Ordinance 93-2832i
ORDINANCE NO. 93-2832
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA,
AMENDING COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE NO.
89-2665; AMENDING SECTION 19, "HISTORIC
PRESERVATION BOARD AND HISTORIC DISTRICT
REGULATIONS," AMENDING SUBSECTION 19-5, ENTITLED
"DESIGNATION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION SITES OR
DISTRICTS" BY DESIGNATING THE CONGREGATION BETH
JACOB COMPLEX AT 301-317 WASHINGTON AVENUE AS A
LOCAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION SITE; PROVIDING FOR
INCLUSION IN THE ZONING ORDINANCE; PROVIDING FOR
A REPEALER; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, on May 18, 1992, the City's Historic Preservation Board held a public
hearing and voted in favor of designating the Congregation Beth Jacob complex as a local
historic site; and
WHEREAS, the City of Miami Beach Planning, Design and Historic Preservation
Division has recommended the amendment to the City's Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance
contained herein; and
WHEREAS, the City's Planning Board has also voted, 7-0, to recommend that the City
Commission pass this amendment to the Zoning Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, this amendment is deemed necessary to protect and enhance the character
of the historic buildings located within the described property; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission believes that the amendment contained herein is
necessary to the welfare of the citizens of the City of Miami Beach, Florida.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA:
SECTION 1. That Subsection 19-5, of Zoning Ordinance No. 89-2665, entitled "Designation
of Historic Preservation Sitcs or Districts" is hereby amended as follows:
19-5 DESIGNATION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION SITES OR DISTRICTS
C. Historic Preservation Designation
*
6. All Sites and districts dcsignated as Historic Sites and Districts shall be
delineated on the City's zoning map pursuant to Section 21-8, Maps, of
this Ordinance, as an Overlay District. Such Sites and districts include:
a. GU/HPS-1: Old City Hall, 1130 Washington Avenue Block 23,
Ocean Bcach Addition No. 3, as recorded in Plat Book 2 at Page
81 of the Public Records of Dade County, Florida
b. CCC/HPS-2: 21st Street Recreation Center, 2100 Washington
Avenue Beginning at intersection of west right of way of
Washington Avenue and south boundary of Collins Canal in
Section 27, Range 42 east, Township 53 south, for point of
beginning, then south 510 ft.; west 165 ft., north 454 to west 115
ft., north 160 ft., west 140 ft., north 70 ft.; northeast along south
boundary of Collins Canal 435 ft. to point of beginning.
1
c. RPS -3/1 -IPS -3: Congregation Beth Jacob Complex, 301-317
Washington Avenue, Lots 9,10 and 11, Block 7, Ocean Beach
Subdivision, as recorded in Plat Book 7, Page 38 of the Public
Records of Dade County, Florida.
* * *
SECTION 2. INCLUSION IN ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 89-2665. It is the intention of the
City Commission, and it is hereby ordained that the provisions of this ordinance shall become
and be made part of the City of Miami Beach Zoning Ordinance No. 89-2665 as amended; that
the sections of this ordinance may be renumbered or relettered to accomplish such intention;
and that the word "ordinance" may be changed to "section" or other appropriate word.
SECTION 3. REPEALER. That all Ordinances or parts of Ordinances in conflict herewith
be and the same arc herewith repealed.
SECTION 4. SEVERABILITY. If any section, subsection, clause or provision of this
Ordinance is held invalid, the remainder shall not be affected by such invalidity.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect on the 30th
of January , 19, 2.
PASSED and ADOPTED this 20th/ .ay of Janu-
1993.
ATTEST:
day
OR
CITY CLERK
1st reading 1/6/93
2nd reading 1/20/93
Underlined words = new language
Strike-eu — deleted language
September 29, 1992
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2
FORM APPROVED
LEGAkDEPT.
By
Date
�'� / 1y9)
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
CITY HALL 1700 CONVENTION CENTER DRIVE MIAMI BEACH FLORIDA 33139
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM NO. aS-9
TO: Mayor Seymour Gelber and
Members of the City Commission
FROM: Roger M. C
City Manage
SUBJECT:
rtta,„,L_
TELEPHONE: (305) 673-7010
FAX: (305) 673-7782
DATE: January 20, 1993
AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE 89-2665 DESIGNATING THE
CONGREGATION BETH JACOB COMPLEX AT 301-317 WASHINGTON
AVENUE AS A LOCAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION SITE
ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDATION
Both the Historic Preservation Board and Planning Board have
recommended that the Congregation Beth Jacob be designated as a
Local Historic Preservation Site. The Administration concurs and
recommends that the City Commission hold a public hearing on this
proposed designation, and upon receiving public input, approve on
second reading this proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance.
