THE GOLDEN GATE BUILDING

Side One: Built in 1925 by R. L. Robb Construction Co. for the Golden Gate Development Company, this building is one of Martin County’s most distinctive historical structures. The two-story, trapezoidal building was designed in the Mission/Mediterranean Revival style, and featured interlocking hollow clay tile. The words “GOLDEN GATE” appear in raised stucco on the facade. The elaborate roof line, with clay barrel tiles and decorative brackets, contains a parapet topped with spindles and an inset for a bell. The arched main-entrance doors are flanked by pilasters with composite order capitals. The pilasters support a second story wrought iron balconet. The building originally served as the office for the Golden Gate Development Co. In 1926, the post office for Port Sewall moved in, and when Port Sewall incorporated in 1927, the building became the town hall. Following the dissolution of the Golden Gate Development Company in 1940, the building was sold to the Church of God at Port Sewall. In 1952, it became the residence of renowned artist of Seminole culture James Hutchinson and his family. In 2011, Hutchinson was inducted into the Florida Artist Hall of Fame, and his artwork remains on the walls in the stairwell. Side Two: Ownership of the building again changed several times, and it was vacant after 1959. Under threat of demolition by neglect, the Golden Gate Neighborhood Advisory Committee requested that Martin County purchase the building in 2002. Restoration began shortly thereafter with contributions from Martin County and the Community Development Agency, and historic preservation grant funds from the Florida Department of State. The 2004-2005 stabilization included the installation of interior metal studs for wall support, new trusses, and a new roof. Replacement windows and doors, stucco repairs, and exterior painting were completed in 2007. The Friends of the Historic Golden Gate Community, Inc. was formed in 2008 to support its completion. Martin County leased the building to House of Hope Inc., who managed the interior finishing, and the addition of restrooms and an elevator. They transformed the building into the Golden Gate Enrichment Center. The Golden Gate Building was listed on the Martin County Historic Register in 2006 and on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017. Constructed as a showcase for the Golden Gate development, it continues to serve as an important symbol of the neighborhood.