"No one who chances upon the phenomenon
of Stiltsville for the first time will ever
forget the sight of homes that hover above
the waters, miles from any shore, like
structures from a dream."
Les
Standiford
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The National Parks Service
holds the Stiltsville leases. The current lease with Biscayne
National Park expires on July 1, 1999.
A recent attempt at national
Historic Designation was shot down by the board.
An objective of the recent
petition circulating around town is reconsideration of the Stiltsville
district for placement on the National Register of Historic Places.
A process which began 3 years ago. |
| Back in August 1998, the
Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources unanimously
agreed to recommend the Stiltsville historic district for the National
Register of Historic Places.
In March 1999, the National
Register denied the application. Owners of Stiltsville homes were
notified ex post facto on April 1, 1999. |
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Special
thanks to "Doug the Bug" for
these
beautiful Stiltsville photographs.
Images
may not be duplicated without authorization.
|
There is no formal appeal
process. Thus, a petition is born.
Senator Bob Graham, U.S.
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Governor Jeb Bush, Miami-Dade Mayor Alex Pinellas
and hopefully many more will hop aboard the S.O.S. - Save Old
Stiltsville cause.
The Village of Key Biscayne
will be presenting a resolution at it’s next regular Councilmeeting (5/11/99)
in hopes of sending the message that, as the closest geographic community
to
Stiltsville, we hope it will be preserved for many future generations
of islanders to view and enjoy. |
Four other communities have
passed resolutions to preserve Stiltsville: Homestead, South Miami,
West Miami, and Hialeah Gardens.
Since the 1930’s the Stiltsville
houses have provided cultural and historical significance to South Florida.
The Quarter Deck Club, built
in the 40’s was featured in Life Magazine. In 1945 NOAA aerial photography
proves that the Stiltsville district is over 50 years old. |
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Stiltsville serves as
a sanctuary for sea and plant life ecosystem, and is linked to its continued
survival.
Stiltsville’s unique
design has served as backdrop scenery for many television shows, movies,
books, and advertisements including the opening of the popular “Miami Vice”
and Carl Hiaasen‘s “Skin Tight.”.
Even the fury of mother nature
in the form of Hurricane’s Donna, Betsy and Andrew which ravaged South
Florida, were unable to topple the last remaining seven, of twenty five
structures. |
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