2010-27432 Reso2010-27432
RESOLUTION NO..
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING A PRECONSTRUCTION
_APPLICATION FOR HISTORIC AD VALOREM TAX EXEMPTION FOR A
SINGLE-FAMILY PROPERTY AT 230 EAST RIVO ALTO DRIVE, AND
AUTHORIZING THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER'S
OFFICE TO GRANT THIS TAX EXEMPTION FOR THE CITY'S PORTION OF
AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAXES FOR QUALIFYING IMPROVEMENTS TO
THE SUBJECT PROPERTY FOLLOWING SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION OF
THE PROJECT AND COMPLIANCE WITH CERTAIN CONDITIONS.
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Commission have deemed it in the best interest and
welfare of the City of Miami Beach ("City") to provide financial incentives for the retention and
rehabilitation of architecturally and historically significant single-family homes in Miami Beach;
and
WHEREAS, on December 8, 2004, the Miami Beach City Commission adopted
Ordinance No. 2004-3469 that authorizes an exemption -for the City's portion of ad valorem
taxes if qualifying improvements are made to historically designated single-family homes; and
WHEREAS, E. Scott Beattie, the owner of real property located at 230 East Rivo Alto
Drive (Lots 5, 6 and 7 in Block 8, of "PLAT OF RIVO ALTO," according to the Plat thereof, as
recorded in Plat Book 7, at Page 74, of the Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida),
submitted requests to the City's Planning Department for the following: a) designation of the
property as an historic structure, b) a Certificate of Appropriateness, and c) an Historic Ad
Valorem Tax Exemption for the subject property; and
WHEREAS, on June 8, 2010, the City's Historic Preservation Board held a public
hearing and voted unanimously (7 to 0) to approve the individual designation of the single-family
residence at 230 East Rivo Alto Drive as an historic structure [Exhibit "A"]; and
WHEREAS, at the same public hearing, the Historic Preservation Board reviewed and
unanimously approved (7 to 0) the proposed improvements to the subject single-family property
and granted a Certificate of Appropriateness, subject to certain conditions indicated in the Final
Order of the Board [Exhibit "B"]; and
WHEREAS, at the same public hearing, the Historic Preservation Board held a public
hearing and voted unanimously (7 to 0) in favor of recommending that the Mayor and City
Commission approve a Preconstruction Application for Historic Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for
qualifying improvements to the historically designated single-family property at 230 East Rivo
Alto Drive; and
WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Board has certified that the subject single-family
property for which an exemption is requested is eligible and satisfies Section 118-602(a) of the
Miami Beach City Code; and
WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Board has determined that the proposed
improvements to the subject single-family property are consistent with the Secretary of the
Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and the Certificate of Appropriateness criteria in Section
118-564 of the Miami Beach City Code, in accordance with Section 118-602(b); and
WHEREAS, the City's Planning Department has recommended that this request for a
tax exemption for the subject single-family property be granted, subject to all of the conditions
set forth herein and the Historic Preservation Board Order (Exhibit "B").
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that a Preconstruction Application
for Historic Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for the subject single-family property at 230 East Rivo
Alto Drive be approved, subject to the conditions of the Historic Preservation Board Order
(Exhibit "B")and the following conditions:
Scope of Tax Exemption. The exemption shall apply to one hundred (100) percent of
the assessed value of all qualifying improvements to the single-family property that result
from restoration, renovation, rehabilitation, and/or compatible additions. The exemption
applies only to taxes levied by the City. The exemption does not apply to taxes levied
for the payment of bonds or to taxes authorized by a vote of the electors pursuant to the
Miami Beach City Code or the Florida Constitution. The exemption does not apply to
personal property or to properties located within a community redevelopment area. The
Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser's Office will make the final determination of
whether an improvement qualifies for an exemption.
2. Approved Qualifvinq Improvements. The qualifying improvements to the subject single-
, family property delineated below are considered to be eligible for the tax exemption, as
submitted to and approved by the City's Historic Preservation Board.
a. All non-original windows and hurricane shutter tracks will be removed and replaced
with Aluminum Impact Resistant Casement windows to match the historic window
type and configuration.
b. A two-story, 448 square foot addition will be constructed at the south end of the
home. The new addition will contain an office on the ground floor and a master
bedroom expansion on the second floor.
c. The porte -cochere located at the southeastern portion of the home will be enclosed
with impact glass, consistent with the historic window configuration, on the ground
level. The roof terrace above will be waterproofed and re-tiled in a manner
consistent with available historical documentation.
d. The chimney located at the west elevation will be restored and fireplace will be
repaired to working condition.
e. The wrought iron railings located at the second floor will be restored.
f. The non-original, existing garage door will be removed and replaced with a French
door enclosure.
3. Duration of Tax Exemption The exemption shall take effect on the January 1St following
substantial completion of the improvements. The exemption shall remain in effect for ten
(10) years. The duration of ten (10) years shall continue regardless of any change in the
2
authority of the City to grant such exemptions or any changes in ownership of the
property.
4. Required Covenant. The property owner shall enter into a covenant with the City for the
term for which the exemption is granted. The covenant shall be form approved by the
City Attorney and shall require that the character of the property, and the qualifying
improvements to the property, be maintained during the period that the exemption is
granted. Before the effective date of the exemption, the owner of the property shall have
the covenant recorded in the official records of Miami-Dade County, Florida. The
covenant shall be binding on the current property owner, transferees, and their heirs,
successors, and assigns. Violation of the covenant shall result in the property owner
being required to pay the differences between the total amount of taxes which would
have been due in March in each of the previous years in which the covenant was in
effect had the property not received the exemption and the total amount of taxes actually
paid in those years, plus interest on the difference calculated as provided in F.S. §
212.12(3).
