MDPL’s Advocacy Committee will review the following applications on the upcoming Historic Preservation Board agenda. Here is a sneak peek of the projects to be heard and links to learn more. Have a comment about a project you would like to share with our committee? Contact us.
To review the Historic Preservation Board Agenda, including public participation information: Click Here
- 1800 Michigan Avenue
- 1730 Jefferson Avenue.
- 1020 Pennsylvania Avenue.
- 1020 Pennsylvania Avenue.
- 7305 Collins Avenue.
OPEN AND CONTINUED ITEMS AND PREVIOUSLY CONTINUED ITEMS
HPB24-0641, 1800 Michigan Avenue.
Current Site
Proposed Structure
Click to view the full City of Miami Beach Staff Report
An application has been filed requesting a Certificate of Appropriateness for the total demolition of the existing single-family home and the construction of a new single-family home.
MDPL Position: We stongly oppose the proposed demolition. This appears to be a case of demolition by neglect, where the owners are intentionally allowing the property to deteriorate to justify demolition. Despite an engineer identifying holes in the roof months ago, the owners have failed to file permits or even place a tarp to prevent further damage. The owners refuse to sell individual lots and will only sell them together as a development opportunity, revealing their true intentions. If aging concrete and standard maintenance issues such as moisture intrusion justify demolition, then virtually every historic property in the city becomes vulnerable. This would set an extremely dangerous precedent.
We support the staff recommendation to defer to July, but only if the owners are required to immediately secure the structure and make it watertight.
HPB24-0632, 1730 Jefferson Avenue.
Current Site
Proposed Structure
Click to view the full City of Miami Beach Staff Report
An application has been filed requesting a Certificate of Appropriateness for the partial demolition and renovation of the existing home and accessory buildings including the construction of attached additions and variances from the required setbacks, lot coverage, unit size and open space requirements.
MDPL Position: We continue to have serious concerns about the destruction of original architectural features, particularly the concrete eyebrows. Despite clear direction from the HPB at its April meeting to preserve the historic facade, the applicant has again proposed demolition and alteration of the defining elements of this protected Art Deco structure. We oppose elevating the eyebrows above their original location, squaring off the rounded Art Deco styling, and replacing concrete elements with aluminum or metal materials. The proposed lighting changes are incompatible with the style of the neighborhood. This is one of only a few remaining significant Art Deco homes in South Beach, and these alterations fundamentally compromise its historic integrity. We believe these design changes should be denied and the Art Deco facade must be preserved in its original form.
MDPL Position [from April 22, 2025]: We appreciate the investment in this contributing single family home in the historic Palm View neighborhood. However, we have concerns about modifications to the original architectural features, particularly the removal of the distinctive “racing stripes” on the façade and changes to the original eyebrows. We support staff recommendations to preserve these character-defining elements. We also have concerns about the proposed lighting fixtures and front gate styling, which should be more compatible with the historic character of the home.
We encourage the applicant to work with staff to ensure that any modifications respect the architectural integrity of the original structure.
HPB25-0647 a.k.a. HPB 7431, 1020 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Current Site
Click to view the full City of Miami Beach Staff Report
An application has been filed requesting a modification to a previously issued Certificate of Appropriateness for the after-the-fact demolition of the previously existing buildings on the site. Specifically, the applicant is requesting the deletion of Condition C.1. of the final order.
MDPL Position [from April 22, 2025]: We oppose the request to delete the condition limiting the square footage of any new development on this site. This condition was put in place after the original structure was demolished by emergency order. The property was purchased with this restriction in place, and removing it now would set a dangerous precedent for other properties in historic districts where demolition by neglect has occurred. We must maintain consequences for demolition by neglect to preserve the integrity of our historic districts.
HPB24-0618, 1020 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Current Site
Proposed Structure
Click to view the full City of Miami Beach Staff Report
An application has been filed requesting a Certificate of Appropriateness for the construction of a multi-family residential building on a vacant lot including one or more waivers.
MDPL Position: We have concerns about the proposed design for the new building. The boxed-out windows and roof design are not compatible with the neighborhood character. The overall design should better reflect the architectural context of the surrounding area.
MDPL Position [from April 22, 2025]: Considering our stance on the previous application, we are neutral on the project, but support staff recommendations. We are particularly concerned about the railings. We encourage more contextual railing designs that better reflect the historic character of the district.
NEW APPLICATIONS
HPB25-0651, 7305 Collins Avenue
Current Site
Proposed Structure
Click to view the full City of Miami Beach Staff Report
An application has been filed requesting a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior modifications including but limited to the introduction of a new shade structure, an outdoor bar counter and a mural, and a variance to exceed the hours of operation for an outdoor bar counter.
MDPL Position: While the tiki-style structure doesn’t quite fit the character of North Beach or the existing building, we support this proposal as it will bring business to the area and does not involve demolishing any structures. The temporary nature of the addition, which can be removed in the future, addresses our concerns about compatibility.
