What did Miami’s main street used to look like? It has changed through the years
Flagler Street, downtown Miami’s main drag from the city’s start, is going through another change. A $27 million makeover has started that will add concrete pavers to encourage festivals and replace utility lines and fix drainage.
Flagler has seen its ups and downs through the years. It once was Miami’s central shopping district, in the days before suburban malls and strip centers. Many of the retailers have left, including Macy’s. But a change in shopping habits hollowed out Miami main street, leaving it with discount shops and vacant storefronts.
But the heart of Flagler Street remains. And the big project puts hope in the future.
Through the years, the street also has seen its share of parades and hurricane destruction.
Let’s take a look at some old pictures from the Miami Herald archives at the earlier days of Flagler Street.
1997
From March 1997, when McCrory was going out of business.
1926
Flagler Street after the 1926 hurricane.
1984
University of Miami football coach Howard Schnellenberger celebrates during a parade after the Hurricanes wom a national championship.
1948
Lois Hathaway get a surprise as she mails a letter on East Flagler Street and Southeast Second Avenue from Charlie the Talking Mail Box.
1920s
Miami police traffic unit at Miami Avenue and Flagler Street, in the 1920s. In the background is the Bank of Bay Biscayne.
1963
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Even before Thanksgiving, Christmas decorations festoon Flagler Street.
1997
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The world champion Florida Marlins, led by pitcher Livan Hernandez, parade down Flagler in downtown Miami.
1926
West Flagler Street and Thirteenth Avenue following the hurricane of 1926, which smashed into the area with winds in excess of 130 miles per hour.
1953
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A Cuba Day parade on West Flagler Street. Magdalena Torres, Evelyn Lopez and Lillian Acosta march.