5. Building Permit Plans and Construction. Building permit plans must accurately reflect all
improvements approved by the Historic Preservation Board and City Commission in the
Preconstruction Application and architectural drawings for the single-family property. All
work on site must be in accordance with the building permit plans.
6. Amendments. All proposed amendments to the approved application and permit plans
must be reviewed and approved prior to the completion of the improvements. Minor
amendments to permit plans may be approved by the Planning Department provided
such amendments are consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for
Rehabilitation and the Certificate of Appropriateness criteria in Section 118-564 of the
Miami Beach City Code. Major amendments to the approved plans must be reviewed
and approved by the Historic Preservation Board.
7. Completion of Work. An application must complete all work within 30 months following
the date of approval by the city commission. An approval for ad valorem tax exemption
shall expire if the building permit for the approved work is not issued within the
timeframes specified under the corresponding certificate of appropriateness, or if a full
building permit issued for the approved work should expire or become null and void, for
any reason. The approval for ad valorem tax exemption shall be suspended if such
permit is issued but the property owner has not submitted a final request for review of
completed work within 30 months following the date of approval by the city commission.
The Historic Preservation Board, for good cause shown, may extend the time for
completion of a substantial improvement for a period not to exceed two years from the
completion date in the original approval by the city commission, or such lesser time as
may be prescribed by the board.
8. Review of Comoleted Work The applicant shall submit a request for Review of
Completed Work to the Planning Department no less than 30 calendar days prior to the
. effective date of expiration of approval by the City Commission, as may be extended by
the Historic Preservation Board. The Planning Department shall conduct a review to
determine whether or not the completed improvements are in compliance with the work
approved by the City Commission, including any approved amendments. If the Planning
Department determines that the work is in compliance, the final request for Review of
Completed Work shall be approved and issued in writing to the applicant. If the Planning
3
Department determines that the work as completed is not in compliance, the applicant
will be advised in writing that the final request for Review of Completed Work has been
denied. A written summary of the reasons for the determination will be provided,
including recommendations concerning the changes to the proposed work necessary to
bring it into compliance. The applicant may file an appeal of the decision of the Planning
Department within 15 days of such decision. The appeal shall be in writing and shall be
to the Historic Preservation Board and shall set forth the factual and legal bases for the
appeal.
9. Notice of Approval to the Property Appraiser. Upon the receipt of a certified copy of the
recorded restrictive covenant, the Planning Department shall transmit a copy of the
approved request for Review of Completed Work, the exemption covenant, and the
resolution of the City Commission approving the final application and authorizing the tax
exemption to the Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser's Office. Final verification of
substantial completion of the improvements shall be determined by the Miami-Dade
County Property Appraiser's Office. If final verification of substantial completion and
approval are given by the Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser's Office, the
exemption shall take effect on the January 1St following substantial completion of the,
improvements.
/y~h '~
PASSED and ADOPTED this day of Ju/ 2010.
-~
AYOR
ATTEST:
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. ~'l~'~
CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO FORM & LANGUAGE
& FOR EXECUTION:
~ ~S
A RNEY j~ TE
T:WGENDA\2010Wu1y 14\Consent\230 E Rivo Alto_SF Ad Valorem Reso.doc
4
COMMISSION ITEM SUMMARY
Condensed Title:
Resolution: Approval of a Preconstruction Application for Historic Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for the
Single-Family Property at 230-East Rivo Alto Drive.
Ke Intended Outcome Su orted:
Designation and retention of historically significant properties.
Supporting Data (Surveys, Environmental Scan, etc.): In the 2009 Survey, all respondents were
sked to indicate if they felt the effort put forth by the City of Miami Beach on historic preservation was
00 little, too much or about the right amount. 77.1 % of respondents reported that the effort put forth
y the City of Miami Beach on historic preservation is "about the right amount."
Issue:
The Administration is requesting that the Mayor and City Commission consider the proposed resolution,
which would approve a Preconstruction Application for Historic Ad Valorem Tax Exemption fora single-
family property located at 230 East Rivo Alto Drive.
Item Summa /Recommendation:
The Administration recommends approval of the resolution.
rlav~wry avara r~ecvrnrnenaaiivn:
On June 8, 2010, the City's Historic Preservation Board held a public hearing and voted unanimously (7 to
0) to approve the individual designation of the single-family residence at 230 East Rivo Alto Drive as an
historic structure; and
At the same public hearing, the Historic Preservation Board reviewed and unanimously approved (7 to 0)
the proposed improvements to the subject single-family property and granted a Certificate of
Appropriateness, subject to certain conditions indicated in the Final Order of the Board
At the same public hearing, the Historic Preservation Board held a public hearing and voted unanimously
(7 to 0) in favor of recommending that the Mayor and City Commission approve a Preconstruction
Application for Historic Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for qualifying improvements to the historically
designated single-family property at 230 East Rivo Alto Drive.
Financial Information:
Source of Amount Account
Funds: ~
2
3
OBPI Total
Financial Impact Summary: '
Cit Clerk's Office Le islative Trackin
William H. Cary, Assistant Planning Director; Debbie Tackett, Senior Planner.
