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.
The Miami Beach City Commission officially designated the Art Deco District, covering Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and Espanola Way, as a historic district with a 6-1 vote. The designation, which followed a year-long effort, included a zoning change allowing for outdoor cafes, restaurants, and retail use, while also introducing a six-month demolition delay to allow investors time to purchase properties before any demolition occurs.
Excerpts and quotes from the article are highlighted below in blue.
Preservation supporters broke into a tumultuous applause when a vote of 6- 1, with Commissioner Abe Resnick opposed, was taken. In addition to historic district designation, a zoning change was passed which will permit outdoor cafes, cabarets, restaurants, offices and retail use. Richard Hoberman, president of the Miami Design Preservation League, the spearhead organization of the decade long movement said, “The city has taken the necessary step in passing needed legislation to ensure that all building renovation will be appropriate; new construction will be compatible with the existing structures and that there will be a six month delay in demolition to allow private investors to step in.”
Commissioners heard from preservation supporters and investors who had made recent commitments to the district, the site of increasing activity by developers of hotels, nightclubs, restaurants and apartments.
In May 1979, the U.S. Department of the Interior designated the area as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places. The federal designation allows property owners to receive certain tax benefits for renovating their properties in accordance with set design standards.
