Fort Pierce, FL Historic Districts
Making strides in preserving historical sites that are part of the very fabric of our city
Historic District means a geographically defined area possessing a significant concentration, linkage or continuity of features united by historic events or aesthetics.
The purpose of the historic districts is to preserve and protect properties of historical, cultural, archaeological, aesthetic and architectural merit which serve as visual reminders of the city's cultural, social, economic, political, scientific, religious, and architectural history.
Today there are six designated Historic Districts within the city, as well as another 32 designated Locally Significant Historic Sites and 11 more on the National Register of Historic Places. They have all been carefully researched and certified in many historical categories such as architecture, significant events, community development and notable residents and visitors.
The Historic Districts
Fort Pierce has 6 historic districts:
- Lincoln Park (previously named Avenue D)
- Edgar Town
- Downtown
- River's Edge
- Oakland Park
- Sample Oaks
The Lincoln Park (previously Avenue D) Historic District is significant for its association with the African-American population of Fort Pierce between the late nineteenth century and the late 1950s. The district includes residences, schools, churches, businesses, and recreational facilities associated with important people and events in the history of African-Americans. The district contains historic resources from ca. 1900 to the late 1950s and includes examples Mission, Bungalow, Minimal Traditional, Shotgun, Frame Vernacular and Masonry Vernacular architecture. The Avenue D Historic District was established in 2002 and then rename to Lincoln Park District in 2015.
The Edgartown Historic District is significant for its association with Edgartown the small settlement established in the 1870s that preceded Fort Pierce’s founding in 1882. It contains contributing historic resources from the late nineteenth century through the mid-twentieth century and includes examples of Colonial Revival, Frame Vernacular Masonry Vernacular and Commercial Vernacular architecture. The Edgartown District has been designated in 2001.
The Downtown Historic District is significant for its association with the commercial, political, and social history of Fort Pierce from its establishment in 1882 through the late 1950s. It is also significant for its architecture; it contains historic resources in the Mediterranean Revival, Mission, Art Moderne, Bungalow, Classical Revival, Colonial Revival, Frame Vernacular and Masonry Vernacular. The Downtown District has been designated in 2002.
The River’s Edge Historic District is significant for its architecture; it contains contributing historic resources from the early through mid-twentieth century and includes examples of in the Mediterranean Revival, Mission, Bungalow, Classical Revival, Colonial Revival, Minimal Traditional, Ranch, Dutch Colonial, Frame Vernacular and Masonry Vernacular. The River’s Edge District has been designated in 2003.
The Oakland Park Historic District is significant for its architecture. It contains contributing historic resources from its platting and subdivision in 1913 through the late 1950s and includes examples of historic resources in the Mediterranean Revival, Mission, Bungalow, Classical Revival, Colonial Revival, Minimal Traditional, Ranch, Dutch Colonial, Frame Vernacular and Masonry Vernacular. The Downtown District has been designated in 2002.
The Sample Oaks Historic District is significant for its architecture and contains contributing resources from the early- to mid-twentieth century and includes examples of Mediterranean Revival, Mission, Art Moderne, Bungalow, Classical Revival, Colonial Revival, Minimal Traditional, Dutch Colonial, Frame Vernacular Masonry Vernacular and Commercial Vernacular architecture. The Sample Oaks District has been designated in 2002.
Historical Places
Arcade Building
Cresthaven (Boston House)
Jules Frere House
Moore's Creek Bridge
Old Fort Park (Fort Pierce Site)
Old Fort Pierce City Hall
Old St. Anastasia Catholic School
Old US Post Office
St. Lucie High School
Sunrise Theater
Zora Neale Hurston House
Arcade Building
Cresthaven (Boston House)
Jules Frere House
Moore's Creek Bridge
Old Fort Park (Fort Pierce Site)
Old Fort Pierce City Hall
Old St. Anastasia Catholic School
Old US Post Office
St. Lucie High School
Sunrise Theater
Zora Neale Hurston House
Arcade Building
101 North U.S. Highway 1
The Arcade Building, constructed in 1926, was the largest and most expensive commercial real estate investment in Fort Pierce during the Florida Boom. It is a two story, Spanish Colonial Revival, stucco finished structure that houses storefront bays on the first floor and offices on the second. The floors can be accessed by two arcades from the east and west.
Today, murals decorate the exterior, depicting the heyday of the Arcade Building– Canaday’s Drugs, Ranchland Clothing Store, the military presence in Fort Pierce and much more. After surviving two fires, one in the 1950's and another in the 1980's, it has been revived as a wonderful retail and office space located in the heart of downtown Fort Pierce.