Sign-Offs:
LDepartment Director I Assistant City~Manager City Manager
h /~ ~ ~ ~ /~ ~ ~ ~~~ ~ AGENQA ITEM G 71
~ r y - l ~/ ~ DATE 7--~~f-~(7
m MIAMIBEACH
City of Miami Beath, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
To: Mayor Matti Herrera Bower and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager
DATE: July 14, 2010
SUB.IECT: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING A
PRECONSTRUCTION APPLICATION FOR HISTORIC AD
VALOREM TAX EXEMPTION FOR A SINGLE-FAMILY
PROPERTY AT 230 EAST RIVO ALTO DRIVE, AND
AUTHORIZING THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PROPERTY
APPRAISER'S OFFICE TO GRANT THIS TAX EXEMPTION
FOR THE CITY'S PORTION OF AD VALOREM PROPERTY
TAXES FOR QUALIFYING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SUBJECT
PROPERTY FOLLOWING SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION OF
THE PROJECT AND COMPLIANCE WITH CERTAIN
CONDITIONS.
ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDATION
The Administration is requesting that the Mayor and City Commission adopt the
proposed resolution, thereby approving a Preconstruction Application for Historic Ad
Valorem Tax Exemption for asingle-family property located at 230 East Rivo Alto Drive.
HISTORIC SINGLE-FAMILY AD VALOREM TAX EXEMPTION
On December 8, 2004, the City of Miami Beach enacted legislation that authorizes an
exemption for its portion of ad valorem taxes for improvements to historically designated
single-family homes (Sections 118-600 to 118-612 of the Miami Beach City Code). This
legislation allows for the City's portion of property taxes to be "frozen" at the rate they
were assessed before qualifying improvements are made to an historic single-family
home for a period of ten (10) years. The "freezing" is accomplished by removing from
the assessment the incremental value added by the qualifying improvements. Only the
incremental value of the qualifying improvements shall be "frozen" for the ten year
period.
Qualifying improvements are the result of restoration, renovation, rehabilitation and/or
compatible additions to an historic single-family property. In order for an improvement to
qualify for an exemption, the improvement must be determined by the Historic
Preservation Board and City Commission to be consistent with the Secretary of the
Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and the Certificate of Appropriateness Criteria in
Section 118-564 of the. Miami Beach City Code. However, the Miami-Dade County
Commission Memorandum of July 14, 2010
Historic Single-Family Ad Valorem Tax Exemption
230 East Rivo Alto Drive
Page 2 of 5
Property Appraiser's Oft'ice will make the final determination of whether an improvement
qualifies for an exemption.
The application for Historic Ad Valorem Tax Exemption is a two step process. The "Part
1 -Preconstruction Application" is normally submitted to the Planning Department rior
to any construction or demolition for an eligible single-family property. The "Part 2 -
Review of Completed Work" is submitted to the Planning Department upon substantial
completion of the project.
Upon submittal of a completed Part 1 -Preconstruction Application, the Planning
Department will schedule the request for approval of Historic Ad Valorem Tax Exemption
from the Historic Preservation Board at their next regularly scheduled meeting. The
Board will review and make a recommendation to the City Commission to grant or deny
an application for tax exemption.
The Planning Department will transmit the request for approval of Historic Ad Valorem
Tax Exemption, together with the Part 1 -Preconstruction Application and the
recommendations of the Historic Preservation Board and staff, for final consideration by
the City Commission at a regularly scheduled meeting. A majority vote of the City
Commission is required to approve an application for tax exemption.
For final approval of an Historic Ad Valorem Tax Exemption, the applicant must submit
to the Planning Department the Part 2 -Review of Completed Work upon substantial
completion of the project. A review will be conducted by Planning Department staff to
determine whether or not the completed improvements are in compliance with the work
approved by the City Commission in the Part 1 -Preconstruction Application. To qualify
for a tax exemption, the property owner is required to enter into a covenant or
agreement with the City guaranteeing that the character of the property and its qualifying
improvements will be maintained during the period that the exemption is granted.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
The subject property is located at 230 East Rivo Alto Drive on Lots 5, 6 and 7 in Block 8,
of "PLAT OF RIVO ALTO," according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 7, at
Page 74, of the Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida.
EXISTING STRUCTURE
Built in 1924 and built by The Watson Corporation, the subject residence is a good
example of the Mediterranean Revival style of architecture. The distinctive two-story
residence is characterized by an asymmetric street facade, complex massing, multiple
barrel the gable and hip roofs, textured stucco, curved parapet walls, rounded-arched
windows and doorways, balconies and decorative metalwork. Many well defined original
architectural features of the house add artistic value and character to the structure and
the neighborhood. The carefully executed design was clearly done with the highest
regard to the character of the house and the neighborhood in which it rests, as
evidenced by the careful attention to detail expressed throughout the design, both on the
exterior and interior.
Commission Memorandum of July 14, 2010
Historic Single-Family Ad Valorem Tax Exemption
230 East Rivo Alto Drive
Page 3 of 5
BACKGROUND
On June 8, 2010, the City's Historic Preservation Board held a public hearing and voted
unanimously (7 to 0) to approve the individual designation of the single-family residence
at 230 East Rivo Alto Drive as an historic structure; and
At the same public hearing, the Historic Preservation Board reviewed and unanimously
approved (7 to 0) the proposed improvements to the subject single-family property and
granted 'a Certificate of Appropriateness, subject to certain conditions indicated in the
Final Order. of the Board.
At the same public hearing, the Historic Preservation Board held a public hearing and
voted unanimously (7 to 0) in favor of recommending that the Mayor and City
Commission approve a Preconstruction Application for Historic Ad Valorem Tax
Exemption for qualifying improvements to the historically designated single-family
property at 230 East Rivo Alto Drive.
