Professional Architectural Services for the Historic M.C. Frost House

The requested architectural services encompass a comprehensive historic restoration of the Frost House, a distinguished example of the Mediterranean Revival style and a significant architectural landmark from the city’s 1920s development era. Our goal is rooted in respect for the building’s original character, craftsmanship, and materials, ensuring that all restoration and rehabilitation efforts align with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

As part of this scope, the selected consultant must provide all necessary services to prepare a complete Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) Application for submission to the Broward County Historic Preservation Board and support the City throughout the approval process. Prior to the completion of any drawings, the consultant must perform a thorough on-site field condition assessment to document existing conditions, verify dimensions, and identify any deterioration or issues that may affect the restoration approach. This includes compiling required documentation, drawings, narratives, and any ancillary materials needed to secure the Board’s authorization for the proposed restoration work.

Additionally, the consultant must identify, research, and assist the City in pursuing available grant opportunities related to historic preservation and restoration. This includes providing guidance on eligibility, preparing application materials, and supporting the full process of submitting and obtaining grant funding for the project.

The Frost House is notable for its textured stucco walls, red clay tile roofs, arched openings, wrought-iron balconies, and finely detailed wood and masonry craftsmanship. The two-story residence—with its complex roofline, sweeping L-shaped veranda, and harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor spaces—exemplifies the period’s architectural refinement. Accompanied by a masonry privacy wall and a two-story garage apartment, the property retains exceptional integrity in both form and materials.

Constructed in 1924, Martin C. Frost house at 400 South Federal Highway stands as one of Dania Beach’s most distinguished examples of mediterranean Revival architecture. Built by local contractor Edgar S. Tubbs, the residence was developed within the Dania Heights subdivision-an initiative of Martin C. Frost, one of Florida’s most influential tomato growers and civic leaders of the early twentieth century. The property reflects the optimism and architectural exuberance of South Florida’s 1920s land boom and remains among the city’s best-preserved historic buildings along Federal Highway. Its scale, craftsmanship, and stylistic character exemplify the region’s early vision of progress and prestige.

Martin C. Frost (1886–1965) played a pivotal role in shaping the agricultural and civic landscape of early Dania Beach. After establishing the state’s largest tomato-growing enterprise through his partnership with M.C. Hardee, Frost’s innovations in irrigation and crop management set new standards for South Florida farming. His leadership extended beyond agriculture—he served multiple terms as mayor, county commissioner, and local businessman, helping to guide Dania Beach’s transformation from a rural settlement to a thriving municipality. The construction of his residence coincided with the height of his professional and political prominence, symbolizing both personal achievement and the broader prosperity of the community.

Architecturally, the Frost House is an exceptional expression of the Mediterranean Revival style, characterized by textured stucco walls, red clay tile roofs, arched openings, wrought-iron balconies, and finely crafted wood and masonry detailing. The two-story structure features a complex roofline, a sweeping L-shaped veranda, and an arrangement of casement windows and French doors that merge indoor and outdoor living spaces. Complemented by a masonry privacy wall and a two-story garage apartment, the residence maintains a high degree of integrity in both form and materials. As such, it stands not only as a monument to the city’s 1920s development era but also as a vital architectural landmark worthy of preservation and continued stewardship.