Coconut Grove in Miami-Dade County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

El Jardin

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, November 4, 2019

1. El Jardin Marker Side 1

Inscription. Side 1
In the early 20th century, John Bindley (1846-1921), president of the Pittsburgh Steel Company, was among a wave of wealthy northern industrialists who built winter homes along the shore of Biscayne Bay. In 1917, he purchased this property, perched on an ancient ridge of oolitic limestone, for his daughter Adelaide Marie Bindley. Completed in 1919, the nine-acre estate, El Jardin (The Garden), originally included a gatehouse, conservatory, carriage house, villa, boathouse, and numerous gardens. It was the site of many grand social and charitable functions. Following the Bindleys, real estate investor Albert J. Richey briefly owned the estate, which was later sold to Henry L. Doherty, founder of Cities Service Company (Citgo). In 1961, the Society of the Sacred Heart purchased El Jardin following two key events-an invitation from Bishop Coleman Carroll to open a school in the newly formed Diocese of Miami, and the forced closure of Sacred Heart schools in Cuba in the aftermath of the Cuban Revolution. Originally housed in the villa and carriage house, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, and all-girls, Catholic,

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independent school, expanded over the years and added new structures to the historic property. (Continued on other side) Side 2 (Continued from other side) El Jardin is one of the earliest and best-preserved examples of Mediterranean Revival architecture in South Florida. Richard Kiehnel (1870-1944) of the prominent Pittsburgh firm of Kiehnel and Elliot designed El Jardin. He combined Spanish, Italian, and Moorish influences to help established the Mediterranean Revival style, which would greatly influence the area's architecture. Together with the fine craftsmanship of contractor John B. Orr (builder of James Deering's Villa Vizcaya). Kiehnel conceived a home rich in ornamental detail and harmonious with the area's tropical environment. The firm became a leading practitioner of the Mediterranean Revival style across South Florida. Kiehnel and Elliot's local landmarks include renowned structures along Main Highway-the Coconut Grove Playhouse; Chabab of the Grove; and Second Church of Christ, Scientist-as well as many legacy buildings in Coral Gables and Miami. Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart is committed to the preservation

El Jardin Marker Side 2 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, November 4, 2019

2. El Jardin Marker Side 2

of El Jardin. Through the adaptive use of its rooms, outbuildings, and grounds, the school has maintained the estate's architectural beauty. El Jardin was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

Erected 2018 by Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, and the Florida Department of State. (Marker Number F-1017.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1919.

Location. 25° 43.271′ N, 80° 14.9′ W. Marker is in Coconut Grove, Florida, in Miami-Dade County. It is on Main Highway north of Hibiscuss Street, on the right when traveling north. The estate is now part of the Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3747 Main Highway, Miami FL 33133, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Florida,

on the Gold Coast,

and in Greater Miami.

It is also in the American South

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

El Jardin Marker looking northeast image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, November 4, 2019

3. El Jardin Marker looking northeast

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cocoanut Grove Public Utilities Company (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cocoanut Grove Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ransom School (approx. ¼ mile away); Mariah Brown House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Architecture (approx. 0.3 miles away); Tea Chest / Ralph Munroe (approx. 0.4 miles away); E.W.F. Stirrup House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Charles Avenue (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Coconut Grove.

Additional commentary.
1. Alfred J. Richey Was One of the Owners
Alfred J. Richey is the correct name of one of the owners of El Jardin. He is incorrectly named as Albert J. Richey on the sign. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor

— Submitted February 4, 2023, by Laura Hood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

El Jardin Marker and entryway image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, November 4, 2019

4. El Jardin Marker and entryway

El Jardin Postcard image. Click for full size.

Florida Archives, circa 1936

5. El Jardin Postcard

Credits. This page was last revised on March 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 2, 2020, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,931 times since then and 119 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 2, 2020, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.