SCOPE OF PROJECT
The applicant is requesting that the Historic Preservation Board recommend approval of
an application for Historic Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for the single-family property at
3193 Royal Palm Avenue. In brief, the project includes the improvements to the historic
residence and site indicated below.
A. Exterior Architectural Features
All non-original windows and hurricane shutter tracks will be removed and
replaced with Aluminum Impact Resistant Casement windows to match the
historic window type and configuration.
2. A two-story, 448 square foot addition will be constructed at the south end of
the home. The new addition will contain an office on the ground floor and a
master bedroom expansion on the second floor.
3. The porte -cochere located at the southeastern portion of the home will be
enclosed with impact glass, consistent with the historic window configuration,
on the ground level. The roof terrace above will be waterproofed and re-tiled
in a manner consistent with available historical documentation.
4. The chimney located at the west elevation will be restored and fireplace will
be repaired to working condition.
5. The wrought iron railings located at the second floor will be restored.
6. The non-original, existing garage door will be removed and replaced with a
French door enclosure.
B. Interior Architectural Features
(The interior features indicated below may not be considered to be qualifying for
the tax exemption.)
1. All floors will either be restored or replaced, consistent with the historic
Commission Memorandum of July 14, 2010
Historic Single-Family Ad Valorem Tax Exemption
230 East Rivo Alto Drive
Page 4 of 5
character of the home.
C. Landscape Features
(The landscape and site improvements indicated below are not considered to be
qualifying for the tax exemption.)
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT
According to the applicant, the estimated cost of the entire project and the value of the
proposed qualifying improvements for the subject single-family property is $300,000.
The project commencement date is scheduled for June 2010 and the estimated project
completion date is November 2010.
Please note that the revenue implication calculation provided below is a rough
approximation. It assumes that the Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser's Office will
not reduce the actual square footage of the additions to adjusted square footage. It
assumes that the City's millage rate, the building market value, as well as the building
class and grade :value will remain the same. It is also based solely on the estimated
value of the new additions and not to any repairs to the historic residence.
The Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser's Office determined in 2009 that the subject
property has an adjusted square footage of 4,919 and a building value of $585,717. The
lot size is approximately 22,500 square feet with a land value of $1,796,400.
The Property Appraiser's Office advised that the subject property has an effective
building value per adjusted square foot of $120 which is based upon its building class
and grade. According to the applicant, the proposed actual square footage of the
qualifying building additions for the site is approximately 448 square feet. Then the
estimated value of the proposed increase in square footage would be $53,344. In FY
2009/10, the adopted millage rate for the City of Miami Beach is 5.91.
For the sole purpose of providing an estimated savings to the tax payer, we will assume
there will be no change in millage rate over the ten year period in which the exemption is
granted. When using the estimated 5.91 millage rate for FY 2009/10, the applicant will
save annually approximately $315 from Miami Beach's portion of property taxes. Again,
this calculation is a rough estimate of the revenue implication to the City due to many
variables.
ANALYISIS
The applicant is to be greatly commended for the retention and sensitive restoration of
the subject home. The proposed additions are in keeping with the architectural period of
the original structure. It is very important that the current owner has chosen to preserve
and expand this historic home, rather than to demolish and replace it. The historically
significant home is an asset to the neighborhood, and as such staff recommends
approval of the tax exemption application.
RECOMMENDATION
In view of the foregoing analysis, and consistency with the Secretary of the Interior's
Standards for Rehabilitation and the Certificate of Appropriateness Criteria in Section
Commission Memorandum of July 14, 2010
Historic Single-Family Ad Valorem Tax Exemption
230 East Rivo Alto Drive
Page 5 of 5
118-564 of the Miami Beach City Code, staff recommends in favor of the application for
Miami Beach Historic Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for the single-family residence at 230
East Rivo Alto Drive.
JMG:JGG:RGL:W C:DJT
T:WGENDA12010Uu1y 14\Consent\230 E Rivo Alto_SF Ad Valorem Memo.doc
EXHIBIT "A"
SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE
230 East Rivo Alto Drive
HISTORIC STRUCTURE
DESIGNATION REPORT
r
PREPARED BY
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH PLANNING DEPARTMENT
DESIGN, PRESERVATION & NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING DIVISION
Richard G. Lorber, AICP, LEED AP, Acting Director, Planning Department
William H. Cary, Assistant Planning Director
Thomas R. Mooney, AICP, Design and Preservation Manager
Debbie Tackett, Senior Planner
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD
Jeff Donnelly, Chair
Erika Brigham
Henry Lares
Jo Manning
Simon Nemni
Norberto Rosenstein
David Wieder
June 8, 2010
Adopted on June 8, 2010
(HPB File No. 7158)
EXHIBIT "A"
1. REQUEST
The applicant, E. Scott Beattie, is requesting that the Historic Preservation Board approve a request
for the designation of an existing single-family home as an historic structure.
11. DESIGNATION PROCESS
The process of designation for historic structures is delineated in Section 118-591(f) in the Land
Development Regulations of the City Code. An outline of this process is provided below:
Step One: An application for the individual designation of asingle-family home as an historic
structure is submitted by the property owner to the Planning Department for
recommendation to the Historic Preservation Board. The Board will make a
determination as to whether the single-family home may be designated as an historic
structure based upon the requirements and criteria of Section 118-592 in the Land
Development Regulations of the City Code.
Step Two: Upon receipt of a completed application package, the Planning Department prepares
a Designation Report that will be presented to the Historic Preservation Board at a
regularly scheduled meeting. The Designation Report is an historical and
architectural analysis of the proposed historic structure.
