-33.
3. Gregory Ritzler, Telephone Interview, 18 May 2000.
4. "$413,219 Contract Let For Construction of New Atlantic Avenue Bridge To Be Built Soon,"
Delray Beach News 14 September 1950: 1.
5. The Historic Highway Bridges of Florida (Tallahassee, Florida: Florida Department of
Transportation, 1988) 105.
6. The Historic Highway Bridges o.f Florida, 105.
7. Florida: Historic, Dramatic, Contemporary_. Family and Personal History, Vol. IV (New
York: Lewis Historical Publishing Company, Inc., 1957) 940.
8. John Cleary, Telephone Interview, 8 May 2000.
9. Dade County Plat Book. Plat Book 1, Page 3.
10. "Bridge Across Canal at Delray Collapses," Palm Beach Post 29 June 1917.
11. "Delray Bridge Ready for Traffic," Palm Beach Post 24 August 1918.
12. Janus Research, City. of Delray Beach Historic Resources Report (St. Petersburg, Florida:
Janus Research, July 1999) 25.
13. "Battle on Bridge Question Brewing: Petition Demands Atlantic Bridge Be First," Delray
Beach News 6 June 1947.
14. "Support Indicates Atlantic Avenue Bridge Will Be First: Byrd Hopes Bridge Can Be
Financed With Surplus Taxes," Delray Beach News 13 June 1947.
15. "Attack Atlantic Avenue Bridge Priority: Property Owners Association Heads Map Plans
Tonight," Delray Beach News 20 June 1947.
16. "Possibility of Larger Structure and Starting Date Subject of Discussion," Delra¥ Beach
News 13 May 1949.
17. "$413,291 Contract Let For Construction Of New Atlantic Avenue Bridge To Be Built
Soon," Delray Beach News t 4 September 1950.
18. "Work Begins in Two Weeks," Delm¥ Beach News 13 September 1951:1.
19. "New Atlantic Avenue Bridge Finally Underway," Delmy Beach News 27 September 1951:
1.
20. "Bridge Completion is Due September Say Bosses," Delray Beach News 15 May 1952:1.
21. "Steel strike Stalls Bridge Construction," Delra¥ Beach News 26 June 1952:1.
22. "Atlantic Avenue Bridge Dedicated," Delray Beach News 13 November 1952:1.
23. '"'Intracoastal a Watery 1-95," Palm Beach Post 5 February 1996.
24. Thomas C. Jester, "Preserving Historic Bridges," CRM Supplement Vol. 15, No. 2
(Washington, D.C.: The National Park Service, 1992) 1-2.
IX. BIBLIOGRAPHY AND SOURCES
"$413,219 Contract Let For Construction of New Atlantic Avenue Bridge to be Built Soon.
Delray Beach News. 14 September 1950.
"Approach Contract Let; Council Ponders Delray." Delray Beach News. 30 October 1952.
"Atlantic Avenue Bridge." Editorial. Delra¥ Beach News. 6 May 1949.
"Atlantic Avenue Bridge Cause of Confusion Sunday." Delray Beach News. 19 March 1948
"Atlantic Avenue Bridge Dedicated." Delray Beach News. 13 November 1952.
"Atlantic Avenue Bridge to Open Before Winter." Palm Beach Post. 17 July 1952.
"Attack Atlantic Avenue Bridge Priority: Property Owners Association Heads Map Plans
Tonight." Delray Beach News. 20 June 1947.
"Battle on Bridge Question Brewing: Petition Demands Atlantic Avenue Bridge Be First." Delra¥
BeachNews. 6 June 1947.
"Ben Sundy Reports On Bridge, Delray Gardens." Delra_¥ Beach News. 16 October 1952.
"Boats Held Up at Canal Bridge." Delray Beach News. 21 October 1949.
"Bond Election on 8t~ Street Bridge Set For November 18t~: County Commissioners Set Date For
Voters to Approve or Disapprove Second Bridge Across ]_nwa-Coastal Canal In Delray."
Delray Beach News. 26 September 1947.
"Bridge Across Canal At Delray Collapses." Palm Beach Post. 29 June 1917.
"Bridge Completion is Due September Say Bosses." Delray Beach News. 15 May 1952.
"Bridge Opening Delayed; Wider Approaches Sought." Delray Beach News. 4 September 1952.
"Bridge Opposition Group Meets: Sundy, Boyd Claim That There is No Inconvenience." Delm¥
Beach News. 20 September 1951.
"Bridge Project Worries Other Towns." Palm Beach Post. 5 February 1996.
