Congratulations to Green Gables for one more major milestone!
On April 11th, the City of Melbourne received a letter from the Florida Department of State – Division of Historical Resources declaring that the Florida National Register Review Board is formally nominating the Green Gables property for listing into the National Register of Historic Places. This is another significant milestone for the property that recently faced the threat of demolition before preservationists rallied to save it to preserve it’s cultural history and significance.
Click Image to View the Letter from the Florida Department of State.
Green Gables, otherwise known as the W.T. Wells House, is located at the intersection of South Harbor City Boulevard (US Route 1) and Riverview Drive. Thousands of vehicles drive by every day, but the home is only slightly visible between the trees for drivers driving slowly down Riverview Drive or from the commercial property on the north side. Built in 1896 in the Queen Ann style, this 2-story home was owned by W.T. Wells, one of the most prominent men in Melbourne during his lifetime. His generous contributions to society and the City endure today in Wells Park and numerous roadways.
AIA Space Coast chapter members, City of Melbourne Historic Preservation Board, F.I.T. students, local preservationists, and other supporters of the “Save Green Gables” movement, have avidly advocated for the saving and preservation of the Green Gables property, now finally to be officially nominated for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Once the formal nomination has been submitted by the State and received by the Keeper of the National Register, that office will have 45 days to approve or disapprove the nomination (although the review period may be extended).
