Visitors to the Delray Beach CRA offices at 22 N. Swinton Avenue may have noticed a new sign outside. The Wellbrock House has been recognized with a Historic Merit Award from Delray Beach Preservation and is now listed on the Local Historic Register, marking a significant milestone in a years-long preservation effort.
Originally located at 215 NW 7th Avenue, the Wellbrock House was designed in the late 1920s by Samuel Ogren, Jr., the first registered architect in Delray Beach, for J.C. Wellbrock, a prominent produce broker. The Colonial Revival style home is nearly a century old and stands as a tangible example of the city’s early architectural and economic history.
When the original site was slated for redevelopment, the developer and other community members reached out to the Delray Beach CRA to help preserve the home. The CRA relocated the structure to 22 N. Swinton Avenue in November 2019 and completed the full renovation in the summer of 2022, working to bring the house back as close as possible to its original appearance.
The Historic Merit Award and Local Historic Register listing recognize both the building’s place in Delray Beach history and the broader effort that made the preservation possible. “The award definitely recognizes the importance of the building and its history, but also the collaborative effort between private parties, non-profit organizations, the City, and the CRA in preserving this piece of Delray Beach’s history,” said Christine Tibbs, Assistant Director at the Delray Beach CRA.
Achieving the designation required CRA staff, with the support of community members and local organizations, to research the structure’s history and submit a thorough application to the City. The result, according to Tibbs, ensures the property’s lasting place in the community: “Being on the Local Historic Register means that this piece of Delray Beach history is tangibly preserved for generations to come.”
The project reflects a broader CRA commitment to historic preservation as part of its mission to revitalize the district and improve the quality of life for residents and businesses. Renovating and repurposing older buildings, Tibbs noted, revitalizes the built environment, supports surrounding community improvements, can spur further private development, and provides a tangible, visible connection to the past.
The Wellbrock House is not the only example of that work along North Swinton Avenue. The neighboring Historic Monterey House, relocated to the corridor in 1993 and renovated by the CRA, also now serves as a CRA office building. After being sold to the City of Delray Beach and leased to tenants, the property was purchased back by the CRA in 2003.
Together, these projects reflect the CRA’s continued investment in protecting and celebrating the historic character of Delray Beach, ensuring the city’s story remains visible to residents, visitors, and future generations.