Step Three: The Designation Report is presented to the Historic Preservation Board at a public
hearing. If the Board finds that the proposed single-family designation application
meets the criteria set forth in Section 118-592 of the Land Development Regulations
in the City Code, it may formally adopt the single-family home as a local historic
structure. No public hearing is required before the Planning Board or City
Commission. Upon the designation of asingle-family home as an historic structure,
the structure is subject to the Certificate of Appropriateness requirements of Article X
of the Land Development Regulations in the City Code, with the exception of the
interior areas of the structure (which are not be subject to such regulations).
RELATION TO ORDINANCE CR{TERIA
1. In accordance with Section 118-592 in the Land Development Regulations of the City Code,
eligibility for designation is determined on the basis of compliance with the listed criteria set
forth below.
(a) The Historic Preservation Board shall have the authority to recommend that
properties be designated as historic buildings, historic structures, historic
improvements, historic landscape features, historic interiors (architecturally
significant public portions only), historic sites or historic districts if theyare significant
in the historical, architectural, cultural, aesthetic or archeological heritage of the city,
the county, state or nation. Such properties shall possess an integrity of location,
design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling or association and meet at least one
(1) of the following criteria:
(1) Association with events that have made a significant contribution to the
history of the city, the county, state or nation;
(2) Association with the lives of persons significant in the city's past history;
2
EXHIBIT "A"
(3) Embody the distinctive characteristics of an historical period, architectural or
design style or method of construction;
(4) Possesses high artistic values;
(5) Represent the work of a master, serve as an outstanding or representative
work of a master designer, architect or builder who contributed to our
historical, aesthetic or architectural heritage;
(6) Have yielded, or are likely to yield information important in pre-history or
history;
(7) Be listed in the National Register of Historic Places;
(8) Consist of a geographically definable area that possesses a significant
concentration of sites, buildings or structures united by historically significant
past events or aesthetically by plan or physical development, whose
components may lack individual distinction.
(b) A building, structure (including the public portions of the interior), improvement or
landscape feature may be designated historic even if it has been altered if the
alteration is reversible and the most significant architectural elements are intact and
repairable.
2. The single-family residence at 230 East Rivo Alto Drive is eligible for designation as an
historic structure as it complies with the criteria as specified in Section 118-592 in the Land
Development Regulations of the City Code outlined above.
Staff finds that the aroaosed Historic Single Family Home located at 230 East Rivo
Alto Drive possesses integrity of location design setting materials workmanship
feeling, or association for the following reasons:
Satisfied; The construction of the home located at 230 East Rivo Alto Drive during the
Florida Boom, was clearly significant in the successful development history of the City of
Miami Beach. The design and construction of the home brought an architectural style of
high aesthetic appeal and stature to the neighborhood, as well as prominent local architect,
Edwin L. Robertson who was qualified to execute it. The proposed historic home still
possess the integrity of its original location at230 East Rivo Alto Drive, despite more than
eighty years of hurricanes, storms, and economic crises. Further, the original building still
retains many of its historic materials, details, and workmanship as well as the feeling of its
1920s period of construction in Miami Beach.
(a) Staff finds the proposed historic site to be eligible for historic designation and in
conformance with the designation criteria for the following reasons:
(1) Association with events that have made a significant contribution to the
history of the city, the county, state or nation;
The single family residence located at 230 East Rivo Alto Drive was built
during the Florida Boom of the 1920s, an event of national significance. The
Venetian Islands were created as part of this realty boom, a major
3
EXHIBIT "A"
development in Miami Beach history. This house was one of the first
residences built on the Venetian Islands.
(3) Embody the distinctive characteristics of an historical period, architectural or
design style or method of construction:
This house is a good example of the Mediterranean Revival style of
architecture, the predominant style in Florida in the 1920s. Some of its
characteristics seen here are the complex massing, multiple barrel the gable
and hip roofs, textured stucco, curved parapet walls, rounded-arched
windows and doorways, balconies and decorative metalwork.
(4) Possesses high artistic values:
Valued at $24, 500 in 1924, this house was of high-quality design and
constructed with many fine details.
(5) Represent the work of a master. serve as an outstanding or representative
work of a master designer, architect or builder who contributed to our
historical. aesthetic or architectural heritage•
The Watson Corporation, the original builder of the house, contributed
greatly to the development of Miami Beach in the 1920s. Edwin L.
Robertson, architect who designed a 1928 addition to the home, designed
several buildings in the City's historic districts.
(b) A building, structure (includina the public portions of the interior) improvement or
landscape feature may be designated historic even if it has been altered if the alteration
is reversible and the most significant architectural elements are intact and repairable
The single-family residence at 230 East Rivo Alto Drive maintains high degree of
architectural integrity with limited modifications. Restoration and appropriate renovation
can be successfully completed of this fine residence by careful analysis of on-site
conditions and available historic documentation.
4
EXHIBIT "A"
IV. DESCRIPTION OF BOUNDARIES
The subject property is located at 230 East Rivo Alto Drive on Lots 5, 6 and 7 in Block 8, of "PLAT
OF RIVO ALTO," according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 7, at Page 74, of the Public
Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida.
V. PRESENT OWNER
The present owner of the subject property is E. Scott Beattie.
VI. PRESENT USE
The original and current use of the subject property is single-family residential.
VII. PRESENT ZONING DISTRICT
The subject property is located in the RS-4 or Residential Single-Family Zoning District.
