Resolution
(Recognizing the significance of Stiltsville to South Florida history)
Whereas since the 1930s, when "Crawfish" Eddie Walker built the first stilts home and others quickly followed, Stiltsville, which now consists of seven remaining wooden framed houses resting above shallow water approximately one mile from nearest land, just south of Key Biscayne, Florida, has been a landmark to Miami-Dade County and has provided great cultural and historical significance to South Florida and the United States;
Whereas Stiltsville has deep and profound historical significance, as evidenced by its Quarter Deck Club, built in 1940s, which featured in Life Magazine in 1941, and a NOAA aerial photograph in 1945 of Stiltsville, as well as other evidence, all of which documents the Stiltsville district to be much greater than 50 years old;
Whereas the seven remaining Stiltsville homes are quaint and unique, and are a popular pictorial of Miami’s heritage, history, and panorama;
Whereas the seven remaining Stiltsville homes are of unique design and have served as backdrop scenery for many television shows, movies, books, and advertisements including the popular television show "Miami Vice" and Carl Hiaasen’s "Skin Tight."
Whereas Stiltsville has provided a cultural and historic source of pride for South Florida residents and visitors who identify with this well-known Florida landmark which symbolizes the old Miami and the Miami of today;
Whereas Stiltsville has substantially contributed to South Florida’s civic, educational and tourist activities as the remaining seven homes of Stiltsville have been an integral part of the South Florida Historical Association tours;
Whereas South Floridians have for years depended on the usage of the Stiltsville homes for public and community activities to benefit Miami-Dade County, Florida;
Whereas in August, 1998 the Florida Department of State, Division of Historic Resources, unanimously recommended that Stiltsville be nominated to be registered in the National Register of Historic Places;
Whereas since Hurricane Donna, Betsey and Andrew ravaged South Florida, only seven of about twenty-five precious homes currently constitute Stiltsville and their current owner and supporters are able, willing and committed to preserve these historic treasures through private means;
Whereas in only about the last two weeks, thousands of signatures were gathered on petitions to "Save Old Stiltsville" which petitions specifically state that "[e]ach of the undersigned firmly and strongly believe that each of the seven remaining Stiltsville structure (1) have unique and significant historic value to the United States including South Florida, (2) are well-known landmarks and are and have been an important part of Miami’s landscape and lore, {and} (3) are of exceptional cultural and historic significance…",
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the Historic Preservation Board of Metropolitan Miami-Dade County, Florida, that the Historic Preservation Board of Metropolitan Miami-Dade County, Florida:
- recognizes the exceptional historic significance and contributions to Florida made by Stiltsville.
- recommends that Stiltsville not be demolished as presently required by the Biscayne National Park, the National Park Service and the Department of Interior.
- recommends extensions of present leases to ensure preservation and enjoyment of Stiltsville for future generations.
- will work to secure that Stiltsville be reconsidered by Biscayne National Park, the National Park Service and the U.S. Department of Interior for entry into the National Register of Historic Places as so strongly recommended by the Florida Department of State.
Passed unanimously 4/21/99