Ord 19-00ORDINANCE NO. 19-00
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, DESIGNATING THE GEORGE
BUSH BOULEVARD BRIDGE LOCATED AT GEORGE BUSH
BOULEVARD 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 De[ray Beach provides for the designation and protection of historic sites; and
WHEREAS, a designation report was prepared for the George Bush Boulevard Bridge
(formerly known as the N.E. 8~h Street Bridge) located at George Bush Boulevard and the Intracoastal
Waterway; and
WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Board held a duly noticed public hearing in regard
to the lustoric desxgnation on July 19, 2000, and voted unanimously to recommend that the George Bush
Boulevard Bridge be designated a local b_tstoric site; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission of the City of De[ray Beach has conducted a duly
noticed public hearing m regard to the designation of the George Bush Boulevard 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 m the City of De[ray Beach, Horida, 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 C~ty of Dekay Beach, to-wit:
THE GEORGE BUSH BOULEVARD BRIDGE, formerly known
as the N.E. 8'~ Street Bridge, (State Structure #930026), located at
George Bush Boulevard and the Intracoastal Waterway in the C~ty 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 De[ray Beach, Florida, to show the historic designation,
m an overlay manner.
Section 3. That all ordinances or parts of ordinances in confl,ct 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same are hereby repealed.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, sentence, or word be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such
decision shall not affect the vahdity of the remainder hereof as a whole or part thereof other than the
part declared to be invalid.
Section 5. That this ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its passage on
second and final reading.
15th day of
PASSED AND ADOPTED in regular session on second and final reading on this the
Auqust ,1999.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
City Clerk~
First Reading Auqust 1, 2000
Second Reading August 15, 2000
- 2 - Ord. No. 19-00
TO:
THRU:
FROM:
SUBdECT:
M
DAVID/~. HARDEN, CITY M~ANAGER
PAIJ~ ~NG,~CT~'~ PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR
PATRICIA CAYCE, HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLANNER
MEETING OF AUGUST t5, 2000
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES TO DESIGNATE THE
ATLANTIC AVENUE AND THE GEORGE BUSH BOULEVARD
BRIDGES TO THE LOCAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PI.ACES.
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
Bddge 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 Bddge 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
/0. D,
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) ~:
(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) Gertificate of A.oorooriateness for Historic Structurea, 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 histodc 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 (l)(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) Recruited Information:
(a) Referred Develooment A_o_alications: 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 AD_~lication: 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 ~. 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
November, 1995.
regular session on this 21st day of
ATTEST:
City Clerk ~ '
-2- Res. No.
CiTY c'bMMISSi'O:N DO'CUMENTA¥i~O'N
TO:
THRU:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
D A~ A~ITY MANAGER
PAUL DORLING,(~TING PLANING AND ZONING DIRECTO~ ~~.~,
PATRICIA CAYCE, HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLANNER~
MEETING OF AUGUST 1, 2000
FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO DESIGNATE THE GEORGE
BUSH BOULEVARD BRIDGE TO THE LOCAL REGISTER OF
HISTORIC PLACES.
B A~'C K G R O U N D i A N A L~Y~$
The George Bush Boulevard Bridge was completed in 1950. Prior to its construction,
the community's access to the beach and the barrier islands east of the Intracoastal
Waterway was via the two lane Atlantic Avenue Bridge which was constructed in 1926.
As the development of the barrier island intensified in the 1930s and 40s it became
apparent that another bridge was needed. Congestion on the Atlantic Avenue Bridge
coupled with the need to provide an alternative route for emergency vehicles, convinced
the community to lobby for a second bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway. Once
constructed, this bridge played an important role in the City's post-WW2 land boom by
providing greater access to the rapidly growing subdivisions and commercial areas north
of the central core.
The double-leaf Bascule bridge was built by the Murphy Construction Company,
specialists in heavy and marine construction in South Florida for more than 66 years.
Architecturally, the bridge has remained virtually unchanged except for repairs and minor
alterations since its completion, making it a prime example of mid-twentieth century
bridge building technology. Its small scale contributes to the Iow-rise commercial and
residential buildings located adjacent to the bridge and within the neighboring areas and
compliments the streetscape along George Bush Boulevard. 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.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD CONSIDERATION
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
of the bridge to the City Commission.
RECOMMENDED AC T IO:N'
By motion, approve the ordinance designating the George Bush Boulevard Bridge (f.k.a.
the 8th Street Bridge), located at George Bush Boulevard and the Intracoastal Waterway
to the Local Register of Historic Places.
