Grandview Heights Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Grandview Heights Historic District
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Location | West Palm Beach, Florida |
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Area | 230 acres (0.93 km2) |
Architectural style | Bungalow/Craftsman, Colonial Revival |
NRHP reference No. | 99000795 |
Added to NRHP | July 8, 1999 |
The Grandview Heights Historic District is a special area in West Palm Beach, Florida. It was officially named a historic district on July 8, 1999. This means it's a place with important old buildings and a unique history.
The district is located between Park Place, Alabama Avenue, M Street, and Lake Avenue. It's one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city that is still mostly the same as it was long ago.
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A Glimpse into Grandview Heights' Past
Grandview Heights was built between 1910 and 1925. It was an expansion of another area called Palm Beach Heights. This neighborhood has some of the best examples of early craftsman-style homes. You can also find some Mediterranean revival-style houses here.
Who Lived Here First?
The first people to live in Grandview Heights were ministers, shopkeepers from downtown, and the skilled workers who built the fancy hotels in Palm Beach. Even though the area isn't very high up, it used to offer great views. From here, you could see Lake Worth Lagoon and even as far south as Cuba!
Changes Over Time
In the 1980s, some parts of the neighborhood faced challenges. In 1989, many buildings in Palm Beach Heights and some in Grandview Heights were taken down. This was to make space for a new city project. This land later became The Square (once known as CityPlace). It's a modern area with shops, restaurants, and homes.
Grandview Heights Today
Today, Grandview Heights has been brought back to life. It's a mixed-use neighborhood where you can easily walk around. You'll find single-family homes, modern townhouses, and apartments. The neighborhood also has two historic churches, several bed and breakfasts, and small local businesses.
Exploring Howard Park
On the west side of the neighborhood is Howard Park. It's the biggest urban park in West Palm Beach. The park has the historic Stub Canal Turning Basin. This basin was once used to unload crops grown near Lake Okeechobee. These crops were then shipped north.
Long ago, the land across the canal from the park was marshland, perfect for hunting. During a time when many people were moving to Florida, Howard Park was a camp for new settlers. The city provided tents, water, and outhouses. Later, this camp became a Boy Scout camp, and today it's a popular dog park. Some early tourists would even rent apartments above garages in the neighborhood, which helped residents earn extra money.
The Armory Arts Center
The historic Armory building is also in the neighborhood. It was built in 1939 with government help. It used to be for the National Guard. Now, it's the Armory Arts Center. This center has an art school and galleries where you can see amazing art.
Nearby Attractions
Just east of Grandview Heights, you'll find the historic Woodlawn Cemetery. There's also the South Dixie shopping district and the famous Norton Museum of Art.
Historic Buildings to See
The Grandview Heights Historic District is home to 268 historic buildings. Many of them show off the unique architectural styles of the early 20th century.