Architectural Icons
Discover McKee’s Architectural Icons—the grand Hall of Giants with its legendary mahogany table, the rustic charm of the Spanish Kitchen, and the Bamboo Pavilion, the first of its kind in the United States. Each landmark reflects the Garden’s unique history, spirit of creativity, and innovation.
Hall of Giants
At the heart of McKee stands “The Board,” a 35-foot-long slab of kalantas mahogany from the Philippines. Waldo Sexton first saw it at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair and followed its path for decades—through museums, lumber yards, and furniture shops—before finally bringing it to Florida in 1940.
To honor this extraordinary piece of wood, Sexton sketched a Polynesian-inspired hall in the sand. Built in 1941, the Hall of Giants remains one of Florida’s most distinctive structures—created for one legendary, well-traveled board.
Spanish Kitchen
In 1941, Waldo Sexton designed the Spanish Kitchen as a lively companion to his Hall of Giants. Inspired by traditional Mexican fiesta kitchens, it featured rustic beams, vibrant tilework, bold patterns, and a central grill said to cook 100 steaks at once. Four massive iron kettles simmered swamp cabbage and potatoes, while light from salvaged chandeliers and wrought iron sconces danced across the open area.
The Spanish Kitchen became a hub of community life—hosting football teams, local leaders, Sunday gospel singers, and even the LA Dodgers during spring training picnics. When Waldo’s bells rang, the fiesta began, filling this unique Vero Beach landmark with food, laughter, and camaraderie.
Bamboo Pavilion
Completed in 2002, McKee’s Bamboo Pavilion was the first engineered bamboo structure in the United States to receive a building permit. Designed by Colombian architect and bamboo master Jörg Stamm, it combines traditional Andean building techniques with European joinery, creating a structure that is both innovative and timeless.
Built from nearly 350 towering stems of Guadua bamboo—each 18 to 24 feet long and harvested in the Andean highlands under strict government oversight—the 529-square-foot pavilion is a striking example of sustainable architecture. Its rich, smoky hue comes not from chemicals, but from a natural curing process that strengthens and preserves the bamboo. Today, this open-air landmark stands as one of McKee’s most recognizable icons, blending artistry, engineering, and environmental responsibility.