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Historic Preservation Board Meeting of April 21, 2016.
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DEFERRALS: COA (SP) 2015-021 Continued: 611 North Greenway Drive; Historical Significance Determination: 909 Sorolla Avenue.
LOCAL HISTORIC DESIGNATION: CASE FILES LHD 2016-04 AND COA (SP) 2016-003:
Consideration of the local historic designation of the property at 723 Camilo Avenue, legally described as Lot 16 and E ½ of Lot 17, Block 124, Coral Gables Country Club Section Part 6, according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 20, at Page 1 of the Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida. The applicant is also requesting the issuance of an Accelerated Special Certificate of Appropriateness and design approval for an addition and alterations to the residence and sitework.
A motion was made and seconded to approve local historic designation of the property at 723 Camilo Avenue. (Ayes: 8, Nays: 0)
A motion was made and seconded to approve the design proposal for the existing residence at 723 Camilo Avenue, incorporating concurrence with staff’s recommendations; and on architectural sheet A-3, to replicate the original window configuration on the bottom window; on sheet A-4, to either keep the cast stone vertical pieces or replicate them in stucco when two side lines are filled in; on sheet A-5, to revisit the new column capital and bases with staff; on sheet A-6, to not construct a new sill trim on the masonry openings being adjusted on the second floor; and to approve issuance of a Special Certificate of Appropriateness.
The motion was amended to have staff review the railing and entrance feature of the proposed design along with Mr. Silva’s comments as previously stated. (Ayes: 9, Nays: 0)
SPECIAL CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS:
CASE FILE COA (SP) 2016-002:
An application for the issuance of a Special Certificate of Appropriateness for the property at 1122 Sorolla Avenue, a Local Historic Landmark, legally described as Lot 7 and E 5 FT of Lot 6, Block 17, Coral Gables Section “C,” according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 8, at Page 26 of the Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida. The application requests design approval for an addition and alterations to the residence and sitework.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the design proposal for the addition and alterations to the property at 1122 Sorolla Avenue as presented, and to approve issuance of a Special Certificate of Appropriateness. (Ayes: 9, Nays: 0)
CASE FILE COA (SP) 2016-009:
An application for the issuance of a Special Certificate of Appropriateness for the property at 1401 Pizarro Street, a Local Historic Landmark, legally described as Lot 2 and N 50 FT of Lot 3, Block 7, Coral Gables Granada Section Revised, according to the Plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 8, at Page 113, of the Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida. The application requests design approval for an addition and alterations to the residence.
A motion was made and seconded to defer consideration of the application for the alterations and additions to the building at 1401 Pizarro Street to the next Board meeting. (Ayes: 9, Nays: 0)
CASE FILE COA (SP) 2016-010:
An application for the issuance of a Special Certificate of Appropriateness for the property at 1257 Obispo Avenue, a contributing resource within the “Obispo Avenue Historic District,” legally described as Lot 31, Block 2, Coral Gables Section “E,” according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 8, at Page 13 of the Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida. The application requests design approval for additions and alterations to the residence and sitework.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the design for an addition and alterations to the residence at 1401 Pizarro Street as modified by staff comments and replacement of the front door depicted on the plans with a solid wood door that is acceptable to staff.
A friendly amendment was submitted by Mr. Adams to the main motion as follows: on the east elevation, going from left to right, the first window will be in the original location, the original size and all the ornamental details will remain; the second window will be blocked in, a shadow, and all the ornamentations will remain; the third window is a bathroom window, the original size and original ornamentation and will remain; the fourth window is going to move the location, but should be the same size and shape to match the third, except it will not have ornamentation; the fifth window will have ornamentation but will be blocked in and a shadow; the sixth window will be the size of the first window but will not have ornamentation. (Ayes: 9, Nays: 0)
CASE FILE COA (SP) 2016-011:
An application for the issuance of a Special Certificate of Appropriateness for the property at 501 Alcazar Avenue, a contributing resource within the “Alcazar Avenue Historic District,” legally described as Lots 13 and 14, Block 13, Coral Gables Section “B,” according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 5, at Page 111 of the Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida. The application requests design approval for an addition and alterations to the residence and sitework.
A motion was made and seconded to approve, with staff’s conditions as above cited, the design proposal for the alterations and additions to the building at 501 Alcazar Avenue, and to approve issuance of a Special Certificate of Appropriateness.
(Ayes: 9, Nays: 0)
CASE FILE COA (SP) 2016-012:
Mr. Torre recused himself and left the room as he has been in discussions for construction services with the property owner. Mr. Silva, as Vice Chair, accepted the gavel and led proceedings.
An application for the issuance of a Special Certificate of Appropriateness for the property at 6819 Granada Boulevard, a vacant parcel of land (previously designated with 6801 Granada Boulevard) legally described as Lot 2, Block 1, Cartee Homestead II, according to the Plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 170, at Page 088, of the Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida. The application requests design approval for the construction of a new two-story residence.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the design proposal for the addition and alterations to the property at 6819 Granada Boulevard, a vacant parcel, and to approve issuance of a Special Certificate of Appropriateness; and that the plans be modified to reflect staff comments; and that the landscape plans depict the layout of the pavers, the relationship between the new home and the Alfred Browning Parker home, and be brought back for Board review. (Ayes: 8, Nays: 0)
BOARD ANNOUNCEMENT:
Mr. Adams advised that he and his wife were moving in June to New York City. He will be in attendance at the June meeting.
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
Mid-century homes survey update: Ms. Spain reported staff (Ms. Guin as key contact) is working with the University of Miami on the mid-century homes survey. The University will conduct a pilot survey of a small area. The cost of this initial phase is $11,000, which Ms. Spain said is an appropriate use of the Historic Preservation Trust Fund, the current balance of which is $35,384. She requested Board approval to withdraw $11,000 from the fund for this initial phase. Thereafter, staff will apply for grant funding for the balance of the project.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the withdrawal of approximately $11,000 from the Historic Preservation Trust Fund to fund the pilot program to be conducted by the University of Miami to survey the mid-century modern homes in Coral Gables. (Ayes: 9, Nays: 0)
Arbor Day:
Arbor Day will be observed by the City on April 29th beginning at 11 a.m. at the intersection of Alhambra Circle and Granada Boulevard with the unveiling of a plaque honoring Frank Button and the planting of a tree. Robert Parsley will be key speaker at the event. Relatives of Frank Button will attend. Board members were encouraged to attend as well.
Dade Heritage Trust Events:
A Dade Heritage Trust event will be held April 27th in Little Havana to present Preservation Awards, two of which concern the City of Coral Gables: The 641 San Lorenzo addition (Nelson De Leon, Architect; Torre Construction, Contractor); and the City’s purchase of 2506 Ponce de Leon Boulevard. Tickets are available through the Historical Resources Department or Dade Heritage Trust.
CITY PROJECTS UPDATE:
Fountains and Plazas/Merrick House Updates:
In response to Mr. Torre’s inquiry about progress with the City’s restoration of fountains/plazas and Merrick House, Ms. Spain advised that Merrick House was empty in anticipation of the restoration project, currently in the bidding process.
City Hall Project:
Ms. Spain said the City received a grant from the State of Florida, used for concrete stabilization on City Hall property.
NEW BUSINESS:
Ms. Ghia suggested a Board-sponsored event to celebrate completion of the restoration of Merrick House, such as a home tour, as a fundraiser to replenish the Historic Trust Fund. She volunteered to help launch the effort, which will be further
discussed at upcoming meetings.