Historic Walking Tour: The Sea Streets and Poinciana Park

1 Credit towards the Certificate in Classical Architecture (Building Craft) | 1 AIA CES Learning Unit | HSW

We invite you to join us for an engaging walking tour through Palm Beach’s historic Sea Streets with preservation Architect, Kristin Kellogg. This tour will provide an insightful exploration of the Poinciana Park subdivision, tracing its development beginning in 1914. We will discuss how this area fits into the broader growth of Palm Beach during that era and examine its connection to the current R-B zoning code. Additionally, we will explore the distinctions between historic, landmarked, and historically significant structures as defined within Palm Beach’s municipal framework.

The course provides architects, designers, craftsman, and anyone who enjoys learning with a foundation on the history of Poinciana Park and the Sea Streets with a unique perspective of understanding how the architectural details and elements in buildings enhance the character and community of a place.
Participants will proceed on a walk- through to historically significant structures and gardens on Seaspray Avenue and conclude with a historic home on Seabreeze Avenue. Participants will learn about the important moments in the development of Poinciana Park, as well as the unique character of the historic buildings that shape the Sea Streets today.

This walking tour dives into the profound impact of landmarked structures and historic residential structures in Palm Beach’s Sea Streets, their architectural language, and their significance today.

Under the guidance of Architect Kristin Kellogg, the tour centers on the ‘Sea Streets’ in Palm Beach. These three midtown streets colloquially known has the ‘Sea Streets’ were planned by the City Builders Realty Company as the Poinciana Park Development: Sea Breeze in 1914 followed by Sea Spray in 1917 and the north side of Sea View in 1923. The tour will focus on three structures all historically significant, one landmarked by the Town of Palm Beach.

Through the analysis of these examples, participants will acquire a deeper comprehension of how each was designed and why its architecture remains significant and preserved. Via this tour and discussion, participants will be able to view many different but interrelated perspectives of these case studies in historic preservation.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Summarize important moments Palm Beach architectural history, starting with the Poinciana Park Development in 1914 to the recognition of the Sea streets in 1923.
2. Identify various architectural styles of Palm Beach’s historic and landmarked structures and describe how the area fits into the broader growth of Palm Beach during the development, eventually effecting the current R-B zoning code.
3. Describe the role of historic preservation in providing a sustainable built environment, from its material approach (natural, renewable, and non-toxic) to its effect on maintaining an intact culture and built environment proven to attract and promote human flourishing.
4. Investigate the material technologies and construction methods employed in early structures built in Palm beach – such as wood frame construction surfaced with stucco, barrel tile roofs, exposed rafter tails, and metal railings – and examine the enduring significance of traditional craftsmanship in preserving cultural continuity and fostering a strong ‘sense of place.’
5. Compare modern and traditional construction methods, highlighting how traditional approaches are healthier for both occupants and craftspeople. This includes benefits such as lower comparative carbon footprints during production, reduced chemical off-gassing, and effective passive management of indoor and outdoor environments.

Materials

Please come prepared with comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate attire. Sketchbooks and pencils optional.

Earn an ICAA Certificate in Classical Architecture

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