"Bridge Will Be Ready First of October; Widening Also Set." Delra¥ Beach News. 31 July 1952.
Britt, Lora Sinks. My Gold Coast: South Florida in Earlier Years. Palatka, FL: Brittany House,
1984.
"Byrd Urges Road Department to Let Atlantic Avenue Bids." Delm¥ Beach News. 29 May 1952.
"Candidates Give Views on City Issues." Delmy Beach News. 14 November 1947.
"Chamber of Commerce and City Council Pass New Resolution Urging Fast Summer Completion
of Atlantic Avenue: City Father's Vote is Unanimous. Delray Beach News. 26 June 1952.
"Citizens Have Chance to Widen Atlantic Avenue." Delray Beach News. 10 January 1952.
Cleary, John. Telephone Interview. 8 May 2000.
"Construction of Atlantic Avenue Bridge to Start." Delray Beach News. 13 September 1951.
"Construction of New Atlantic Avenue Bridge Discussed by Civic Groups." Delray Beach News.
20 May 1949.
"Construction of New Atlantic Bridge Draws Five Questions by Local P.O.P.A." Delray Beach
News. 28 June 1951.
"County Engineers Say Work on Atlantic Avenue Bridge to Start After Next Season." Delray
Beach Journal. 12 May 1949.
Crawt'ord, William G., Jr. "A History of Florida's East Coast Canal: The Atlantic Intracoastal
Waterway from Jacksonville to Miami." Broward Legacy. Vol.20: Nos. 34,
Summer/Fall 1997. pp. 2-31.
Curl, Donald W. Palm Beach County: An Illustrated Histo _ry. Northbfidge CA: Windsor
Publications, 1986.
Delmy Beach Historical Society. Archives and Photographs.
"Delray Bridge Ready for Traffic." Palm Beach Post. 24 August 1918.
Earle Bridge Machinery Company. Palm Beach County_ Moveable Bridge Survey. Boca Raton,
Florida, June 1972.
"Ferry Boat To Start Work Monday." Delray Beach News. 4 October 1951.
Florida: Historic, Dramatic, Contemporary_: Family and Personal History, Volume IV. New
York: Lewis Historical Publishing Company, Inc., 1957.
"Freeholders Will Ballot on 8th Street Bridge First: Property Owners Plan Membership Meeting
on Issue." Delray Beach News. 27 June 1947.
Hayder~ Martin. The Book of Bridges. New York: Galahad Books, 1976.
"Height of Proposed Bridge is Protested." Delmy Beach News. 12 August 1949.
The Historic Highway Bridges of Florida. Tallahassee, FL.: Florida Department of
Transportation, 1989.
"Holdups Over On Atlantic Bridge Says Sundy." Delray Beach News. 28 December 1951.
"Intracoastal: A Watery 1-95. Bridge Project Worries Other Towns." Palm Beach Post. 5 Febmary 1996.
Jackson, Donald C. Great American Bridges and Dams. Washington, D.C. The Preservation
Press, 1988
Janus Research. City of Delray Beach Historic Resources Report. St. Petersburg, FL, July 1999.
Jester, Thomas C. "Preserving Historic Bridges." CRM Supplement. Volume I5: No. 2, 1992.
Johnson, John. A Delray Beach Chronology.
Milano, Karen Webster. Cultural Resource Assessment: A Proposed Jurisdictional Property
Transfer of State Road No. 806 (F_atst Atlantic Avenue) From NE 5t~ Avenue to A1A.
Florida Department of Transportation, 1996.
National Bridge Inventory. Structural Inventory and Appraisal. Florida Department of
Transportation, 1998.
'`New Atlantic Bridge Finally Underway." Delray Beach News. 27 September 1951.
"New Atlantic Avenue Bridge Subject of Discussion at Council Meeting Tuesday." Delray Beach
News. 27 May 1949.
'`New Bridge Discussion To Be Held." Delray Beach News. 14 March 1947.
Nichol, Steve. "Delmy Seeks to Curb Bridge Openings." Palm Beach Times. 12 June 1979.
"No Bridge Until March 1 - Says Cotmly Commissioner." Delray Beach News. 17 May 1951.
"November 10 Ceremonies Will Open Atlantic Avenue Bridge." Delra_y Beach News. 6
November ! 952.
"Possibility of larger Structure and Starting Date Subject of Discussion." Delray Beach News. 13
May 1949.
