::  Ward Rooming House
249-51-53-55 NW 9th Street
Year Built: 1925
Architects/Builder: Shaddrack and Victoria Ward
Date Designated: November 7, 2006

a. Built in the era of Overtown's historic heyday, when it was known as "Colored Town," the Ward Rooming House stands as a tribute to the history of the oldest historic black community in the City of Miami. Its location on NW 9th Street integrated it into the epicenter of Overtown's social life and business district. As one of the few remaining buildings of its time, a seemingly ordinary rooming house becomes significant for the larger role it serves in preserving the history and architecture of Miami's black community. The future of the Ward Rooming House looks promising because it is included in current Overtown preservation efforts for community development and rehabilitation.

b. Historic photograph of the primary (North) facade, c. 1950.