Villa Zorayda

Bostonian Franklin W. Smith designed and built Villa Zorayda as his winter residence. It is important for its distinct architectural design and construction method and for its role in the early tourism industry in St. Augustine. Its novel design represents the Moorish Revival style and takes direct inspiration from the Alhambra Palace in Spain. The building is recognized as the earliest Moorish Revival designed residence in Florida. It also represents the first example of the transition from local coquina stone to another indigenous material, coquina shell reinforced concrete, which was Smith's innovation. This use of coquina stone, shell, and concrete continues to be used in St. Augustine for stucco finishes, paved sidewalks, and parking areas. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

St. Augustine, Florida · United States