Ritzler, Gregory. Telephone Interview. Florida Department of Transportation, District 4. 18 May
2000
"Road Repairs Will Not Close Atlantic Avenue Says Sundy: Bids for Widening Bridge Approach
to Be Heard by Road Department October 3." Delray Beach News. 21 August 1952.
Sanborn Insurance Company Maps. 1922, 1926, 1949, 1963.
Simon, Sandy. Remembering: A History of Florida's South Palm Beach Cotmtv 1894-1998.
Delmy Beach, FL: The Cedars Group, 1999.
Spanton, Michael J., Florida Department of Transportation Inspector. On Site Interview.
Febmary 2000
"SRD OKs Atlantic Avenue Widening: Project in Permanent 1952 Budget." Delray Beach News.
28 February 1952.
"State Road Department To Rush Delivery of Bridge Flooring." De!my Beach News. 11
September 1952.
"Steel Strike Stalls Bridge Construction." Delray Beach News. 26 June 1952.
"Support Indicates Atlantic Avenue Bridge Will Be First: Byrd Hopes Bridge Can Be Financed
With Surplus Taxes." Delray Beach News. 13 June 1947.
"Tampa Firm Bids $100,703 On Approaches To Bridge." Delmy Beach News. 9 October 1952.
Thomson, E. Burslem, C.E. Map of the Town of Linton, Florida. 1895. Palm Beach County
Abstract Department, Plat Book I, P. 3.
West Palm Beach Ci_ty Directory_. 1924 -1989.
X, PHOTOGRAPH LOG
Historic Photographs: All historic photographs are from Delray Beach Historical Society
photograph collection.
1. Lighter Crossing East Coast Canal at Atlantic Avenue: "Picture is of Miss Ewing, a school
teacher who married JJ. Schabinger, as she pulls the chain to move the passenger lighter barge.
Mrs Henry Sterling is at the mil. The gentleman is Mr. Crownover."
2. Lighter Crossing East Coast Canal to the Beach, ca. 1900-1910: "Prior to the bridge across the
East Coast Canal, two lighters were used. A small one for people, and a large one, pictured, for
horses, wagons, business and pleasure. H.J. Sterling and others had farmland between the canal
and the beach. The lighter was the only means of getting produce to the railway station."
3. East Coast Canal at Delmy Beach ca~ 1910: "Photograph before much development began.
The larger boat, called 'The Stranger', is believed to have been owned by J.W. Acton. The
building was the fish house. Since it took twenty-four hours for a round-trip to Palm Beach by
train, people with launches were popular. Trips by the canal could be made more conveniently."
4. First Bridge over the East Coast Canal at Delray Beach, built t911. It was a hand-cranked
swing bridge.
5. First Bridge over the East Coast Canal at Delray Beach, built 1911: '"'It was a hand-cranked
swing bridge. Young boys enjoyed it as a diving platform. They walked up the pulley wires to
the top of the posts and dove into the canal."
6. Large boat going through the Atlantic Avenue Bridge, 1921. Shows swinging bridge open.
U.S. President Warren G. Harding is on the bow of the boat.
7. U.S. President Warren G. Harding in boat waving as he goes through swing bridge at Atlantic
Avenue, 1921.
8. U.S. Presidem Warren G. Harding in boat waving as he goes through swing bridge at Atlantic
Avenue, 1921.
9. 1926 Atlantic Avenue Bridge being repaired ca. 1930.
10. 1926 Atlantic Avenue double lift bridge.
11. Postcard of 1926 Atlantic Avenue Bridge: "Yacht Passing through Drawbridge over Canal,
Delray Beach, Florida." The postcard is postmarked January 30, 1946.
12. Atlantic Avenue, looking west from 1926 Atlantic Avenue Bridge.
13. Atlantic Avenue, 1951-1952: "Atlantic Avenue Scene, looking east, sign 'Bridge Out',
Rosella's Pastry & Delicatessen, Fuller Warren Governor."
14. Construction of 1952 Atlantic Avenue Bascule Bridge.
15. Construction of road approaches to Atlantic Avenue Bridge, 1952.
16. Aerial view showing Delmy Beach, 1956. Lookig west, main roads are AIA and Atlantic
Avenue.
Current Photographs: All photographs of Atlantic Avenue Bridge taken in May 2000.
1. Looking southeast
2. Looking northeast
3. Looking southeast
4. Looking northwest
5. Looking southeast
6. Looking southeast
7. Looking southeast
8. Looking northwest
9. Looking southeast
10. Bridge Tender's House, looking northwest
11. Bridge Deck
12. Marina Historic District, eastern edge, looking southwest
I IIII IIII I