Historic Architecture Photos and Research

Building #1

Details

• Copper-green dome topped with a cross, surrounded by ornate white stone towers

• Two-tone exterior combining white stucco walls with terracotta-colored brick accents

• Decorative elements including circular rose window, Moorish-inspired arches, and roofline statuary

History

• Founded in 1889 by Henry Morrison Flagler, Memorial Presbyterian Church was built in memory of Flagler’s daughter, Jennie Louise Benedict, who died tragically following childbirth. The church stands as a symbol of his deep love and loss.

• Inspired by Venetian Renaissance architecture, the church features a striking copper dome, intricate stained glass windows, and elaborate carvings, making it one of the most architecturally significant churches in the U.S.

• Designated a National Historic Landmark, the church remains a cornerstone of St. Augustine’s rich cultural and historical heritage, attracting visitors for its beauty and significance in Florida’s history.

• Henry Flagler is buried in the church’s mausoleum, alongside his daughter, first wife Mary Harkness Flagler, and granddaughter, making the church not only a place of worship but also a lasting tribute to his family.

Building #2

Details

• Spanish Renaissance architectural style with grand towers, red terracotta roofs, and distinctive white/cream-colored stone or concrete construction

• Ornate triple-arched windows with brick-red trim and decorative features throughout the facade

• Surrounded by palm trees and featuring covered walkways with hanging lantern-style light fixtures

History

• The Lightner Museum is housed in the former Alcazar Hotel, built in 1888 by Henry Flagler, a prominent developer and railroad magnate who played a key role in the development of St. Augustine.

• The hotel was renowned for its luxurious amenities, including the world’s largest indoor swimming pool at the time, Turkish and Russian baths, and grand ballrooms.

• After the hotel closed during the Great Depression, Chicago publisher Otto C. Lightner purchased the building in 1947 to house his extensive collection of art, antiques, and curiosities, opening it as a museum later that year.

• Today, the Lightner Museum showcases Gilded Age artifacts, including fine art, Victorian glass, musical instruments, and historical relics, preserving both the opulent history of the hotel and the diverse collection Lightner assembled.

Building #3

Details

• Distinctive crenellated/stepped roofline with castle-like appearance 

• Ornate balconies and windows with geometric patterns and reddish-brown trim 

• Light gray concrete/stone construction with horizontal striations in the walls

History

• Built in 1883, the Villa Zorayda Museum was originally the winter home of Franklin W. Smith, an eccentric Bostonian innovator who designed it to replicate a portion of Spain’s Alhambra Palace, introducing the Moorish Revival architectural style to St. Augustine.

• Smith used his own formula of poured concrete mixed with local coquina stone, making the Villa Zorayda one of the first buildings in St. Augustine constructed this way, influencing later architecture in the city.

• After serving as a private residence and a club, the Villa Zorayda was converted into a museum in 1933, showcasing an eclectic collection of antiques, art, and artifacts from around the world, many with Moorish and Egyptian influences.

• The museum remains a key part of St. Augustine’s cultural heritage, celebrated for its unique architecture and its collection of rare items, including the famed "Sacred Cat Rug" believed to be over 2,400 years old and made from the hair of ancient Egyptian cats.

Building #4

Details

• Graceful curved arches framing the building’s exterior, complemented by rich red brick walls.

• Elegant curved staircases leading up to the entrance of each door.

• Original vintage postal lockers with their unique, numbered design still intact inside.

History

• Before the current post office at 99 King Street, the St. Augustine post office was located in the building that now houses Governor's House Cultural Center and Museum. 

• This building, which was the site of the Spanish Governor General's Palace, served as the city's post office from the late 1880s until 1968. 

• From 1935-1937, the building, then serving as the post office, underwent a major facelift, transforming it to resemble its 18th-century appearance under the direction of Jacksonville architect Mellen Clark Greeley.

Sculpture #1 — Sketch #1

Sculpture #1 — Sketch #2

Sculpture #2 — Sketch #1

Sculpture #2 — Sketch #2