Loading...
08-95 ORDINANCE NO. 8-95 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, DESIGNATING THE SOLOMON DAVID SPADY HOUSE, LOCATED AT 170 N.W. 5TH AVENUE, AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED HEREIN, AS A LOCAL HISTORIC SITE; 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, Douglas T. Williams, as duly authorized agent, has nominated the property described herein to be designated as a local historic site; and WHEREAS, a designation report was prepared concerning the designation of the property located at 170 N.W. 5th Avenue to the Local Register of Historic Places; and WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Board of the City of Delray Beach held a duly noticed public hearing in regard to the designation of the property as a local historic site; and WHEREAS, on December 7, 1994, the Historic Preservation Board of the City of Delray Beach recommended that the property described herein 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 property described herein as a local historic site. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS: ~ 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, Florida, to-wit: The Solomon David Spady House, located at 170 N.W. 5th Avenue, Delray Beach, Florida; more particularly described as follows: Lots 5 and 6 and the North 26.25 feet of Lot 7, MELVIN BURD'S SUBDIVISION OF THE N1/2 OF BLOCK 19 SHOWN ON MAP OF TOWN OF LINTON, as recorded in Plat Book 11 at Page 73 of the Public Records of Palm Beach County, Florida. ~ 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 conflict herewith be, and the same are hereby repealed. ~_~ 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 validity of the remainder hereof as a whole or part thereof other than the part declared to be invalid. ~_~ That this ordinance shall become effective immediately upon passage on second and final reading. PASSED AND ADOPTED in regular session on second and final reading on this the 7th day of February , 1995. ATTEST: First Reading January 17~,1995 Second Reading February 7~ 1995 - 2 - Ord. No. 8-95 HAP 1ST S1. ~"~ '11111111iii ' ATLANTIC AVENUE ~ ............. ~1~ ,, _ ,, ,,, , , MEMORANDUM TO: MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSIONERS FROM: CITY MANAGER~/t~ SUBJECT: AGENDA ITEM ~ [0.~'- MEETING OF FEBRUARY 7, 1995 SECOND READING AND PUBLIC HEARING FOR 0RDINANCE NQ, $-~$ DESIGNATION OF SOLOMON DAVID SPADY HOUSE AS LOCAL HISTORIC SITE DATE: FEBRUARY 1, 1995 This is second reading and public hearing for Ordinance No. 8-95 which designates the Solomon David Spady House located at 170 N.W. 5th Avenue as a local historic site and adds it to the Local Register of Historic Places. The property consists of a single family home which was constructed in 1926 and remains a good example of the Mission Revival style of architecture as built in Delray Beach in the 1920s. The house is associated with Delray's most prominent black educator and community leader from 1923 to 1956, Solomon David Spady, and is an important landmark to the identity of the community. The Historic Preservation Board conducted a public hearing on this matter on December 7, 1994, at which time the Board voted 6 to 0 to recommend the designation of the Solomon David Spady House as a local historic site. At first reading on January 17, 1995, the Commission passed the ordinance by unanimous vote. Recommend approval of Ordinance No. 8-95 on second and final reading. ref:agmemol7 MEMQRANDUM TO: MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSIONERS FROM: CITY MANAGER,S! SUBJECT: AGENDA ITEM ~/4'~ ' - MEETING OF JANUARY ~7, 1992 FIRST READING FOR ORDINANCE NO. 8-95/DESIGNATION OF SOLOMON DAVID SPADY HQUSE AS LQCAL HISTORIC SITE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1995 This is first reading for Ordinance No. 8-95 which designates the Solomon David Spady House located at 170 N.W. 5th Avenue as a local historic site and adds it to the Local Register of Historic Places. The property consists of a single family home which was constructed in 1926 and remains a good example of the Mission Revival style of architecture as built in Delray Beach in the 1920s. The house is associated with Delray's most prominent black educator and community leader from 1923 to 1956, Solomon David Spady, and is an important landmark to the identity of the community. The Historic Preservation Board conducted a public hearing on this matter on December 7, 1994, at which time the Board voted 6 to 0 to recommend the designation of the Solomon David Spady House as a local historic site. Recommend approval of Ordinance No. 8-95 on first reading. If passed, a public hearing will be held on February 7, 1995. ref:agmemol7 CITY COMMISSION DOCUMENTATION TO: DAVIDT. HAR~N, CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING~N~ONING FROM: PAT CAYCEd~-'~~ HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLANNER SUBJECT: MEETING OF JA~ARY 17, 1995 FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATING THE SOLOMON D. SPADY HOUSE, 170 N.W. 5TH AVE~E~ TO THE LOCAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES. ACTION REQUESTED OF THE COMMISSION: The action requested of the City Commission is that of approval on first reading of an ordinance designating a property as a local historic site. The property consists of a single family residence constructed in 1926 and located at 170 N.W. 5th Avenue. The legal description of the property is Block 