Endorsement Letter

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Kurt S. Browning
Secretary of State
DIVISION OF HISTORICAL RESOURCES

Ms. Jane S. Day October 16, 2008
c/o Research Atlantica, Inc. for
Town of Palm Beach
728 Granada Drive
Boca Raton, Florida 33432

Dear Ms. Day:

It has come to our attention that substantial demolition of the Royal Poinciana Playhouse, leaving only the facade, is being considered. The playhouse is an important cultural and historical resource in Palm Beach, and we strongly recommend that every effort be made to preserve its historic architectural integrity throughout.

The Royal Poinciana Playhouse and its associated Plaza were designed by John L. Volk in 1957. Long recognized as one of the most important architects in the Town of Palm Beach, Volk is known for both residential design and public projects. The theater project was one of the most significant for Palm Beach during the late 1950s. It was built on the site of Henry Flagler's famed Royal Poinciana Hotel along the shoreline of Lake Worth. This place of prominence was not lost on Volk who debated whether to design the theater in a modern or traditional style. Volk opted to combine the elegance and permanence of the Regency style with an open modern site plan in order to accommodate both automobile and pedestrian traffic, as well as parking for the theater and the adjacent shopping area of the Plaza. This integration of design was extremely successful and exemplifies the balance between modern concepts of space with traditional architectural styling. The theater is a local landmark and as yet retains its architectural integrity. It is a potential candidate for nomination for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

In view of the significance of the Royal Poinciana Playhouse, we urge the Town to give every possible consideration to any action that may be taken to preserve its architectural integrity. The Division of Historical Resources has several programs, including a historic preservation grants program, that could possibly be of assistance in this effort. If we can provide you with any information regarding our programs, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,



Barbara E. Mattick, Ph.D.
Chief, Bureau of Historic Preservation
500 S. Bronough Street · Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250 · http://www.flheritage.com/
Director's Office Archaeological Research Historic Preservation
(850) 245-6300 FAX: 245-6436 (850) 245-6444 FAX: 245-6436 (850) 245-6333