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09-95 ORDINANCE NO. 9-95 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, DESIGNATING THE SUSAN WILLIAMS HOUSE, LOCATED AT 30 N.W. 3RD 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.! 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 30 N.W. 3rd 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: ~ection 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, Florida, to-wit: The Susan Williams House, located at 30 N.W. 3rd Avenue, Delray Beach, Florida; more particularly described as follows: Lots 5 and 6, REVISED PLAT OF BLOCK 36, TOWN OF DELRAY, as recorded in Plat Book 5 at Page 19! 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 That all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith be, and the same are hereby repealed.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. Se¢~io~ 5. 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: 'Cit'y-C]]erk r First Reading January 17r 1995 Second Reading February 7r 1995 - 2 - Ord. No. 9-95 II. HAP ATLANTIC AVENUE 4M, ,I~HH HH MEMORANDUM TO: MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSIONERS FROM: CITY MANAGER~ SUBJECT: AGENDA ITEM ~[~.~ .- MEETING OF FEBRUARY 7. 1995 $~COND READING AND PUBLIC HEARING FOR ORDINANCE NO. 9-95 DESIGNATION OF SUSAN WILLIAMS HOUSE AS LOCAL HISTORIC SITE DATE: FEBRUARY 1, 1995 This is second reading and public hearing for Ordinance No. 9-95 which designates the Susan Williams House located at 30 N.W. 3rd 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 1935 and remains a good example of the Bungalow style of architecture which was popular in Delray from the 1920s until the advent of World War II. The house is associated with Susan Williams, one of the City's early midwives, and is the only remaining building in Delray Beach to physically link the social and cultural history of the pioneer midwives to 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 Susan Williams 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. 9-95 on second and final reading. ref:agmemol6 MEMORANDUM TO: MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSIONERS s JEOT: AGENDA ITE. MEETING OF JANUARY 17. 1995 FIRST READING FOR ORDINANCE NO. 9-95/DESIGNATION OF SUSAN WILLIAMS HOUSE AS LOCAL HISTORIC SITE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1995 This is first reading for Ordinance No. 9-95 which designates the Susan Williams House located at 30 N.W. 3rd 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 1935 and remains a good example of the Bungalow style of architecture which was popular in Delray from the 19205 until the advent of World War II. The house is associated with Susan Williams, one of the City's early midwives, and is the only remaining building in Delray Beach to physically link the social and cultural history of the pioneer midwives to 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 Susan Williams House as a local historic site. Recommend approval of Ordinance No. 9-95 on first reading. If passed, a public hearing will be held on February 7, 1995. ref:agmemol6 C I TY C OMM I S S I ON DOCUME NTAT I ON TO: DAVID T. HARDEN, CITY MANAGER THRU: DIANE DOMINGUEZ, DIRECTOR ~ DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING A~ID.-~ONING FROM: PAT CAYCE~~ HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLANNER SUBJECT: MEETING OF JANUARY 17, 1995 FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATING THE SUSAN WILLIAMS HOUSE, 30 N.W. 3RD AVENUE, 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 1935 and located at 30 N.W. 3rd Avenue. The legal description of the property is Block 36, Lots 5 and 6. BACKGROUND: The building was constructed in 1935, the architect is unknown. The builder was Isaiah Bruin a well known contractor who built a variety of residential structures in the City during the 1920s and 1930s. The building is a good example of the Bungalow style of architecture which was popular throughout Delray from the 1920s until the advent of WWII. The building retains most of its original architecturally defining elements, including the multi-gabled roof, the prominent front porch and massive porch piers, most of the original multi-paned windows are existing. As the home of Susan Williams, one of the City's early midwives, the house has considerable cultural significance. Mrs Williams's original homesite was located at the southwest corner of S.W. 4th Street and S.W. 4th Avenue, after its demolition she moved to the subject property which was owned by her daughter Agnes Munnings and her husband Cleveland. Though she only resided in the house during the last four year of her life, it is the only remaining building in the City to physically link the social and cultural history of the pioneer midwives to the community. 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. 