19, Lots 5 and 6 and the north 26.25 feet of Lot 7. BACKGROUND: The building was constructed in 1926, the architect and principal contractor are unknown. The structure is a good example of the Mission Revival style of architecture as built in Delray Beach in the 1920's. It embodies most of the major features representative of the style and has not been altered to a major degree. The Spady House has a high threshold of cultural significance. It is associated with the 33 year career of Delray's most prominent black educator and community leader from 1923 to 1956. It is important to the identity of the neighborhood to recognize this site and to make the community aware of its existence. It is appropriate that this building be listed on the Local Register of Historic Places for it is worthy of the protection and special consideration afforded by that designation. The request for designation is being made by Douglas T. Williams who has power attorney from the owner, Agnes Munnings. City Commission Documentation Meeting of January 17, 1995 Designation of a Local Historic Building Page 2 HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD CONSIDERATION: The Historic Preservation Board formally reviewed the designation report at its meeting of November 2, 1994 and made positive findings to LDR Section 4.5.1(B),(2)(d) & (e) and 4.5.1(B)(2)(d) and (e) and 4.5.1(B)(3)(a) and (b), Criteria for Desiqnation of Historic Sites or Districts, and set a date for a Public Hearing to allow the public to comment on the designation. Pursuant to Section 4.5.1(C) Desiqnation Procedures, the Public Hearing was held on December 7, 1994. The Board voted 6-0 to recommend that the City Commission approve the ordinance designating the Spady House as a Local Historic Site. RECOMMENDED ACTION: By motion, approve on first reading the ordinance designating the Solomon D. Spady House, 170 N.W. 5th Avenue (Block 19, Lots 5 and 6 and the north 26.25 feet of Lot 7) to the Local Register of Historic Places. Attachment: * Letter of approval for designation from Douglas T. Williams. * Designation Report. file/y:spady-3 TO: Historic Preservation Board DATE: October 18, 1994 Delray Beach FROM: Douglas T. Williams '--~-~-- -,--~ . RE: Historic Designation of the Spady House The Spady House is rich in the heritage of Delray Beach. It was the home of the first full-time black teacher/principal of the first "colored" school in Delray Beach. The Mediterranean-style stucco was among the nicest in the city. I would like to preserve the character of this building and the history it conveys. I am, therefore asking the Historical Preservation Board to present this house, 170 N.W. 5 Avenue, Delray Beach, to the city commission for consideration of being designated to the Local Register as an historical site. DESIGNATION REPORT HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA THE SOLOMON DAVID SPADY HOUSE 170 N.W. 5TH AVENUE CONSTRUCTED 1926 Designation Report 170 N.W. 5th Avenue Page 2 DESIGNATION REPORT: 170 N.W. 5TH AVENUE TABLE OF CONTENTS I. GENERAL INFORMATION II. LOCATION MAP III. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION IV. HISTORICAL INFORMATION V. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE VI. BIBLIOGRAPHY AND SOURCES VII. PHOTOGRAPHY Report prepared October 1994 by Vera Farrington, Delray Beach Historic Preservation Board Member and Patricia Cayce, Historic Preservation Planner, City of Delray Beach. Designation Report 170 N.W. 5th Avenue P~-g~3 I. GENERAL INFORMATION Location: 170 N.W. 5th Avenue, Delray Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida Date of Construction: 1926 Architect: Unknown Builder: Unknown Present Owner: Douglas T. Williams, 118 N.W. 8th Avenue, Delray Beach FL 33444. Present Use: Residential Present Zoning: GC General Commercial Legal Description: Lots 5 & 6 and the N. 26.25' of Lot 7, Block 19, Delray Beach, formerly Town of Linton, Palm Beach County, Florida Property Control Number: 12 43 46 16 01 019 0050 Classification for Designation: Architectural significance, good example of Mission Revival style. Cultural Significance, home of S.D. Spady, prominent black educator. Designation Report 170 N.W. 5th Avenue Page 4 I I. MAP ,__--- , ~2W, ~sf ~ 51. · , ~ ._~ .... ~ ATLANTIC AVENUE IST S.W, ~ 170 N.W. 5TH AVENUE Designation Report 170 N.W. 5th Avenue Page 5 III. Architectural Information This building is a good example of the simplified Mission Revival style which was popular throughout the City in both commercial and residential buildings during the 1920s. The Mission style is distinguished by its simplicity of design and ornamentation. The prominent features of the style include the following: Roofs: Predominantly flat roofs concealed with a parapet. If gables are combined with a flat roof the gables are covered with terra cotta tiles. The parapets generally are bell curved with curved elevations at the corners. Roof scuppers (drain tiles) are set within the parapet walls. Porches: A front porch is characteristic of the style, often extending the full length of the facade. Open balconies are commonly found above the porch on a two story structure. Walls: Construction is either hollow clay tile or frame, finished with rough or smooth stucco. Windows: Either casement or sash or a combination, usually multi-paned. Chimney: Usually project from the wall. Chimney tops often have bell tower shape. The Spady House incorporates many of the classic features