The New Building

The classical elevation blends stone, stucco, barrel tile and decorative iron gates. Two sets of three round-top French doors look out onto a balustraded terrace with steps leading down to Pan’s Garden

By the late 1990s, the Foundation had experienced significant growth since its founding and set its sights on a property next to Pan’s Garden.  In addition to increased programming and educational initiatives, the Foundation had acquired three major architectural collections: Marion Sims Wyeth, Belford Shoumate, and Henry Harding. The Foundation continued its tradition of operating out of a building connected to an outdoor space by envisioning a new building on the Pan’s Garden site. 

Rendering of the lobby and monumental open staircase

Rendering of the library

The connection to Pan’s Garden not only centralized the Foundation’s operations but demonstrated the commitment to being a visible, accessible preservation resource in the heart of Palm Beach. In June 2000, the Foundation purchased the property at 311 Peruvian Avenue from Miller USA for $2.47 million. The existing building on the site was designed in 1950 by Lucius Draper Babcock for Irving Burrows and builder Raymond Sheldon; it included four commercial units and one apartment. The tenants of the property included photographer Mort Kaye Studios, Dadrians clothing store, and a private apartment.

In 2001, the Foundation launched a $5 million Heritage Capital Campaign to fulfill this vision. Jeffrey Smith of Smith Architectural Group, known for designing many prominent Palm Beach residences, was selected as architect. The new design was a 6,800 square foot floorplan with administrative offices, an architectural archive and library, and an education center. It was designed in the iconic Mediterranean Revival Style and featured cast stone by Pro Cast Stone, Inc. and bronze gates by Royal Iron. Interior designer Scott Snyder fashioned the interior of the building with adornments to compliment the Mediterranean Revival style including a stained pecky cypress ceiling in the lobby.

ACROM approved the demolition of the existing building in August 2002. Despite criticism from community members who felt the structure should not be demolished, the groundbreaking was held the following March and the new building was completed in January 2005.