Cresthaven
239 South Indian River Dr.
Also known as the Boston House, Cresthaven, was built in 1909 by Willian T. Jones, a railroad engineer and the third Sheriff of St. Lucie County. It is the only local building with a mix of Georgian Revival and Neo-Classical architecture.
After losing the house in the Great Depression, it was sold in 1949 to the McCarty family, who lived in the Governor's House across the street. Today, it is occupied by a law firm.
Jules Frere House
2404 Sunrise Blvd.
The Jules Frere House was built in 1931 by Jules Frere. It is one of the best examples of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.
The house has a unique floor plan and exceptional detailing in its roof line, window treatments, balconettes, and statuary niches. The interior of the home is highly decorated with painted ceramic tiles and stucco walls.
Moore's Creek Bridge
N. 2nd St. between Aves. B and C
Located in the Downtown Historic District
Known locally as the Tickle Tummy Hill, the Moore's Creek Bridge was built in 1925, during the Florida Boom, replacing a wooden bridge. It connects a residentail area to Fort Pierce's Downtown and waterfront districts.
Fort Pierce Site
South Indian River Dr.
Althgouh there are no visible structures remaining at the Fort Pierce Site today, there are plans dating from 1839 showing various structures. These structures include log houses, block houses, a hospital, and various picket fences. The area is generally flat except for a mound, which is an ancient burial site of the Ais Indian group.
Fort Pierce (1838-1842) was a significant Second Seminole War U.S. military post built during General Thomas S. Jesup’s winter campaign of 1837-38. Strategically located on a high bluff along the Indian River’s western shore, the fort was constructed by artillerymen from readily available palmetto logs. Named for Brevet Lt. Col. Benjamin K. Pierce, Fort Pierce briefly served as the Army of the South headquarters when General Jesup arrived with his staff and troops on January 14, 1838. A nearby freshwater spring supplied water, and the bounty of the river helped feed the fort’s occupants.
Never engaged in battle, the fort was deactivated in February 1842 at the end of the Second Seminole War. The fort was destroyed by fire in December 1843.
Old Fort Pierce City Hall
315 Avenue A
Located in the Downtown Historic District
The Old Fort Pierce City Hall was built in 1925 and restored in 1995. The two story, stucco finished building represents a Mediterranean Revival and Italian Renaissance architectural style. The building was built at the end of the Florida Boom, along with the Arcade Building.
Today, the first floor contains office spaces and the great hall can be rented for meetings or parties. The original interior finishes have been preserved, including tiled stairs and hardwood floors.
Old St. Anastasia Catholic School
910 Orange Ave.
The Old St. Anastasia Catholic School was built in 1914. It represents an Early Christian Revival style of Italian chapels or mausoleums. It was the first Catholic parochial school in the Indian River area in 1919 and once served as a public school for the City of Fort Pierce.
The school was built by James P. McNichol, to serve the 30 Catholic families in the City. He named the church after his late wife. After being built, the school stayed empty for about 5 years, until 1919 when it was lent to the county to use after the public school burned down.
Old United States Post Office
500 Orange Ave.
Located in the Downtown Historic District
The Old U.S. Post Office was built in 1935 in a Mediterranean Revival style. Some remodeling was done in the 1960's and 1970's, however much of building's original finishes have been kept intact.
It currently serves as a place for meetings and public gatherings.
St. Lucie High School
1100 Delaware Ave.
The St. Lucie High School was completed in an1915 and follows the Mission style architecture. For years, it was the only high in the area. The school grew in attendance and in 1926 three additional buildings were added, following the same architectural style.
Currently, the school is home to the Fort Pierce Magnet School of the Arts.
Sunrise Theater
117 S. 2nd St.
Located in the Downtown Historic District.
The Sunrise Theater was built in 1922, during the Florida Boom. Built by C.E. Cahow and designed in a mixed Mission and Mediterranean Revival style by John Sherwood. It was a part of the larger Sunrise Building. It first opened its doors in 1923 and operated as a live performance and movie theater until 1983 when it closed.
At the time of its construction, it was the largest theater on the Florida east coast. It soon became a center for cultural activities, housing the theater as well as neighboring many store fronts and public gathering spots.
Today, the theater is still in use to show local and national musicals, Broadway shows, and other performances.
Zora Neale Hurston House
1734 School Ct.
The Zora Neale Hurston house was built in 1957 and was home to the author, Zora Neale Hurston from then until her passing in 1960. This is the only house still standing that is connected to the author.
Zora Neale Hurston was an author and folklorist, known for the novel, 'Their Eyes are Watching God' and many other short stories and essays. Her last years were spent in Fort Pierce writing for The Chronicle and contributing to her manuscript, 'Herod the Great'.