BACKGROUND
The Request
The Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board has requested that the
City Commission consider an amendment to the City of Miami Beach
Zoning Ordinance No. 89-2665, amending Sub -Section 19-5 entitled
"Designation of Historic Sites or Districts" by designating
Congregation Beth Jacob at 311 Washington Avenue as a Local
Historic Preservation Site.
Chronology
June 4, 1992
r
July 16, 1992
The Historic Preservation Board approved a
preliminary review of the nominated site and
voted to direct the preparation of a
designation report in accordance with Section
19-5,A of the Zoning ordinance.
The Historic Preservation Board recommended
that the subject property, be designated as a
local historic site. The Historic
Preservation Board, by this action, also
approved the enclosed Historic Site
Designation Report.
October 27, 1992 The Planning Board voted, 7-0, to recommend
approval to the City Commission that this site
be designated as a Local Historic Preservation
Site.
January 6, 1993
City Commission approves, on first reading,
the designation of the Temple Beth Jacob
complex as a Local Historic Preservation Site.
AGENDA
ITEM
DATE
5
I - .c) 93
ANALYSIS
Planning Context - Changing demographics in the area during the
last ten years have shown a decline in the elderly Jewish
population and an increase in younger hispanic residents. Beth
Jacob is one of the few synagogues which has remained opened and
not converted to new uses. Beth Jacob is in the process of
securing grants for the rehabilitation of its buildings and has
obtained a new tenant for the social hall. This tenant will be a
museum of jewish life and history. This will preserve an important
social focus in this rapidly changing neighborhood.
Land Use - The subject property is comprised of three lots located
on the north-east corner of Washington Avenue and Third Street. It
is the site of the Synagogue, social hall and garden. The
surrounding land uses are characterized by mid -scale multi -family
dwellings.
Zoning - The site is zoned RPS -3, Residential Medium High
Intensity. The existing uses are consistent with current zoning,
The proposed use of the social hall as a museum is also permitted
by this district classification as a Conditional Use.
Planning Review Criteria - In reviewing this request for an
amendment to the Ordinance, the Planning Board considered the
following criteria, where applicable, to this request:
1. Whether the proposed change is consistent and compatible with
the Comprehensive Plan and any applicable neighborhood or
Redevelopment Plans;
The proposed change will not affect, and is consistent with
the Future Land Use Map. The use of the site, either as a
synagogue or a museum, is permitted, but requires Conditional
Use Approval.
2. Whether the proposed change would create an isolated district
unrelated to adjacent or nearby districts;
The local historic site designation is an overlay zoning
classification and does not change the underlying zoning
district; the overlay zoning as a site is appropriate.
3. •Whether the change suggested is out of scale with the needs of
the neighborhood or the City;
The proposed amendment will ensure the preservation of this
historic site, thus maintaining the existing scale.
4. Whether the proposed change would tax the existing load on
public facilities and infrastructure;
It is not anticipated that the proposed designation as a
historic site would affect the levels of service of any
facilities or infrastructure: If the site is converted for
use as a museum, adequate parking would need to be provided.
5. Whether existing district boundaries are illogically drawn in
relation to existing conditions on the property proposed for
change;
As stated earlier this is an overlay zoning classification and
does not affect the underlying zoning district.
6. Whether changed or changing conditions make the passage of the
proposed change necessary;
As mentioned previously, changing conditions and demographics
require the change in the ordinance to preserve this historic
site.
6
7. Whether the proposed change will adversely influence living
conditions in the neighborhood;
The proposed change will not have a negative effect on the
surrounding area.
8. Whether the proposed change will create or excessively
increase traffic congestion beyond the Levels of Service as
set forth in the Comprehensive Plan or otherwise affect public
safety;
It is not anticipated that the proposed new museum will affect
the Levels of Service as established in the Comprehensive Plan
nor will it affect public safety.
9. Whether the proposed change will seriously reduce light and
air to adjacent areas;
The preservation of this historic site as well as the
associated garden, will ensure that the existing light angles,
air circulation and open space will be maintained.
10. Whether the proposed change will adversely affect property
values in the adjacent area;
Designation of the historic site will help to ensure that the
buildings will be rehabilitated. This should have a
beneficial impact to the property values in the area.
11. Whether the proposed change will be a deterrent to the
Improvement or Development of adjacent property in accordance
with existing regulations;
The proposed change to the ordinance should not have any
detrimental effect to the improvement or development of the
surrounding neighborhood; indeed, this designation should
serve as a catalyst to improvement of this property conversion
of the property to a museum would require Conditional Use
Approval, thereby ensuing a mitigation or elimination of any
impacts to the surrounding area.