of the Mission Revival style. It was constructed about 1925 and was completed prior to July 1926 as it is included on the July 1926 Sanborn map which is attached. Built as a single family residence, it is a two story rectangular building of stucco over frame construction set on a stone foundation. It has a flat roof concealed by a decorative parapet. Constructed as an 8 room house, it had 4 rooms on each floor and an 8' by 18' porch across the front facade. The roof of the porch is flat and is also concealed by a parapet which matches that on the primary roof. The original window openings remain, though some have been altered in size to accommodate standard factory built windows. All of the original sash or casement wood windows have been replaced with aluminum awning windows. The openings of the original screen porch have been enclosed with aluminum windows. The chimney projects from the south facade wall and is capped with a bell tower covering. Drain tile sucppers are set into the parapet walls. A 12' x 18' garage was constructed in conjunction with the house. It was free-standing, probably stucco over frame construction with a flat roof and Mission parapet. It has been demolished and replaced with the existing garage. Designation Report 170 N.W. 5th Avenue Page 6 IV. Historical Information The street address of the property is 170 N.W. 5th Avenue, formerly N. Blackmer Street. The property is legally described as Lots 5, 6 and the N. 26.25 feet of Lot 7, Melvin S. Burd Subdivision of the North Half of Block 19, Delray Beach, formerly Town of Linton, Palm Beach County, Florida. Block 19 was not subdivided into lots when the Town of Linton was platted in 1895. In September of 1915 Melvin S. Burd, of Burd's Produce Co., shipper of fruit and vegetables, subdivided and platted lots on the north half of Block 19 but the subdivision was not recorded in the Palm Beach County Plat Book until April, 1925. This would indicate that construction on the north half of the block did not occur prior to 1925. The Spady House is located on the west side of N.W. 5th Avenue, a block and a half from W. Atlantic Avenue. Solomon David Spady's activities as an educator and black community leader were of major importance and influence to the City. Mr. Spady was born in Virginia 1890 and graduated from Hampton Institute, now Hampton University, in Hampton Virginia. He was a student of George Washington Carver who became his mentor and counselor at the Institute. George Washington Carver was a botanist and a pioneer in the field of agricultural chemistry who fostered in Spady a lifelong interest in the subject. Spady was one of the founders of the New Farmers of America, a national organization which encouraged black people to become independent farmers. After graduating from Hampton Institute, Solomon Spady taught school in Cape Charles Virginia and in 1923 he moved to Delray to take a teaching position which also carried the responsibility of principal. He remained in that position for 33 years. The school that Spad¥ became principal of was located on the east side of N.Blackmer Street (N.W.5th Avenue) between W. Atlantic Avenue and N.W. 1st Street. This was the site of the first school in the settlement which was established in 1895 by the Dade County Board of Instruction and known as Delray Colored NO. 4. The Town of Delray was part of Dade county until 1909 when Palm Beach County was established. The first school was little more than a thatched hut, but then so were most of the early buildings in town, the thatching and dirt floor soon gave way to a wood roof and floor as the little school grew. In 1916, on the same site, the Palm Beach County Board of Instruction "constructed a colored school building in the town of Delray at a cost approximating thirty-five hundred dollars. This school is in charge of Professor Clarence E. Walker and has done such a remarkable work that it has attracted the attention of the trustees of the Slater fund, who very generously have Designation Report 170 N.W. 5th Avenue Page 7 been donating five hundred dollars per annum towards the support of the school." ~ It is believed that Clarence Walker remained at the school until his retirement in 1923, when Spady became its head. Given the excellent reputation of the school, it is easy to understand why the Palm Beach County school superintendent was anxious to find an outstanding replacement, and sheds light on why such a well educated and well connected teacher would consider a post in a pioneer town with a population of approximately 2,000 souls. By 1939 the enrollment had outgrown the "standard frame schoolhouse" and the out-building classrooms which had been added. With insufficient property to expand and construct a larger school, the School Board purchased land at N.W. 4th Street and N.W. 8th Avenue and built a new school which served grades 1 through 12. At Mr. Spady's suggestion, this school was named Carver School in honor of his former mentor. In 1951 the Board again addressed the need for more class rooms and the 1939 school was largely demolished and replaced with a new school. In 1957 black high school students moved to a new building south of W. Atlantic Avenue and took the name Carver with them. In 1958 the School Board in recognition of one its most illustrious principals named the school on N.W. 4th Avenue in his honor. Solomon Spady's wife, Jessie, was also a teacher, she was born in Florida in 1894. It is