Miami-Dade County

Wynwood used to look like that? See early photos of what became a hip Miami hangout

In 2001, the future site of Midtown Miami, a mix of residential, stores and restaurants, looked like this. The FEC railroad property ran between Northeast Second Avenue and North Miami Avenue from 29th to 36th streets, at the northern edge of Wynwood.
In 2001, the future site of Midtown Miami, a mix of residential, stores and restaurants, looked like this. The FEC railroad property ran between Northeast Second Avenue and North Miami Avenue from 29th to 36th streets, at the northern edge of Wynwood. Chuck Fadely Miami Herald File

What was Wynwood like before the Walls? Before the art galleries and cafes? Before Midtown? Before the weekend crowds?

Wynwood was a working-class neighborhood, dotted with warehouses and other industrial businesses.

The Wynwood neighborhood is now a local arts draw and one of Miami’s hippest neighborhoods.

In the 1950s, Wynwood — originally spelled Wyndwood — was home to several factories including Coca-Cola and Garrett Construction. Jobs were plentiful. The area was also once known as the “golden gate” for Hispanic immigrants.

FLASHBACK MIAMI: More photos from Wynwood

Then in the 1960s Interstate 95 came through, an addition often associated with the slow pattern of deterioration in the community. It was followed by a middle-class exodus.

Through the 1970s, Wynwood’s garment district thrived as one of Miami’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing thousands of shoppers — many from South America. But problems with Latin economies, burgeoning crime and riots of the 1980s took a toll on business.

In the past decade, as the Design District to the north became more expensive, Wynwood’s lower rents and ample warehouses started attracting the art crowd and developers.

Through the Miami Herald archives, here is a look at Wynwood in the 1980s into the early 2000s, before much of the neighborhood changed into what you see today.

THE BUILDINGS

In 2002, the site of a Wynwood warehouse that was developed into a concrete factory.
In 2002, the site of a Wynwood warehouse that was developed into a concrete factory.
In 2002, a concrete factory that had been a Wynwood warehouse.
In 2002, a concrete factory that had been a Wynwood warehouse.
In 2007, the abandoned Wynwood Foreign Trade Zone at 2235 NW Fifth Ave.
In 2007, the abandoned Wynwood Foreign Trade Zone at 2235 NW Fifth Ave. Donna E. Natale Planas Miami Herald File
A Wynwood elder center in 1985.
A Wynwood elder center in 1985. Miami Herald File
Eugenio Maria de Hostas Community Center in Wynwood.
Eugenio Maria de Hostas Community Center in Wynwood. Fernando Yovera Miami Herald File / 2992

THE STREETS

A street scene in Wynwood.
A street scene in Wynwood. Miami Herald File / 1984
A woman surveys the street scene in Wynwood.
A woman surveys the street scene in Wynwood. Miami Herald File / 1979
Eleno Alvarez, owner of Robert Super Market on Second Avenue between 33 and 34th Streets, approaches Fred Santiago and Mrs. Elena Alvarez as they talk over the construction problems plaguing their neighborhood.
Eleno Alvarez, owner of Robert Super Market on Second Avenue between 33 and 34th Streets, approaches Fred Santiago and Mrs. Elena Alvarez as they talk over the construction problems plaguing their neighborhood. Donna E. Natale Miami Herald File/1991

COMMUNITY LIFE

A march in Wynwood.
A march in Wynwood. Miami Herald File
In 1988, residents of the Wynwood neighborhood pass the time playing dominoes at Eugenio Maria De Hostos Neighborhood Center on Northwest Second Avenue and 30th Street.
In 1988, residents of the Wynwood neighborhood pass the time playing dominoes at Eugenio Maria De Hostos Neighborhood Center on Northwest Second Avenue and 30th Street. Reggie Grant Miami Herald File
A group of neighbors in Wynwood play dominoes in a corner on Second Avenue.
A group of neighbors in Wynwood play dominoes in a corner on Second Avenue. Fernando Yoveral Miami Herald / 1992

OLD SITES

The future Midtown Miami site, at the northern edge of Wynwood, when it was home to shipping containers along a railyard in 2003.
The future Midtown Miami site, at the northern edge of Wynwood, when it was home to shipping containers along a railyard in 2003. Chuck Fadely Miami Herald File
In 2014, the future home of a new residential building in Wynwood at 250 NW 24th St.
In 2014, the future home of a new residential building in Wynwood at 250 NW 24th St. Emily Michot Miami Herald File
A playground on at 32nd Street and Second Avenue in Wynwood.
A playground on at 32nd Street and Second Avenue in Wynwood. Miami Herald File
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Jeff Kleinman
Miami Herald
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Consumer Team Editor Jeff Kleinman oversees coverage for health, shopping, real estate, tourism and recalls/scams/fraud.
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