Attachment: Designation Report ~"~ / 5'7'-~
File/s/pz/GeorgeBushBridge-cc "~ ~-_~ ~/~,~'~..L.~'~L.~ '7~~ ~
ORDINANCE NO. 19-00
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, DESIGNATING THE GEORGE
BUSH BOULEVARD BRIDGE LOCATED AT GEORGE BUSH
BOULEVARD 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, Secuon 4.5.1 of the Land Development Regulations of the Code of
Ordinances of the City of De]ray Beach provides for the designauon and protection of historic sites; and
WHEREAS, a designation report was prepared for the George Bush Boulevard Bridge
(formerly known as the N.E. 8th Street Bridge) located at George Bush Boulevard and the Intracoastal
Watenvay; and
WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Board held a duly noticed pubhc hearing in regard
to the htstoric designation on july 19, 2000, and voted unanimously to recommend that the George Bush
Boulevard Bridge be designated a local historic s~te; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission of the City of Dekay Beach has conducted a duly
noticed public hearing in regard to the designation of the George Bush Boulevard Bridge as a local
bastoric 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 m the City of Dekay Beach, Florida, is
hereby designated as a local historic site m 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 GEORGE BUSH BOULEVARD BRIDGE, formerly known
as the N.E. 8* Street Bridge, (State Structure #930026), located at
George Bush Boulevard and the Intracoastal Waterway m the City of
Delray Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida.
Section 2. That the Planning Dzrector of said C~ty shall, upon the effective date of this
ordinance, amend the Zoning Map of the City of Delray Beach, Florida, to show the htstonc designation,
m an overlay manner.
Secuon 3. That all ordinances or parts of ordinances m conflict herewith be, and the
same are hereby repealed.
Section 4. That should any section or provision of th~s ordinance or any portion thereof,
any paragraph, sentence, or word be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such
decision shall not affect the valichty of the remainder hereof as a whole or part thereof other than the
part declared to be invalid.
Section 5. That this ordinance shall become effecUve immediately upon its passage on
second and final reading.
PASSED AND ADOPTED in regular session on second and final reading on this the
day of ,1999.
MAYOR
AT-lEST:
City Clerk
First Reading
Second Reading
FLORIDA INLAND NAVIGATION DISTRICT
July 17, 2000
COMMISSIONERS
TED B, MOORHEAD
CHAIR
BREVARD COUNTY
CHARLES R. FAULKNER
VICE-CHAIR
FLAGLER COUNTY
JO ANN ALLEN
SECRETARY
ST LUCIE COUNTY
CATHLEEN C VOGEL
TREASURER
MIAMI-DADECOUNTY
M. BRENT WADDELL
MARTIN COUNTY
LAURENCE D. LOCKER
BROWARDCOUNTY
GEORGE R BUNNELL
INDIANRIVERCOUNTY
PIERRED, THOMPSON
STJOHNSCOUNTY
THOMAS R JONES, JR
DUVALCOUNTY
GRAYCE K. BARCK
VOLUS~A COUNTY
JI-ANG SONG
PALM BEACH COUNTY
Patricia Cayce, Historic Preservation Planner
City of Delray Beach
100 N.W. 1st Avenue
Delray Beach, FL 33444
Dear Ms. Cayce:
RE: George Bush Boulevard Bridge Historic Designation Hearing
Thank you for providing the Disn'ict with a notice of the referenced
hearing. The District is the "local sponsor" of the Atlantic Intracoastal
Waterway in Florida and therefore is an affected party. The District is in
general opposed to the designation of transportation infrasn-ucmre as
historic. The District is of the opinion that this type of designation has a
negative impact on the abihty of the bridge owner to maintain and
upgn'ade this transpo~xation infi'astructure to meet safety and operational
needs of vehicles and vessels utilizing this structure in the future.
Please have this letter entered into the public record of the hearing. I
would like to thank you in advance for the consideration of our
comments and your support for the enhancement and protection of the
Atlantic Intracoastal Watem, ay in Delray Beach for the enjoyment and
use of future generations.
DAVID K. ROACH
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MARK T. CROSLEY
ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
David K. Roach
Executive Director
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE ON THE INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY IN PALM BEACH COUNTY
1314 MARCINSKI ROAD. JUPITER, FLORIDA 33477-9498 TELEPHONE 561-627-3386 FAX NO 561-624-6480
www alcw org
Designation Report
for the
George Bush Boulevard Bridge
(Formerly Eighth Street Bridge)
in the
City of Delray Beach
Prepared by
Janet G. Murphy & Associates, Inc.
for the
Downtown Merchant & Business Association
the
Delray Beach Historic Preservation Board
and the
City of Delray Beach
May 2000
I. General Information
II. Location Map
I11. Time Line
IV, Architectural Si~cmificance
V. Historical and Cultural Significance
VI. Statement of Significance
VII. Threats and Recommendations
Table of Contents
VIII. End Notes
IX. Bibliography and Sources
X. Photograph Log
Report Prepared By.:.
