Historic Preservation

Restoring Our History, Building Our Future

The Homestead Community Redevelopment Agency works closely with various organizations and committees to advance its mission of combating neighborhood deterioration and eliminating economic blight with the philosophy of "restoring our history and building our future."  The desired result is a vibrant and thriving Historic District featuring a mix of iconic and historic buildings with modern amenities and new developments.

Historic Preservation Board

The mission of the Historic Preservation Board is to recognize and preserve the sites of significant events and the unique architectural character of Homestead.

​History of Downtown Homestead

Downtown Homestead became famous as the hub of South Florida’s early railroad pioneer expansion at the dawn of the 20th century. The Florida East Coast Railway was extended south and the Downtown District began to take shape with a variety of commercial and public buildings. 

In 2007, Historic Downtown Homestead was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and in 2013, the City of Homestead celebrated its Centennial. The Historic District encompasses 11 city blocks that comprise an area of approximately 12 acres.  It qualified for listing on the National Register of Historic Places as being both associated with significant historical events and containing distinctive architectural styles. As you stroll through Downtown, you’ll find examples of Masonry Vernacular, Art Deco, Mission Revival, Italian Romanesque Revival, and Neoclassical Revival.  For a self-guided walking tour that explores our history and shows how Downtown Homestead has evolved, pick up a copy of Homestead Then & Now.

Recently, the City embarked on a dramatic Downtown Revitalization Project designed to breathe new life into the Historic District with a variety of public and private projects and partnerships.  Learn more about Downtown Homestead here.
Homestead Then and Now

Historic Town Hall Museum

Historic Town Hall
This historic structure was constructed in 1917, and is on both the local and the national registries of historic buildings. It served as the City of Homestead Council Chambers, Police Department, and Fire House until City Hall moved to a location on Homestead Boulevard in 1975. In April 2016, City Hall moved back to Downtown Homestead and is currently located at 100 Civic Court. Today, the downstairs of the Old Town Hall serves as the home of the Historic Town Hall Museum and the upstairs contains the offices of Homestead Main Street.

The museum's most popular exhibit is the City of Homestead’s original 1924 American LaFrance fire truck.  It also features displays of historic artifacts, photographs of early families, and photos of historic places.  The on-site library and archives are open to researchers by appointment.  

​Seminole Theatre

On October 28, 2015 the curtain finally rose on a stage that had remained dark for nearly four decades. The reopening of the Seminole Theatre was made possible thanks to the citizens of Homestead who approved funding for its restoration during the decisive May 2014 Bond Referendum. 

The historic structure, originally built in 1921, was first restored in 1940 with the iconic Art Deco façade you see today. The theatre, a central part of Homestead’s social life, was mainly used as a movie house until it closed its doors in 1979. In 1992, it suffered a near total loss as a result of Hurricane Andrew. In an attempt to salvage the historic property, citizen groups embarked on a renovation effort that would span decades. The 2014 citizen-approved funding allowed for the complete restoration of this space as a cultural hub for Homestead.
Seminole Theatre Opening
Click here for information on upcoming shows and events at this unique historic venue.

​Partnerships

The Homestead Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) engages with various community partners to further its mission.  Homestead Main Street is one such community partner, whose mission to initiate downtown economic revitalization and to bring an expanded cultural element to the downtown area.