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 and 4.5.1(B)(3)(a) and (b), Criteria for Designation 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) Designation 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 Susan Williams House as a Local Historic Site. RECOMMENDED ACTION: By motion, approve on first reading the ordinance designating the Susan Williams House, 30 N.W. 3rd Avenue (Block 36, Lots 5 and 6) to the Local Register of Historic Places. Attachments: * Letter of approval for designation from Douglas T. Williams. ~ Designation Report. file/y:munnings MEMORANDUM TO: Historic Preservation Board DATE: October 18, 1994 Delray Beach FROM: Douglas T. Williams ' ,-----. RE: Historic Designation of the Munnings House I do feel that the Munnings house on northwest third avenue meets the requirements to be designated an Historical Site. The American Bungalow meets the design guidelines that are set forth by the city. The history of the house (which, at on&.time, was the home of the city's only mid-wife) is certainly noteworthy. I have been a resident of Delray Beach for most of my life and have experienced and been a part of the many changes that have occurred. I do realize the importance of preserving the rich, cultural, historical heritage in all sectors of the city. I am, therefore asking that the Historical Preservation Board present this house, which is located 30 N.W. 3 Avenue, Delray Beach, Florida, to the city commission for consideration of being designated to the Local Register as an historic site. DESIGNATION REPORT HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA THE SUSAN WILLIAMS HOUSE 30 N.W 3RD AVENUE CONSTRUCTED 1935 Designation Report 30 N.W. 3rd Avenue Page 2 DESIGNATION REPORT: 30 N.W. 3RD 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 30 N.Wo 3rd Avenue Page 3 I. GENERAL INFORMATION Location: 30 N.W. 3rd Avenue, Delray Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida Date of Construction: 1935 Architect: Unknown Builder: Isaiah Bruin, originally from Quincy, Florida Present Owner: Douglas T. Williams, 118 N.W. 8th Avenue, Delray Beach FL 33444. Present Use: Residential, single family Present Zoning: R-lA, Single Family Residential Legal Description: Lots 5 & 6 of Block 36, Town of Delray, originally Town of Linton Property Control Number: 12-43-46-16-01-036-0050 Classification for Designation: Architectural significance, good example of bungalow style. Cultural Significance, home of one of the first midwives in the community. Designation Report ,30 N,W~ 3rd Avenue Page 4 I I. MAP 2ND ST. ~ N.~ ATLANTIC AVENUE' . HOUS[ ~ 30 N.W. 5RD AVENUE Designation Report 30 N.W. 3rd Avenue Page 5 III. Architectural Information The house at 30 N.W. 3rd Avenue is a good example of the South Florida bungalow style as built in Delray Beach during the 1920s and 30s. Many of these homes were built from pre-designed plans purchased from publications such as the Home Owners Service Institute catalog and the AIA sponsored Architects Small House Service Bureau, or from local lumber companies. But whether designed by an architect, or constructed by local builders from pre-designed plans, they all share the basic design elements of the bungalow. Walls: Horizontal wood or stucco exterior facing. Roof: Low pitched gable roof with the ridge either perpendicular or parallel to the street; often with multiple gables. If the primary ridge is perpendicular to the street, the front porch is usually roofed with a separate offset gable. Roofs often have exposed rafter tails. Porch: Porches are prominent. They are usually deep and extend the full width of the facade. The porch roof is supported by piers. The design of the pier supports is usually unique to the house and varies depending on the creativity of the builder. Windows: Double hung or casement, multi-paned and arranged for cross ventilation Plan: Usually rectangular and often modest in scale. The Williams House contains many of the classic bungalow features. There are two gables at right angles to the street and an opposing gable roof covering the front porch. The porch roof is supported by 2 traditional massive piers which are broken at the middle with a molded cap. Above the cap the piers taper gradually to the porch roof's supporting beam. Exposed rafters are visible throughout. Original casement windows with a 4 over 1 pane configurations are a feature of the front facade adjoining the porch. All of the original multi-paned windows are in place and most of the functioning wood shutters are existing. The house originally had wood siding and possibly a wood shingle trim. However, the facing has been covered with vinyl siding so it is not possible on visual inspection to determine what style of wood siding was used. The house has a composite shingle roof. The foundation is a combination of pier and cement block. Designation Report 30 N.W. 3rd Avenue Page 6 ~ IV. Historical Information The house is located on Lots 5 & 6 of Block 36. This block was subdivided into 16 lots when the Town of Linton was platted in 1895. In 1913 the block was replatted by the owners, J.H. Jackson and W.H. Brady; 39 smaller lots were created out of the original 16. Lots 5 and 6, and most of the replatted lots were purchased by George H. Green and his wife and the balance were owned by W.H. Brady and his wife. By 1922 there were 14 structures on the block including the Primitive Baptist Church on the northeast corner, and two grocery stores fronting on W. Atlantic Avenue. When the Town of Linton was