Janet G. Murphy & Associates, Inc,
218 Almeria Road
West Palm Beach, Florida 33405
(561) 832-4224 (561) 804-9598 (fax)
Bridge Owned By:
Palm Beach County
Engineering & Public Works
Road & Bridge Division
3700 Belvedere Road
Building "C"
West Palm Beach, Florida 33406
(561) 233-3980 (56t) 233-3986 (fax)
Report Prepared May 2000 .
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
Setting
The George Bush Boulevard Bridge, originally the Eighth Street Bridge, spans the Intracoastal
Waterway in a commercial and residential area eight blocks north of downtown Delray Beach.
The bridge is located 3/10ths of a mile west of AIA. Residential eondomiaiums are situated
adjacent to the bridge on the banks of the Intraeoastal to the northwest, northeast, and southeast.
The 1950s Marina Delray is located immediately to the southwest. There are no historically
designated properties ia the immediate vicinity of the bridge. The closest historic district is the
locally designated DeMda Park Historic District located approximately five blocks west of the
bridge. The closest individual historic site is the locally designated Koch House situated 4/10ths
of a mile east of the bridge at 777 North Ocean Boulevard near the Delray Beach/Gulfstream
Town Line.
Physical Description
The George Bush Boulevard Bridge (State Structure # 930026) is a five span, rolling lift,
double-leafBascule bridge. The construction of the bridge was begun 1948 and completed in
1950. It is a two-lane highway and pedestrian bridge constructed of steel and reinforced
concrete. The structural length is 270 feet and the deck width is 35.3 feet, with the roadway
width from curb to curb being 21.9 feet. The approach roadway width, including the shoulders,
is 22.6 feet and there is no median. The vertical clearance above mean high water level is 9 feet
and the horizontal clearance is 80 feet. The four approach spans and adjacent sidewalks are
constructed of reinforced concrete. The main bridge span, which is comprised of the moveable
double leafs and the adjacent sidewalks, is constructed of steel and covered with steel decking.
There are slotted mil concrete balustrades on the bridge approaches and steel handrails across the
draw spans.
The bridge site includes a Bridge Tender's House on the southwest comer of the center bridge
span. The rectangular masonry building was constructed upon completion of the bridge in1950.
The building currently features one-over-one windows on the north, south and east elevations, a
single door on the west elevation, a flat roof with stucco banding at the cornice, and a large
antenna.
BOND
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CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FL
PLANNING ~ ZONING OE~ARTMENT
GEORGE BUSH BOULEVARD BRIDGE
(f.k.a. 8th Street Bndge)
---- ~/ClT/4~, ~,4~.E At, AP .c~'EAl ---- MAP REF Li¢4.39
III. Time Line
1893-95:
1896:
1896:
1898:
1911:
1923:
1926:
1928-1929:
1938-1950:
1947:
October 1948:
February 1, 1950:
1957:
In 1893, the Florida 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 thc other began to work north from
Bi.qeayne 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 later as the Intracoastal
Waterway.
The original plat was recorded for the Town of Linton by William S.
Linton of Saginaw, Michigan.
First Florida East Coast Railway train arrives in Linton.
Post Office is renamed Delray. The original name was Linton.
Town of Delray incorporated and John Shaw Sundy is elected Delray's
first Mayor.
Town of Delray Beach incorporated. The town included the land between
the canal and the ocean.
Town of Delmy and Town of Delmy Beach combine to incorporate as the
City of Delray Beach.
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 Intmcoastal Waterway,
extending approximately 350 miles from Jacksonville to Miami.
Federal Intracoastal Navigation District widens and deepens the
Intracoastal Waterway. This was considered vital to the War effort.
The County Commission and Delray Beach residents begin discussions of
the need to build a second bridge spanning the Intracoastal in Delray
Beach. The chosen site is NE Eighth Street.
Murphy Construction Company begins work on the 270 foot, electrically
controlled double-leaf rolling Bascule span and reinforced concrete
approach spans over the lntracoastal at NE Eighth Street.
The new bridge s. panning the Intracoastal at NE Eight Street is completed
and more than 500 people attend the opening ceremonies.
Marina Delray, located adjacent to the bridge on the southwest side, is
completed and open for business.
August 1989:
Eighth Street is renamed George Bush Boulevard and the bridge becomes
George Bush Boulevard Bridge. For two years the road and bridge are
known by dual names. In 1991, the road and bridge officially become
George Bush Boulevard and George Bush Boulevard Bridge.
VI. ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
The George Bush Boulevard Bridge is architecturally significant as a good example of bridge
engineering because it represents advanced American bridge-building technology of the mid°
twentieth century. It is a double-leaf, rolling lift Bascule bridge that has had very little alteration
since it was completed in1950. The bridge contributes positively to the George Bush Boulevard
streetscape bemuse its low vertical clearance provides a clear view across the Intracoastal
Waterway fi.om both the east and the west and its scale is in keeping with the surrounding low-
rise buildings. The bridge was constructed by Murphy Construction Company, a notable family-
owned construction firm that was founded in1924 and is still in operation today. The Murphy
Construction Company has built numerous bridges in Palm Beach County and throughout South
Florida.
