Alfred Browning Parker and his Florida connection

Photo courtesy Robin Parker

There was a story in the New Times about legendary architect Alfred Browning Parker. It was saying that out of the 1000 buildings he designed in South Florida in his career, there are less than 100 left, maybe even less than 50. 

One main reason people are knocking down the iconic homes is that they want more room. The houses don't accommodate their lifestyle. But why buy an Alfred Browning Parker house if you are going to knock it down? I guess the answer is the location and the land. I guess it would have been a good thing if the houses were built in not so nice areas, so that people who appreciate the architecture and not the land.

Mr. Parker would have been 100 this year, he passed away in 2011. HistoryMiami has an exhibit with drawings, photos, plans, etc. 

The exhibt opened Saturday, September 24, with a reception and conversation with the curators. The exhibit runs through February 26, 2017.

Tickets cost $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and $5 for children; children under 6 years old get in free. Visit historymiami.org for more info.

My friend, Grovite, Robin Parker is Alfred Browning Parker's son, I asked him how he felt about the honor. 

"It was great! The speakers, Randy and Allan did a fantastic job. Dad's architecture began with the environment, site and budget to which he developed a design that accommodated the clients needs and incorporated both beauty and function. Today Miami's architects seek maximum square footage with a minimum budget and build 'Casa Lego', 'White Denture' or 'Architecture by Chiclets'." said Robin.