Editors Note: The Barbara Baer Capitman archives “Historic Threads” project is partly sponsored by the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources and the State of Florida.
In 1986, the Miami Beach City Commission approved the inclusion of Collins Avenue in the Art Deco Historic District. The decision was made despite the concerns of developers who feared that the designation of the district would be an impediment to growth. In a 6-1 vote, with Commissioner Abe Resnick dissenting, Collins Avenue was added to the district along with portions of Ocean Drive and Espanola Way. The designation, which includes a zoning amendment, provided economic and aesthetic benefits by allowing property owners to receive tax incentives for preserving and renovating their properties to historic standards.
The initiative was supported by groups such as the Art Deco Society and the Dade Heritage Trust, with the goal of preserving the area’s architecture and encouraging development. The decision was the result of a long campaign by Barbara Baer Capitman who emphasized the value of preservation to both tourism and the local economy.
Excerpts and quotes from the article are highlighted below in blue.
The Beach City Commission approved last week on first reading, a historic district designation and zoning change on Ocean Drive from 5th to 15th streets, Collins Avenue from 6th to 16th streets, and Espanola Way from Collins to Jefferson Avenues.
Entrepreneurs, some of whom recently moved to the area, told of projects they have undertaken in the belief that the area will experience a resurgence. Many plan to open hotels, restaurants, cafes and nightclubs in the district. “As the Chamber of Commerce president, we originally fought Barbara Capitman’s Art Deco Movement. We Thought it would stifle development. Now, we see it’s only development going on,” said Commissioner William Shockett.
The Planning Board, in its May 27 meeting, excluded the Collins Avenue area from its recommendation for the district maintaining that the area was not economically viable and did not have the potential for development. The six month moratorium on demolition of structures designated as historic, claimed Board member Norman Frank, would hinder developers. Therefore, the commission had to decide on Ocean Drive and Espanola Way area in one vote, and a rejection of the Planning Board’s earlier exclusion of the Collins Avenue in another vote. Both issues passed 6-1, with Commissioner Abe Resnick opposing.
