Ward Rooming House
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Built in 1925, the Ward Rooming House opened its doors to both out-of-town Blacks and Native Americans, who were typically unable to find welcoming accommodations in Downtown Miami during the first half of the 20th century.
Excerpt from the Miami Affordability Project Historic Properties Dataset, prepared by UM Office of Civic and Community Engagement:
“The property is linked to Shaddrack Ward, who arrived to Miami from Key West in 1894. Built in 1925, the structure has Conch and Mediterranean Revival influences. The building’s porches and symmetry are elements of the Conch style—an architectural style that can be traced to Key West and the Bahamas. The structure’s Mediterranean Revival influences can be seen in the ornamental brackets along the arches of each bay as well as the stucco finish. The Rooming House was frequently occupied by Bahamian immigrants and is historically significant because of its association with the early African-American community of Overtown.”
The building has been restored, and now serves as the Ward Rooming House Gallery, under the curatorial direction of Hampton Art Lovers. The gallery hosts exhibitions that include works from Maya Angelou’s personal collection, sculptures and artwork of Elizabeth Catlett, and the photography of Phillip Shung.
References:
//www.miamiandbeaches.com/hotels/ward-rooming-house-in-historic-overtown
This is stop number 6 on the Historic Overtown Legacy Trek! Download the map here, or click here to see the next stop: the D.A. Dorsey House.
