A thesis submitted as partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture at Florida International University, Miami, Florida.

Abstract

This thesis will seek a resolution of the tension between the presence of the community of stilts-homes in the water in Biscayne Bay, known as "Stiltsville", and the ecological, cultural and historical objectives of the Biscayne National Park, the legal jurisdiction in which Stiltsville is located.

The question if a co-existence can be achieved with Stiltsville and Biscayne National Park was accomplished through an in depth study of the environmental, historical and architectural context of Stiltsville and Biscayne national Park. The results of the analysis were applied to create program and an interactive center that will reside in the Biscayne National Park.

The interactive center will act as a catalyst for the preservation of Stiltsville. The solution articulates a dialog with the environment and concludes that a co-existence can and should happen with Stiltsville and Biscayne National Park.

Excerpt from book

This thesis takes the position that Stiltsville is worthy of preservation because of its unique architectural and historical values. Those values, and their preservation, are not dependent on the manner in which, or by whom, legal title is held. Legal ownership status is not the focus of this analysis nor should it be.

Although Stiltsville does not meet the "50 year criteria", I would argue that because of its geography it could never meet it. As discussed above, hurricanes do not allow these structures, individually, to remain intact for any great amount of time. The now remaining structures each have at lest 50% of their original fabric because, under the provisions of their lease, they could not have been rebuilt unless 50% of the structure was remaining after each natural disaster.

These structures, this community, have been part of Miami’s history since almost the earliest days. Stiltsville is not a blight on Biscayne Bay, it is an integral part of Biscayne Bay. It has become a part of the Bay through the ecosystem of marine life that has adhered to its pilings; it is part of Miami’s history through the folklore it has nurtured.

Miami is so young. We are a young community. We are young geographically. But are we so young and immature that we would that we would destroy and dismantle part of our heritage? Some would argue that Stiltsville is not historical, that it is not significant, that it certainly is not part of our heritage. Nevertheless, it is. Just as Marjorie Stoneman Douglas fought for our everglades, just as the Art Deco District of Miami Beach was fought for, so should Stiltsville be fought for.

Miami is a unique place in the world. Stiltsville is part of what makes Miami unique. From Key Biscayne, you look south out into the emerald green waters into our natural heritage, into Stiltsville. Most Miamians know Stiltsville. It is part of the Bay, it is not an eyesore. It is a valuable part of our past. In order to preserve our history, Stiltsville should be preserved. Stiltsville should not exist in memories only, we should actively take care of what we have.

Through the completion of this thesis, the purpose will be to create a synergy that will happen when we merge Stiltsville and Biscayne National Park. A new and exciting place will emerge that will both benefit the Biscayne National Park as well as continue to preserve one of Miami’s important communities: Stiltsville. Co-existence will emerge.