Bascule bridges are a type of moveable balanced ~mcUn~ 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 builders for their canal spans so that heavy structures could be lifted by one person2
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 thc whole width of the channel to be clear when thc
bridge is opened. The George Bush Boulevard Bridge is a mlIing lift bridge based on a variation
of the Scherzer design.
On July 16, 1948, the Board of County Commissioners awarded the Eighth Street Bridge
contract to Murphy Construction Company. The Murphy Construction Company is a family-
owned West Palm Beach general contracting firm that was founded by Martin Murphy in 1924.
Martin Murphy was a native of Columbus, Ohio. He began visiting South Florida in1919 and
moved to West Palm Beach in the early 1920s. In 1924, he formed the Dudley-Murphy
Construction Company and began building bridges and sea walls soon after. In the mid 1930s,
the company was renamed Murphy Construction Company. It was located on Clare Avenue in
West Palm Beach. During the past sixty-six years Murphy Construction Company has
specialized in heavy and marine construction. In the late 1930s and early 1940s, the company
built numerous drainage bridges in the Glades and railroad bridges throughout Palm Beach
County. In 1948-1950, when Murphy Construction Company built the Eighth Street Bridge,
Martin E. Murphy was president and E.R. Wieberson was vice-president. In the 1950s, the
company built bridges over the Boynton Beach Inlet and the Boca Raton Inlet. In 1964, Martin
Murphy passed away and his son, Martin E. Murphy, Jr., took over operations. The company is
still in business today continuing to do heavy and marine construction. Their offices remain on
Clare Avenue and they have an additional marine yard in Riviera Beach. The company recently
built the 1-95 sound wall from Boynton Beach to Delray Beach and the sea wall in Delray Beach
just east of the George Bush Boulevard Bridge.
V. HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
The history of the George Bush Boulevard 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 at Atlantic Avenue. In 1898, the Limon Post Office was renamed Delmy. 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. In 1926, during the Florida Land Boom, the 1918
wooden bridge and was replaced with a concrete lift bridge.
In 1894, William S. Linton and his fi'iend 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 of Linton.3 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 Wansport 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 turn-of-the century, the town had grown from a small settlement of pioneer families to
150 residents, and by 1910 the population had risen to 250 residents. The railroad helped
facilitate this growXh with regular passenger and freight service, bringing supplies, residents and
winter visitors. By 1911, Atlantic Avenue had been paved with rocks fi.om Swinton Avenue to
the canal, and the avenue was in its early stage of becoming a commercial corridor. The lighter
barge was no longer a sufficient means of transportation across the canal, so a hand-cranked
wooden swing bridge was constructed. This new bridge created easier access between the Town
of Delray, west ofthe canal, and the area east ofthe canal. The bridge, however, began
experiencing trouble within five years, and collapsed into the water in 1917.4 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 Delmy. 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. Several of these subdivisions were platted north of
Delmy's central core on either side of McKinley Avenue (also listed in the mid-1920s as
Pinehurst Avenue and later renamed Eighth Street). In January of 1922, the Floridixi Farms
Company recorded a plat for the Dell Park subdivision. Its approximate boundaries were NE
Eighth Street on the south, NE Thirteenth Street on the north, Swinton Avenue on the west and
the F.E.C. Railroad tracks on the east. When the neighborhood was established, the streets were
named at~er western cities such as Denver, Sacremento, Seattle and Phoenix (the street names
were changed to numbers in 1925). During the Land Boom years, this neighborhood was a
popular area for middle-income level families.6 The locally designated DeMda Park Historic
District was another early subdivision located north of Delray's central core. Platted in 1923, the
subdivision included the 58 acre tract bounded on the north by NE Eighth Street, on the south by
NE Fourth Street, on the west by Swinton Avenue, and on the east by the F.E.C. Railroad tracks.
It was one of Delray's first planned developments and contained 300 building lots and three
public parks. Motivated by the patriotic spirit of the time, the developer maned six of Del-Ida's
streets after U.S. Presidents, including McKinley, Roosevelt, Taft, Wilson, Coolidge and
Harding.7 These were later changed to conform with the city numbering system. Many of the
early houses were designed in the Mediterranean and Mission Revival styles. East of these
subdivisions and adjacent to the current bridge site on the northeast side, is the Sophia Frey
subdivision. Platted in March of 1926, this subdivision remained mostly undeveloped until the
late 1940s and early 1950s.