platted all of the streets had names, the change from names to numbers was adopted in 1924. The streets which bounded Block 36 were as follows: on the east, N. Beatty Street (N.W. 3rd Avenue); on the west N. Larson Street (N.W. 4th Avenue); to the north, Miller Street (N.W. 1st Street). Though the historic house was not owned by Susan Williams, she resided there during the last 4 years of her life. The property will be listed on the Local Register as the Susan Williams House. Susan Currie Williams was born in the Bahamas in 1870. In about 1898 she and her husband and their small daughter Agnes, boarded the Sir Charles Orr and set sail for their new life in the Town of Delray. Susan Williams had been trained as a midwife in the Bahamas and it is possible that she had been asked to come here by the Bahamian settlers who had established themselves in the community. Her services were soon in demand, both as a midwife and general nurse practitioner. The town did not have a resident doctor until J.R. Cason set up practice in 1905, ten years after the first settlers arrived. Medical facilities were available in West Palm Beach but one had to travel by train (Florida East Coast Railroad) to get there. A competent and caring midwife was essential to the community, as babies did not time their arrivals to conform to train schedules. Nurse "Susie" Williams delivered black and white babies alike and gave other medical attention as needed. As medical facilities became available and doctors moved to the City, Susan was called upon by the medical profession for home nursing. Tall, slender and imposing in her white uniform and dark cloak, she is remembered even today, by those who recall seeing her striding purposefully along with her black medical bag in hand. The original Williams homesite, now demolished, was located at the southwest corner of S.W. 4th Street and S.W. 4th Avenue. Susan William's daughter, Agnes, married Grover Cleveland Munnings in 1924. Mr and Mrs Munnings purchased Lots 5 & 6 and built the bungalow in 1935. At the age of 80 Susan Williams suffered a stroke and moved 30 N.W. 3rd Avenue to be with her daughter and son-in-law. After a long and distinguished career in public service Susan Williams died 4 years later in 1954 a~ the age of 84. Designation Report 30 N.W. 3rd Avenue Page 7 V. Statement of Siqnificance and Criteria for Desiqnation Statement of Significance The house at 30 N.W. 3rd Avenue, also known as the Susan Williams House, is a good example of a modest residential bungalow as built in Delray Beach during the 1920s and 30s. The house presents the major physical elements typical of bungalow construction. With the exception of the vinyl siding which has been installed over the original wood siding, most of the bungalow's defining character remains in tact. Additionally, for the last 4 years of her life, the bungalow was the home of Susan Williams one of Delray Beach's first midwives. It should be noted that the original Williams homesite has been demolished, as have many significant buildings in the historic black community. 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)." The house at 30 N.W. 3rd Avenue was the home of Susan Williams, one of the first midwives in the City, from 1950 until her death in 1954. For 10 years after the first settlers arrived 1895 the community had no doctor, the nearest medical assistance was in West Palm Beach. The presence of a competent midwife was not only significant but essential to both the black and.white citizens of the community. Because the original Susan Williams homesite has been demolished, it is appropriate to recognize the house she occupied during the last years of her life. Designation Report 30 N.W. 3rd Avenue ~ge 8 (3) "A building, structure, site of district is deemed t-o~-ave architectural or aesthetic significance if it fulfills one or more of the following criteria." (a) "Portrays the environment in an era of history characterized by one or more distinctive architectural styles." This house is characteristic of the many modest bungalows built in the community during the 1920s and 30s. It is appropriate to offer recognition and some protection to this structure because many of the early bungalows 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 Susan Williams house contains most of the distinguishing characteristics of the bungalow style. It has a double gabled roof with an opposing gable over the porch roof. Exposed rafter tails are used throughout the roof construction. The front porch is prominent and its roof is supported with massive piers. The plan of the house is rectangular and the multi-paned windows are massed for cross ventilation. 30 N.W. 3rd 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. Designation Report 30 N.W. 3rd Avenue Page 9 ~ ~ VI. Bibliography and Sources Delra¥ Beach Desiqn Guidelines, Delray Beach Historic Preservation Board, 1990 Resourceful Rehab~ Metropolitan Dade County, Division of Historic Preservation, 1987 City Building Cards Property Assessors Records, 1913 Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, 1926 & 1941. Oral History Documentation: Douglas Williams, Grandson Agnes Munnings, Daughter