Chapman House

Built in 1923, the Historic Chapman House is a significant neighborhood landmark located on the campus of Booker T. Washington Senior High School. The structure originally served as the home of Dr. William A. Chapman, one of Miami's first African American physicians and a prominent educational advocate. To preserve the structural integrity of this national historic site, the SEOPW CRA Board of Commissioners authorized an initial capital investment of $33,000 to fund critical improvements and physical repairs. The specialized renovation scope included extensive interior and exterior painting, the installation of custom protective canvas awnings, a complete upgrade of the second-floor restroom plumbing fixtures, and comprehensive technical repairs to modernize the building's security and surveillance systems.

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Community Impact

This project directly advances the agency's primary redevelopment goal of preserving historic architecture and honoring multicultural community heritage. By stabilizing and maintaining this landmark on an active high school campus, the project provides a tangible link to the pioneers who shaped Historic Overtown. The restored educational facility serves a dual role as an inspiring piece of living history for students and an adaptive public resource. The venue operates as a community asset hosting cultural events, media programs, and collaborative educational initiatives, including partnering with groups like the American Black Film Festival to establish the Miami Film Life Center, which expands media arts training and local creative opportunities.