Florida's Land Boom was short lived, and after two hurricanes (1926 and 1928) and the Stock
Market crash of 1929, much of Delmy Beach's real estate was virtually worthless. Delmy Beach,
however, maintained its status as a resort community and it remained relatively stable in terms of
growth and development throughout the 1930s.s Growth slowed during the World War II years,
but sharply increased ~ 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 Intraeoastal Waterway, widened and
deepened the canal as part of the World War II effort and to promote increased navigation.
A significant mount of Delray Beach's growth was oceuning north of the city's central core
both east and west of the Intracoastal. Homeowners and developers in these areas recognized the
need for a nearby bridge and believed a bridge spanning the Intracoastal at NE Eighth Street
would be a desirable site. However, discussion of a new Atlantic Avenue Bridge had also begun.
U.S. engineers of the War Department requested that the Atlantic Avenue Bridge be replaced
with a new bridge that would have 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 Delmy Beach needed two new
bridges; a replacement of the Atlantic Avenue Bridge and a new bridge over the Intracoastal at
NE Eighth Stre~
In June of 1947, Delmy 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 ora new, modem bridge to span the Intracoastal at Atlantic
Avenue. This was a direct attack on the proposition of first 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 Delray 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. Commissioner 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.~°
Those in favor of building the Eighth Street Bridge before replacing the Atlantic Avenue
Bridge called a special meeting of the Delray Beach Property Owners Association to begin plans
to fight the petition. They invited Commissioner Byrd to attend so they could voice their
position. The June 20, 1947 edition of Delray 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 Delray 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 ora 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,xx
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 started as soon as the Eighth Street Bridge was completed, which was expected to be
late 1949.
In March 1948, the Atlantic Avenue Bridge malfunctioned, causing traffic congestion and
confusion for most of an afternoon. This incident prompted questions concerning progress on
the Eighth Street Bridge. County Commissioner C.Y. Byrd answered the concerns, stating that
the bridge was progressing according to schedule. The permit for the construction had been
obtained from the War Department and details were being worked out in order to comply with
their specifications. This work was in the hands on Palm Beach County Engineer J.M. Boyd.
Boyd anticipated that bids would be advertised in June and construction started shortly thereafter.
He emphasized, however, that the bridge would not be available for the next winter season
because even if construction were begun immediately, the difficulty of obtaining steel and other
materials would delay its completion. He further explained that the bridge would be a dmwspan
type double-leafBascule bridge complete and modem in every way and possessing all the latest
improvements?
The Delray Beach Property Owners Protective Association wrote to Commissioner Byrd and
County Engineer Boyd in April 1948 requesting information on the progress of the Eighth Street
Bridge. Commissioner Byrd assured the property owners that the work was being carded
forward with all possible speed and said that the right of ways for the approaches were being
secured. He emphasized that everything possible was being done to have the bridge in operation
by the next tourist season. Byrd also stated that the money for the construction was in the hands
of the County and that the bonds for the bridge had been purchased in February by the First
National Bank of Palm Beach from TM Cook & Company, agents of Palm Beach? Boyd also
assured the property owners that plans for the new bridge were progressing, however, he stated
that he had experienced some complications with the detailed construction plans and
specifications. First, he had to overcome the War Department District Engineer's contention for
a higher bridge that would have significantly added to the cost of the structure and interfered with
the use of abutting property due to high approaches, all without any tangible advantages. And
second, he had to completely redesign the ori~nal bridge plan due to the conditions at the bridge
site. Instead of having the bridge built on a 90 degree angle, the site required that the bridge be
constructed on a skewed angle?
On May 28, 1948, a call for bids for construction of the Eighth Street Bridge was issued by
the Board of County Commissioners. The notice specified that all labor, materials, equipment
and supplies necessary for the bridge construction be included in the bid. According to the plans,
the bridge would have an electrically controlled double-leal'rolling Bascule span and concrete
approach spans of an overall length of 267 feet?
Two months later, in July 1948, the Board of County Commissioners voted to accept the bid of
the Murphy Construction Company to build the Eighth Street Bridge. Although the bid was over
the allotted $200,000 provided by the b.ond issue to finance the project, it was the lowest bid
submitted. Plans for financing the additional amount would be worked out between the County
Commission and the State Road Department?
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.
Steel was fmally obtained, and in late October 1948, Murphy Brothers Construction Company
began work on the Eighth Street Bridge? Work progressed largely on schedule and an early
completion date was anticipated. However, on December 29, 1949, hopes of an early completion
date received a setback when vice president of Westinghouse, C.E. Black, stated in a letter to
County Engineer Boyd and the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce that changes in the design
of the bridge control panel were delaying its delivery. He assured them that the matter was
receiving the personal attention of Westinghouse's industrial control division manager, and that
the panel would be shipped by January 6, 19507
On January 12, 1950, County Engineer Boyd reported that the Westinghouse control
equipment was expected to arrive shortly and that an early February bridge dedication could be
planned. Commissioner Byrd was authorized by the County Commission to have complete
authority for arranging the dedicatory services for the new bridge. Two weeks later,
Commissioner Byrd announced that all equipment for the bridge had arrived and that the bridge
would be opened on February 1, 1950.
