Stuart Welcome Arch - Jensen Beach,FL
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BONSAIRAD
N 27° 13.538 W 080° 13.220
17R E 577201 N 3011666
This structure is from 1926.
Waymark Code: WMC4XA
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 07/25/2011
Views: 2
This Mediterranean Revival style monument typical of the pre-Depression Florida Boom was designed by Nat C. Hodgdon of Pfeiffer and O'Reilly Architects, constructed by A. L. Doenges and completed on February 20, 1926. The arch was built to celebrate the creation of Martin County with Stuart as the county seat. This gateway greeted southbound travelers on the Montreal to Miami Dixie Highway (formerly A1A) with the bronze-lettered caption, Stuart Atlantic Gateway to the Gulf of Mexico, a reference to the cross-state canal connecting Martin County to Florida's west coast through Lake Okeechobee. Design and construction of the arch was funded through a Stuart Chamber of Commerce campaign organized by prominent leaders and supported by citizens of the City of Stuart and Jensen Beach. Continuous repair resulting from theft during the Depression, hurricane damage, natural deterioration, and vehicular accidents reflects this landmarks significance in both the local and countywide communities. The gateway is currently known as the Rio-Jensen Arch, and its restoration is a goal in the Rio Community Redevelopment Plan adopted by Martin County in April, 2001.
Street address:
2369 and 2390 NE Dixie Hwy
Jensen Beach, FL USA
County / Borough / Parish: Martin
Year listed: 2004
Historic (Areas of) Significance: Commerce, Commerce, Community Planning And Development, Politics/Government
Periods of significance: 1950-1974, 1925-1949
Historic function: Event
Current function: Recreation And Culture
Privately owned?: no
Primary Web Site: [Web Link]
Season start / Season finish: Not listed
Hours of operation: Not listed
Secondary Website 1: Not listed
Secondary Website 2: Not listed
National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Please give the date and brief account of your visit. Include any additional observations or information that you may have, particularly about the current condition of the site. Additional photos are highly encouraged, but not mandatory.