VIII. ARCHITECTURAL BACKGROUND
Mediterranean Revival (circa mid-1910s to early 1930s)
Mediterranean Revival architecture was the "style of choice" for the first major land
development period in Miami Beach. Its connotation of Mediterranean resort architecture,
combining expressions of Italian, Moorish, North African, and Southern Spanish themes,
was found to be an appropriate and commercially appealing image for the new Floridian
seaside resort; it was a style that was simultaneously being used expansively in California
and other areas of similar climate.
During the mid-1910s through the early 1930s, the style was frequently applied to hotels,
apartment buildings, commercial structures, and single-family residences. Its architectural
vocabularywas characterized by stucco walls, low-pitched terra cotta and historic Cuban the
roofs; arches, scrolled or the capped parapet walls, and articulated door surrounds;
sometimes utilizing Spanish Baroque decorative motifs and Classical elements. Feature
detailing was occasionally executed in keystone or patterned ceramic tile.
Application of the architectural vocabulary in Miami Beach ranged from sparing to modestly
exuberant, and building massing varied from a simple rectangularform to stepped massing
with recessed wall planes and tower-like corner features. Wooden casement or double-
hung windows of several configurations provided additional detail to the facades.
230 East Rivo Alto Drive
Rivo Alto is one of the six Venetian Islands in Biscayne Bay, linked by the Venetian
Causeway, between Miami and Miami Beach. Of the five Venetian Islands, only Belle Isle
was naturally created. The others, including Rivo Alto, were created when the Bay Biscayne
Improvement Company dredged the bay bottom into bulkheads in the 1920s. The islands lie
along the original route of the wooden Collins Bridge, completed in 1913, that was Miami
Beach's first link to the mainland. The wooden bridge remained intact as the islands were
constructed. Rivo Alto was platted in March of 1922, Di Lido Island in February of 1923, San
5
EXHIBIT "A"
Marino and San Marco (located within the city limits of Miami) in June of 1923.'
Construction of the Venetian Causeway followed:
The Bay Biscayne Improvement Company, which was building the Venetian Islands,
purchased the bridge from the Collins/Pancoast interests and announced plans to
construct a new one in its place, a series of 12 concrete bridges linking the islands,
the mainland, and Miami Beach. In January 1925, work began on the project. By
March, Collins' wooden bridge was being dismantled. The Venetian Way opened on
February 28, 1926.2
The building permit the 230 East Rivo Alto Drive was issued on May 26, 1924, making it one
of the first buildings on Rivo Alto Island. (Only four residences are listed here in the 1926
City Directory.) The permit, fora $24,500 residence and garage, was issued to Dr. leon Rex
Felt, a dentist, whose home (with wife Julia) and office had been at 606 West Flagler Street
in Miami.3 After moving to Rivo Alto Island, Dr. Felt opened an office at 835 Lincoln Road, in
the newly constructed Bastian Building.4
The Watson Corporation designed and built the house in 1924. Cousins Leon H. and Clyde
M. Watson from Georgia were both educated as engineers at the Georgia School of
Technology in Atlanta, and founded this corporation in Miami around 1923. The names of
the architects they employed are unknown, but the company built "several attractive
residences in Miami Beach"5 during the 1920s, in the Mediterranean Revival style.
Unfortunately, the original plans for the subject house were not found in the Miami Beach
Building Department records.
A few years after its construction, a permit was issued fora $4,000 addition to the house on
October 11, 1928. The permit was issued to J.P. Perlman, whose association with the
house is unknown. The plans for this addition have not been located, however the Building
Permit Card indicates that E.L. Robertson was the architect and the J.C. Gaffney Company
was the contractor.
Architect Biographies
Edwin L. Robertson (1888-1953) was from Mobile, Alabama, studied architecture in New
York City, and practiced in Georgia before coming to Miami in 1919. Here, he first worked
with noted architect August Geiger until 1923 when he formed a partnership with Lawrence
R. Patterson. Among the many notable buildings designed by Robertson in Miami Beach
are the Schmidheiser residence at 3127 Indian Creek Drive, the Braznell residence at 3605
Flamingo Drive, and commercial buildings at 685 and 801 Washington Avenue. Robertson
& Patterson's work includes the Washington Storage Building (now the Wolfsonian) at 1001
Washington Avenue, and the Netherlands Hotel on Ocean Drive. The builder of the 1928
addition, John C. Gaffney Inc., was founded in Miami Beach around 1922 by the Gaffney
family, formerly of Newark, New Jersey. The firm built a number of upper-class residences
here, as well as the rectory of St. Patrick's Church.
' Legend, City Atlas for Miami Beach; Frank B. Dolph, Ft. Lauderdale, 1944, Plate 17.
z Kleinberg, Howazd, Miami Beach: A History; Centennial Press, Miami, 1994, p. 104
s Polks City Directory, 1924
a Pollcs City Directory, 1926
s Florida: The East Coast; publ. by Miami Daily News circa 1925.
6
EXHIBIT "A"
The subject house occupies two lots (5 and 6 of Block 8) at the corner of Venetian Way and
East Rivo Alto Drive. An early photograph of the house, viewed from the northeast, was
provided by the current owners. This photograph shows that the original house remains
largely intact today. The footprint of this Mediterranean Revival style home is roughly in the
shape of a capital E. The west elevation is mostly two stories with a hipped roof of clay
barrel tile. A large second story window here is decorated with twisted columns capped with
Corinthian capitals. The garage section at the north end has a flat roof and curved parapet.
There is a single story, flat roof section beside the garage, .both with fanciful rows of scupper
holes.