As planned, the Eighth Street Bridge opened on February I, 1950, to a crowd of more than
500 people. The event climaxed a year and a half of construction work and provided a second
means of access to the beach area. Ceremonies for the dedication were under the direction of
E.L. Emerson, secretary-manager of the Chamber of Commerce, and postmaster LeRoy Diggans
acted as master of ceremonies. Featured speakers included Delray Beach Mayor John N. Kabler,
who made the dedicatory speech, and T.M. O'Neal, former county commissioner who introduced
the original bill for the bridge. O'Neal gave credit to Dorothy Day Mitchell, C.W. Gamer,
Charles Crone and Kenneth Montgomery for their active support that made the bridge possible.
State Senator John Beacham, State Representative John Bollinger, County Commission
Chairman Lake Lytal, State Road Department Representative Risdon Boykin~ County Engineer
J.M. Boyd and Martin E. Murphy, president of the Murphy Construction Company, also spoke
briefly. County Commissioner Byrd, making what he called his final public appearance after
eighteen years in office, termed the bridge as a tree example of public expression. "The people
voted for the bridge and the people will pay for it through taxation.''~° Byrd also confirmed a
report by Representative Bollinger that the State Road Department may lease the bridge at a
rental that would cover the retirement of the bonds issued for its construction. The State funds
would come fi.om the gasoline tax. Miss Barbara McMurmin, Miss Spirit of Fishing for 1950,
cut the ribbon, officially opening the span to traffic. The Seacrest band then presented a concert
and led the first automobile across the bridge. Mayor Kabler was the first to drive across the
bridge followed by dignitaries and a long procession of residents.2°
Two month after the bridge opening, the Delray Beach News mn an article on William L.
Christenson, a Palm Beach resident who owned the Eighth Street property on either side of the
road east of the bridge. The article reported that Christenson had undertaken a project of
beautifying and landscaping the property in order to preserve the natural beauty of the area which
contained many interesting species oftr. opical trees and foliage, including palms, banyans, rubber
trees and a few almost ancient lemon and orange trees?
The post-war housing boom lasted through the first half of the 1950s. The Sophia Frey
subdivision and surrounding areas flourished with new homes. A few low-rise apartment
buildings and tourist motels were also built in areas neighboring the new bridge. NE Eighth
Street developed into a commercial corridor with gas stations, taverns, restaurants and shops.
1957, Marina Delray was constructed on property at the southeast comer of the bridge. This
significantly increased the marine traffic surrounding the bridge.
Development in the area has continued until the present time. There was another wave of
activity in the 1970s and 1980s when several condominium buildings were constructed along the
Intracoastal on property adjacent to the bridge. The subdivisions east and west of the Intracoastal
encountered infill, often with larger and more grand houses than those built in the 1940s and
1950s.
Another development which took place fi.om 1963 to 1988 on property adjacent to bridge on
the west side was city annexation of county land. From the time the Town of Delray
incorporated in 1911, the city had been annexing unincorporated property fi.om the county to
increase its land holdings. Most of the land surrounding the bridge had been annexed in the
1910s and 1920s, however, a small portion of the land just west of the bridge remained under
Palm Beach County ownership. The various parcels were gradually annexed by the City of
Delray Beach between 1963 and 1988.
In 1982, Palm Beach County proposed to transfer control of the Eighth Street Bridge to the
City of Delray Beach. However, the Deh'ay Beach City Council opposed the transfer, stating that
the maintenance and operation of the bridge would unfairly burden Delray Beach taxpayers with
an estimated $120,000 a year expense. Today the bridge continues to be owned and operated by
Palm Beach County.
During the past fifty years, the George Bush Boulevard Bridge has played an important role in
the transportation of Del_ray Beach. The bridge has remained virtually unchanged except for
repairs and minor alterations since its completion in 1950, making it a prime example of mid-
twentieth century bridge-building technology and architectural design. Its small scale contributes
to the low-rise commercial and residential buildings located adjacent to the bridge and within the
neighboring areas. Today the bridge gets considerable automobile traffic as well as a large
volume of marine traffic. It has become a vital part of Delray Beach's transportation system by
providing residents and business owners greater access to the beach area in addition to increased
access to Delray Beach by tourists and residents traveling AIA.
