After Broward County’s architectural legacy was all but completely forgotten in a recently released list from the American Institute of Architects, we decided to conduct our own audience survey about the top buildings in Broward County.
According to what was nominated through the Public Insight Network, and our poll on the Miami Herald’s website, we have arrived at the top three buildings in the county. There was a virtual tie between the Shuster Design Associates building and the Stranahan House in Fort Lauderdale, and falling in third place was the majestic Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale.
Rather than have us talk about the merits of these buildings, we have decided to let those who nominated these buildings speak for themselves. The following quotes are directly from answers received from a recent Public Insight Network query.
WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT SHUSTER DESIGN ASSOCIATES
Bruce Borich of Oakland Park
“The building, by architect Dan Duckham, is an interesting Prairie-style building. This style, so strongly associated with the midwest, also works perfectly with the flat landscape of South Florida.”
Ted Galatis of Wilton Manors
“Designed by renowned architect Dan Duckham, the building was constructed in 1965 for the Robininson Beauty School. In 1992, it became the executive offices for the Boys and Girls Club and in 2007 it was purchased by Louis Shuster for Shuster Design Associates, Inc. Dan Duckham was influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright, utilizing deep, overhanging eaves, low horizontal planters, and a long protruding chimney that visually centers the pinwheel plan when viewed from the street. It most closly resembles Wright’s 1904 home design for Laura Gale of Oak Park, Illinois.”
WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT THE STRANAHAN HOUSE
April Kirk of Fort Lauderdale
“The Stranahan House is the oldest, most historic home in Broward County. Built in 1901 by Frank Stranahan, this building pre-dates the creation of the city of Fort Lauderdale. Made of Dade County pine with wide porches and a beautiful garden, this building is beautiful and timeless. It holds the story of where it all began!”
Renee Quinn of Fort Lauderdale
“This original home of Frank & Ivy Stranahan (built in 1901) reminds us of the charm of old Fort Lauderdale and life on the New River. Stranahan House & now museum has stood the test of time. They have and continue to play a significant role in the economic and social life of the community”
WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT THE BROWARD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Pablo Urquilla of Sunrise
“The Broward Center consistently ranks as one of the top 10 venues in the world, according to ticket sales. It presents quality entertainment while also being a Point of Culture for Broward residents.”
Arnold Slotkin of Hollywood
“Built to take advantage of its hilltop location and the park and river walk below it, it is the only architecturally interesting structure in the whole county that I can close my eyes and visualize.”
This project was made possible by the Public Insight Network. Click on this link if you would like to become a source for WLRN, and help inform our continuing coverage and future projects.