believed that the Spadys built the house at 170 N.W. 5th Avenue, however it may have been built on speculation in 1925 during the land boom and purchased by them in 1928. All of Mr. Spady's energy was dedicated to improving the educational standards of the segregated school system in which he taught. He often inspired his students by telling them of personal encounters with Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver. Mr. Spady, with persistence, broad intellect and a passion to educate had a great influence in setting the goals and increasing the quality of the schooling available to blacks, not only in Delray but in the State and County, in the decades preceding desegregation. The Spady house was a meeting place for intellectuals and community leaders, and his students and their parents were always welcome. The fact that he chose to live only a block from his first school and four blocks from his second tells us of his total commitment to be identified with his work and with the involvement of the community he served. Solomon David Spady retired in 1956 and returned to live in his native Virginia. 1. Narrative Reports of County Superintendents, 1916-1918. State Department of Education, Tallahassee, FL. Research Report - 55, September, 1967 Designation Report 170 N.W. 5th Avenue Page 8 V. Statement of Significance and Criteria for Designation Statement of Siqnificance 170 N.w. 5th Avenue is a good example of the Mission Revival style of architecture as built in Delray Beach in the 1920s. It embodies most of the major features representative of the style and has not been altered to a major degree. Most importantly the Spady House has a high threshold of cultural significance. It is associated with the 33 year career of Delray's most prominent black educator and community leader from 1923 to 1956. It is important to the identity of the neighborhood to recognize this site and to make the community aware of its existence. It is appropriate that this building be listed on the Local Register of Historic Places for it is worthy of the protection and special consideration afforded by that designation. Criteria for Designation Section 4.5.1(B) of the Land Development Regulations of the City of Delray Beach outlines the criteria for designating properties or sites to the Local Register of Historic Places. It suggests that at least one criteria from paragraphs (2) or (3) must be met to justify designation. Listed below are the criteria which relate to this property and justification for designation. (2) "A building, structure, site, interior, or district will be deemed to have historical or cultural significance if it meets one or more of the following criteria: (a) "Is associated in a significant way with the life or activities of a major person important in the city, state, or national history (for example, the homestead of a local founding family)." 170 N.W. 5th Avenue was the home of Solomon David Spady and his wife Jessie for more than 30 years. Mr. Spady was the most respected educator in the community during his tenure as teacher/principal of the only school for black students in the City. The house served as focal point for those interested in in education and community affairs during his ownership. (3) "A building, structure, site of district is deemed to have architectural or aesthetic significance if it fulfills one or more of the following criteria." Designation Report 170 N.W. 5th Avenue Page 9 (a) "Portrays the environment in an era of history characterized by one or more distinctive architectural styles." This house is characteristic of the many Mission Revival style structures built in the community during the 1920s. It is appropriate to offer recognition and some protection to this structure because many of Mission Revival buildings have been demolished, or have been altered in such a way that the original style cannot be identified. (b) "Embodies those distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style period, or method of construction." The Spady House contains most of the distinguishing characteristics of the Mission Revival style. It is simple in design and ornamentation, and has a traditional flat roof with decorative parapets. The original openings are intact and the front porch has undergone little change. The bell shaped chimney cap and parapet sucppers are existing as is the rough stucco finish of the exterior walls. 170 N.W. 5th Avenue is worthy of being designated to the Local Register of Historic Places. It more than fulfills the criteria for designation as set forth in Section 4.5.1(B), which requires that only one criteria be met. ~ 3AiIBORN FIRE INSURANCE MAP .o JULY , 1926 REAR ELEVATION FIREPLACE AND CHI?hNEY SCUPPERS ON PAK~PET FRONT PORCH OPENING SOUTH ELE.ATIO~I BELL CURVE ON FRONT PARAPET BELL TOWER CHIMNEY CAP NORTH ELEVATION SOUTH ELEVATION Designation Report 170 N.W. 5th Avenue Page 10 VI. Biblioqraphy and Sources Delray Beach Design Guidelines, Delra¥ Beach Historic Preservation Board, 1990 Resourceful Rehab~ Metropolitan Dade County, Division of Historic Preservation, 1987 Narrative Reports of County Superintendents, 1916-1918. State Department of Education, Tallahassee, FL. Research Report - 55, September, 1967 Sun Sentinel, February 22, 1992 Delray Beach Historical Society Archives City Building Cards Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, 1926 Oral History Documentation Ruth and Spencer Pompey file/y:spadyz