VI. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
The George Bush Boulevard Bridge is historically significant as an important means of
transportation spanning the Intmcoastal Waterway. The bridge meets criteria (d) of the Delmy
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." The the
bridge has played a significant role in connecting the beach and residential area east of the bridge
with the commercial corridors and residential neighborhoods west of the bridge. It also played
an important role in Delray Beach's post-World War II land boom by providing greater access to
the rapidly growing subdivisions and commercial areas north of the city's central core. Its access
for tourists and residents traveling AIA has also helped Delmy Beach develop and thrive as a
year-round municipality and a seasonal resort town. Recently the bridge has aided in the
increased land values and development east of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Architecturally the George Bush Boulevard Bridge is significant as a good example of a
double-leaf Bascule bridge built by Murphy Construction Company, a notable construction
company that has been specializing in heavy and marine construction in South Florida for more
than sixty-six years. The bridge meets criteria Co) "embodies those distinguishing characteristics
of an architectural style, period or method of constmction"of the Delmy Beach Historic
Preservation Ordinance for local designation of historic sites. The George Bush Boulevard
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 compliment
the streetscape along George Bush Boulevard for they are in keeping with the size and scale of
the buildings on the surrounding properties.
VH. Threats and Recommendations
There is currently no impending threat to the George Bush Boulevard 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 Intmcoastal 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.''22 To accommodate two-way marine traffic, a bridge
would have to have 21 feet of vertical clearance and 125 feet of horizontal clearance. Fommately
for those wishing to preserve the character of the Intracoastal and its bridges, very few existing
Intmcoastal bridges have the clearances necessary for this type of marine traffic. At the present
time it would be a daunting and fmancially 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 lntermodal 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 nation'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 offi~:ials in order to preserve
bridges as important physical reminders of our engineering and transportation legacy?
As presented in the statement of significance, the George Bush Boulevard Bridge meets the
criteria for local Historic Site Designation as a historically and architecturally significant
structure. Designating the bridge a historic site will help preserve the bridge because all exterior
alterations and any proposed demolition would have to be reviewed by the Delray Beach Historic
Preservation 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 George Bush Boulevard Bridge will help preserve the bridge and the
boulevard's 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, p.105.
2. Donald C. Jackson. Great American Bridges and Dams. Washington D.C.: The Preservation
Press, 1988. pp. 32-33.
3. Dade County Plat Book. Plat Book 1, Page 3.
4. "Bridge Across Canal at Delmy Collapses," Palm Beach Post 29 June 1917.
5. "Delmy Bridge Ready for Traffic," Palm Beach Post 24 August 1918.
6. Janus Research, City of Delray Beach Historic Resources Report (St. Petersburg, Florida:
Janus Research, July 1999) 24.
7. Patricia Cayce, Del-Ida Park Local Historic District Nomination, 1988.
8. Janus Research, City of Delray Beach Historic Resources Report (St. Petersburg, Florida:
Janus Research, July 1999) 25.
9. "Battle on Bridge Question Brewing: Petition Demands Atlantic Bridge Be First," Delmy
Beach News 6 June 1947.
10. "Support Indicates Atlantic Avenue Bridge Will Be First: Byrd Hopes Bridge Can Be
Financed With Surplus Taxes," Delray Beach News 13 June 1947.
11. "Attack'Atlantic Avenue Bridge Priority: Property Owners Association Heads Map Plans
Tonight," Delray Beach News 20 June 1947.
12."Atlantic Avenue Bridge Cause of Confusion Sunday." Delray Beach News. 19 March 1948.
13. "Letters State Progress of New Bridge." Delray Beach News. 12 April 1948.
14. "Letters State Progress of New Bridge." Delray Beach News. 12 April 1948.
15. "Call for Bids Issued for Eighth Street Bridge." Delray Beach News. 28 May 1948.
16. "8th Street Bridge Bid Accepted." Delray Beach News. 16 July 1948.
17. "Second Bridge for Delray Beach." Delray Beach News. 29 July 1948.
18. "Completion of Waterway Bridges to Be Delayed." Delmy Beach News. 29 December
1949.
19. "Eighth Street Bridge Dedicated in.Ceremonies Yesterday At~emoon." Delm¥ Beach News.
2 February 1950.
20. "Eighth Street Bridge Dedicated in Ceremonies Yesterday Afternoon." Deh'ay Beach News.
2 February 1950.
21. "Eighth Street Property Being Beautified." Delray Beach News. 13 April 1950.
22. "'Intracoastal a Watery 1-95," Palm Beach Post 5 February 1996.
23. 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
"8th Street Bridge Bid Accepted." Delray Beach News. ] 6 July 1948.
"Another Bridge Approved For Delray 9-1.' Delray Beach News. 19 December 1947.
"Attack Atlantic Avenue Bridge Priority: Property Owners Association Heads House Maps Plan
Tonight." Delra¥ Beach News. 20 June 1947.