The southern portion, or bottom leg of the ~E"shape, of the residence contains athree-story
tower with a barrel tiled hipped roof and a third floor balcony with rounded arched door on
the east elevation. Below this is a second story porch, projecting eastward under a barrel
tiled roof supported by four pillars. Below this, a flat roofed masonry carport projects out to
the east. The carport has open arches on three sides, and shelters the main entrance to the
house. Though not on a waterfront lot, this three-story section of the house was clearly
designed to take full advantage of the views and ocean breezes.
The center leg of the "E" is a single story front-gable projection with a curved parapet at the
gable. This portion of the house has a large window on the east elevation and tall chimney
rising from its north elevation, with a sculptural shape and grillwork at the top. The top leg of
the "E" is the two story, flat roofed garage.
X. PLANNING DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Criteria for Designation: Based upon the evidence presented and the historical and
architectural significance of the single-family residence located at 230 East Rivo Alto, and in
accordance with Chapter 118, Article X, Division 4, of the Land Development Regulations of
the City Code, the staff of the City of Miami Beach Planning Department recommends that
the Historic Preservation Board adopt the subject property as a local historic structure.
2. Site Boundaries: The Planning Department recommends that the boundaries of the
historic site consist of the entire property located on Lots 15, 6 and 7 in Block 8, of "PLAT
OF RIVO ALTO," according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 7, at Page 74, of
the Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida.
3. Areas Subject to Review: The Planning Department recommends that the .proposed
historic site shall be subject to Section 118-591 (f) of the Land Development Regulations of
the City Code.
4. Review Guidelines: The Planning Department recommends that a decision on an
application for a Certificate of Appropriateness shall be based upon Section 118-591 (f) of
the Land Development Regulations of the City Code.
F:\PLAN\$H PB\10H PB\JunH PB 1017158.designation.j une.doc
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PROPERTY: 230 East Rivo Alto Drive -Single Family Home
.LEGAL: Lots 5 - 7, Block 8, Rivo Alto Amended, according to the Plat thereof, as
recorded in Plat Book 7 at Page 74 of the Public Records of Miami-Dade
.County, Florida.
IN RE: The Application for a Cert~cate of Appropriateness for the partial
demolition, renovation, and restoration of the existing 2-story hpme,
including the construction a new 2-story addition.
ORDER
._
The applicant,• Scott Beattie, filed an application with the City of Miami Beach Planning
Department for a Certificate of Appropriateness.
The City of Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board makes the following FINDINGS OF FACT,
:based upon the evidence, information, testimony and materials presented at the public hearing
and which are part of the record for this matter:
A. The subject structure is a designated Historic Structure.
B. Based on the. plans and documents submitted with the ,application, testimony and
information provided by the applicant, and the reasons set forth in the Planning Department
Staff Report, the project as submitted is consistent with the Certificate of Appropriateness .
Criteria in Section 1'18-564(a)(1) of the Miami Beach Code, is consistent with the Certificate
of Appropriateness Criteria in Section 118-564(a)(2) of the Miami Beach Code, and is not
consistent with Certificate of Appropriateness Criteria `c' & `h' in Section 118-564{a){3) of the
Miami Beach Code.
C. The project would be consistent with the criteria and requirements of section 118-564 if the
following conditions are met:
1. Revised' elt~vation, site plan and floor plan drawings shall be submitted to and
.approved by staff; at a minimum, such drawings shall incorporate the following:
a. The proposed addition shall be painted a slightly different color from the
original house, or the stucco finish .shall be differentiated from the originai
°~
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Page 2 of 5
HPB File No. 7158
Meeting Date: June 8, 2010
home, in order to slightly .distinguish the new construction as an addition, in a
manner to be reviewed and approved by staff.
b. Manufacture's drawings and Dade County product approval numbers for all
new windows, doors and glass shall be required. All windows in the original
portion ot`the house that are .visible from aright-of--way, shall be replaced with
windows fo match their historic coni:tguration, in a manner to be reviewed and
approved by staff.
c. Any .roof-top tixtuces, air-conditioning units and mechanical devices shall. be
clearly noted on a revised roof plan and elevation .drawings and shall be
screened from view, in a manner to be approved by staff. Any mechanical
equipment located at the- ground shall be located in a manner that is not
disruptive to neighboring properties and is screened from view, subject to the-
review and approval of staff..
d. Prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, the project Architect shall
verify, in writing, that the subject project has been constructed in accordance
with the plans approved by the Planning Department for Building Permit.
2. ~ A revised landscape plan, and corresponding site plan, for the east side of the
property, which addresses visual access and view coridoors from Rivo Alto .Drive,
shall be submitted to and approved by the Historic Preservation Board, prior to the
issuance of a temporary, partial or final Certifrcate of Completion or Certificate of
Occupancy.
3. A revised landscape plan, and corresponding. site plan, shall be submitted to and
approved by staff. The species .type, quantity, dimensions, spacing, location and
overall height of all plant material shall be clearly delineated and subject to the
review and approval of staff. At a minimum, such plan shall incorporate the
following:
a. Ficus hedges shall not be permitted on the east side of the property. The final
selection of perimeter landscaping shall be subject to the review and approval
of staff.
b. The final selection of all landscaped areas .located within the right-of=way
shall be provided, in a manner to be reviewed and .approved by staff:
c. A fully automatic irrigation system with 1.00% coverage and. an automatic rain-
; sensor in order to render the system inoperative in the event of rain. Right-
of-way areas shall also be incorporated as part of the irrigation system..
d. Prior. to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, the project architect shall
verify, in writing, that the project is consistent with the site and landscape
plans approved by the Planning Department for Building Permit.
°~,
Page 3 of 5
HPB File No. 7158
Meeting Date: June 8, 2010
4. The final exterior surface color scheme, including color samples, shall be subject to
the review and approval of staff and shall require a separate permit.
5. Manufacturers drawings .and Dade County product approval numbers for all new
windows, doors and glass shall be required, prior to the issuance of a building
permit.
6. All roof-top fixtures, air-conditioning ~ units and mechanical devices. shat( be clearly
noted on a revised roof plan and elevation drawings and shall be screened from
view, in a manner to be approved by staff.
7. Revised drawings, with corresponding color photographs, that are separate from the
construction documents, drawn to scale and clearly documenting the existing
conditions of the subject building, shall be submitted. Such drawings and
photographs shall include all four elevations and interior floor, plans of the building,
as well as a site plan.
8. The project shall comply with any :landscaping or other sidewalk/street improvement
standards as may be prescribed by a relevant Urban Design Master Plan approved
prior to the completion of the project and the. issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.
9. The Final Order sfiall'be recorded in the Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Arior
to the issuance of a Building Permit.
10. The Final Order is not severable, and if any provision or condition hereof is held void
or unconstitutional in a final decision by a court of competent jurisdiction, the order
shall be returned to the Board for reconsideration as to whether the order.meets the
criteria for approval absent the stricken provision or condition, and/or if is appropriate
to modify the remaining conditions or impose new conditions.
1.1. The conditions of approval herein are binding on the .applicant, the property's
owners, operators, and .all successors `in interest and assigns.
12: Nothing in this order authorizes a violation of the City Code or other applicable law,
nor allows a relaxation of any requirement or~standard set forth in the City Code.
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, based upon. the foregoing findings of fact, the evidence, information,
.testimony and materials presented at the public hearing, which are part of the record for this
matter, and the staff report and analysis, -which are adopted herein, including the staff.
.recommendations, which were -amended by the Boards that the Certificate of Appropriateness is
GRANTED for the above-referenced project subject to those certain conditions specified .in
paragraph C of the Findings of Fact (Condition Nos. 1-1.2, inclusive) hereof, to which the
applicant has agreed.
PROVIDED, the applicant shall build substantially in accordance with.the plans approved by the
Historic Preservation Board, as determined by staff, entitled "Beattie Residence ", as prepared
by Z.W. Jarosz Architect, P.A., dated 4-20-10.
~,
Page 4 of 5
1-1PB File No. 7158
Meeting Date: June 8, 2010
When requesting a building permit, the plans submitted to the Building Department for permit
shall be consistent with the plans approved by the Board, modified in accordance with the
conditions set forth in this, Order. ' No building permit may be issued unless and until all
conditions of approval that must be satisfied prior to permit issuance, as "set forth in this Order,
have been met.
The issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness does not relieve the applicant from obtaining all
other required Municipal, County and/or State reviews and permits, including final zoning
approval. If adequate handicapped access is not provided on.the Board-approved plans, this
approval does not mean that such handicapped access is not required. When requesting a
building permit, the plans submitted to the Building Department for permit shall be consistent
with the plans approved by the Board, modified in accordance with the conditions set forth in
this Order.
If the Full Building Permit for the. project is not issued within eighteen (18) months of the meeting
date at which the original Certificate of Appropriateness was granted, the Certificate of
Appropriateness will expire and become null and void. If the. Full Building Permit for the project
should expire for any reason (including but not limited to construction not commencing and
continuing, .with required inspections, in accordance with the applicable Building Code), the
Certificate of Appropriateness will expire and become null and void.
In accordance with Section 118-561 of the City Code, the violation of any conditions -and
safeguards that are a part of this Order shall be deemed a violation of the land development
regulations of the City Code. Failure to comply with this Order shall subject the Certificate of
Appropriateness to Section 118-564, City Code, for revocation or modification of the Certificate
of Appropriateness.
Dated thi ~"~
s day of V /" , 20
HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD
THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA
BY:
THOMAS R. MOONEY, AICP r
DESIGN AND PRESERVATION MANAGER
FOR THE CHAIR
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Page 5 of 5
HPB File No. 7158.
Meeting Date: June 8, 2010
STATE OF FLORIDA )
)SS
COUNTY OF MIAMI-DADE )
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this ~s .day of
~~ ~e 20~ by Thomas R. Mooney, Design and Preservation Manager,
Planning Department, City of Miami Beach, Florida, a Florida Municipal Corporation, on behalf
of the corporation. He is personally known to me.
~p ~ Notary Public State of Florida
~` Raptly Cesar NOTARY PUBLIC
;?~ K" M~ea 3ne~io,°aD97~68 Miami-Dade County, Florida
My commission expires: 3 ' Z $~ 2 a!y
Approved As To Form:
Legal Department: • (6-<<F- a-~/~ )
Filed with the Clerk of the, Historic Preservation Board on ( )
F:IPLAM$HPB\10HPBUunHP610\7158jun2010:fo.doac
STATE OF FLORIDA, COUNTY OF DADE ao couprr
1 HEREBY CERTIFY that this ( A copy ofthe JlA G~iq[ °o
.,riginal fii otrce /o~n d/aa~ ~ N
v/v`i A D 20~_L__---- Q
WITNESS my hand and ~ciai Seal. R
of ircu' nd Count Courts ~?;; "°°'""'"" ~~
fiARVEY RUVIN, OgpE~~l`~
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