"Battle on Bridge Question Brewing: Petition Demands Atlantic Avenue Bridge Be First."
Delra¥ Beach News. 6 June 1947.
"Bond Election on 8th Street Bridge Set for November 18t~: County Commissioners Fix Date for
Voters to Approve or Disapprove Second Bridge Across Intra-Coastal Canal In Delray."
Delra¥ Beach News. 26 September 1947.
"Bridge Transfer Opposed." Miami Herald. 16 March 1982.
Britt, Lora Sinks. My Gold Coast: South Florida in Earlier Years. Palatka, FL: Brittany House,
1984.
"Byrd in Charge of Eighth Street Bridge Dedication." Delray Beach News. 12 January 1950.
"Call for Bids Issued for Eighth Street Bridge." Delray Beach News. 28 May 1948.
"Candidates Give Views on City Issues." Delra¥ Beach News. 14 November 1947.
Cayce, Patricia. Del-Ida Park Historic Designation Report. Delray Beach Historic Preservation
Board and the Del-Ida Park Neighborhood Association. 15 January ] 988.
City of Delray Beach Annexation Map.
"Completion of Waterway Bridges To Be Delayed." Delra¥ Beach News. 29 December 1949.
Crawford, William G., Jr. "A History of Florida's East Coast Canal: The Atlantic Intracoastal
Waterway from Jacksonville to Miami." Broward Legacy. Vol.20: Nos. 3-4,
Summer/Fall 1997. pp. 2-31.
Curl, Donald W. Palm Beach County: An Illustrated History. Northbridge CA: Windsor
Publications, 1986.
Delray Beach Historical Society. Archives and Photographs.
Earle Bridge Machinery Company. Pal~n Beach County Moveable Bridge Survey. Boca Raton,
Florida, June 1972.
"Eighth Street Bridge Dedicated In Ceremonies Yesterday Afternoon." Delmy Beach News.
2 February 1950.
"Eighth Street Bridge Set for Opening Celebration at 4 p.m." Delray Beach News. 26 January
1950.
Florida: Historic, Dramatic. Contempor~_: Family and Personal History, Volume IV. New
York: Lewis Historical Publishing Company, Inc., 1957.
"Freeholders Will Ballot on 8~ Street Bridge First: Property Owners Plan Membership Meeting
Issue." Delray Beach News. 27 June 1947.
The Historic Highway Bridges of Florida. Tallahassee, FL.: Florida Department of
Transportation, 1989.
"Intracoastal: A Watery 1-95. Bridge Project Worries Other Towns." Palm Beach Post.
5 February 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 15: No. 2, 1992.
The Koch House Designation Report. Delmy Beach Historic Preservation Board. 1998.
"Letters State Progress on New Bridge." Delmy Beach News. 2 April 1948.
Milly, Nancy. "Boynton Woman is a Bridge Tender." Delra¥ Beach News Journal. 15 February
1979.
National Bridge Inventory. Structural Inventory and Appraisal. Florida Department of
Transportation, 1998.
"Opening of Bridge Set for Tomorrow at 4 p.m." Delm¥ Beach News. 31 January 1950.
Sanborn Insurance Company Maps. 1922, 1926, 1949, 1963.
"Scenes at Eight Street Bridge Opening." Delmy Beach News. 7 February 1950.
"Second Bridge For Delray Beach." Delm¥ Beach News. 29 October 1948.
Simon, Sandy. Remembering: A Histo~ of Florida's South Palm Beach County 1894-1998.
Delmy Beach, FL: The Cedars Group, 1999.
Sophia Frey Subdivision Plat Map. Addition to Delmy, Palm Beach County. 6 March 1926.
Spanton, Michael J., Florida Department of Transportation Inspector. Personal Interview.
February 2000
"Support Indicates Atlantic Avenue Bridge Will Be First: Byrd Hopes Bridge Can Be Financed
With Surplus Taxes." Delray Beach News. 13 June 1947.
Thomson, E. Burslem, C.E. Map of the Town of Lintom Florida. 1895. Palm Beach County
Abstract Department, Plat Book 1, P. 3.
West Palm Beach City Directory. 1952.
X. PHOTOGRAPH LOG
Historic Photographs: All historic photographs are from the Delray Beach Historical Society's
photograph collection.
1. Barge crossing over East Coast Canal in early ! 900s at site that later became Eighth Street
(and later George Bush Boulevard).
2. Aerial view, 1956, Eighth Street Bridge (later George Bush Boulevard Bridge).
Current Photographs: All photographs of George Bush Boulevard Bridge taken May 2000.
1. Looking northeast
2. Looking northwest
3. Looking northeast
4. Looking northwest
5. Looking southeast
6. Looking east
7. Looking northeast
8. Looking southwest
9. Looking southwest
Friday, August 4, 2000
LEo~. NOTN~J