12. Whether there are substantial reasons why the property cannot
be used in accordance with existing zoning;
The existing zoning remains in place; by designating the
property as a local historic site the City is ensuring the
preservation of these historic buildings.
13. Whether it is impossible to find other adequate Sites in the
City for the proposed Use in a district already permitting
such Use;
This criteria is not applicable to the proposed change.
CONCLUSION
The City Administration concurs with the Planning Board
recommendation to the City Commission that it approve the attached
ordinance designating the Congregation Beth Jacob complex at 311
Washington Avenue as a Local Historic Site. Accordingly, we have
concluded that the Commission should proceed with public hearings
on this matter.
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CONGREGATION BETH JACOB
311 WASHINGTON AVENUE
HISTORIC SITE DESIGNATION REPORT
Prepared by
City of Miami Beach
Department of Historic Preservation and Urban Design
July 1992
10
I. REQUEST
At its June 4, 1992 meeting, the Historic Preservation Board
approved a preliminary review of the nominated site and voted to
direct staff to prepare this designation report in accordance with
Section 19-5(A) of the Zoning Ordinance.
II. GENERAL INFORMATION
Historic/Current Name: Congregation Beth Jacob
Address:
Legal Description:
Present Owner:
Present Occupant:
Present Use:
Present Zoning:
Tax Folio:
311 Washington Avenue
(301-317 Washington Avenue)
Lot 9, 10 and 11, Block 7, Ocean Beach
Subdivision Plat Book 7, Page 38 of the
Public Records of Dade County, Florida
Congregation Beth Jacob
Congregation Beth Jacob
Synagogue, Social Hall and Garden
RPS -3 (Residential -Medium High Intensity)
02-4203-003-0920
III. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
The information included in the Statement of Significance is taken
from the National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form,
filed in July, 1980.
A.
Historical
The Beth Jacob Social Hall and Synagogue, built in 1929 and 1936
respectively, are significant as the first religious structures of
the Orthodox Jewish Congregation of Miami Beach. The building of
the synagogue satisfied an urgent need of the small Jewish
community consisting of residents and winter visitors who had first
established themselves on Miami Beach in 1915. It also established
that the Jewish people were accepted and were a permanent part of
the resident population of the City. Prior to this, Jews had been
denied permission to build a synagogue and had, at first, ferried
to religious services at the Zion Congregation on the Miami
mainland. When Orthodox Jews, who could not travel on the Sabbath
and High Holidays, joined the Miami Beach Congregation, they had to
hold their services in the Royal Apartments, 221 Collins Avenue.
Almost every Jew who was a permanent resident between 1927 and 1932
was a financial contributor to the building funds of the Beth Jacob
Synagogue. Among the early members of the Congregation were the
first physician on the beach, Dr. Max Dobrin and his wife Lois
Dobrin, who was the first professional worker for Jewish agencies.
11
Baron de Hirsch Meyer, founder of the Miami Beach Federal Savings
and Loan Association, and later vice -mayor of the City of Miami
Beach and a trustee and benefactor of the University of Miami, was
also of the congregation. So too, was the Weiss family,
commemorated in the park named after Rose Weiss.
In 1936, the Synagogue, known as the Beth Jacob Congregation, was
moved into an adjacent new and larger building. The original
structure was turned into the "Beth Jacob Social Hall" which today
serves the community in a ritual capacity on week days in the
summer. The new Synagogue was designed by Henry Hohauser, one of
the foremost architects of the Art Deco style in Miami in the
1930s.
The initial role of the Synagogue as the religious and social
center of the Jewish community, soon developed into being also the
Jewish cultural center. A Hebrew school was established, lectures,
scholars and cantors were invited and distinguished members of the
rabbinical community visited the Synagogue and a mikvah (a ritual
bath for women) was built.
B. Architectural
The original Beth Jacob Congregation building, now the Social Hall,
was erected in 1929, designed by architect H. Frasser Rose. The
building, faced in stucco, has a rectangular plan two stories high
and has a gable roof, end to front. The front elevation, facing
west, has a water table approximately ten feet high in rusticated
stucco, which extends out on both sides of the building ending in
two arched openings.
The central entrance consists of three double doors of simple,
vertical panels and large iron hinges of spanish style. The doors
are raised five steps, the steps flanked by pylons. Above the
doors, an aluminum canopy was added, but the vertical thrust of the
entrance openings is continued to the second level by windows with
semi -circular arched heads. These windows, originally casement
type, are now aluminum framed plate glass. On each side of these
central windows is a circular stained glass window. The top of the
facade has a contemporary plaque reading "Beth Jacob Social Hall,
5689-1929.��Above, the facade is crowned by the Tablets with the
Ten Commandments.
Inside, the main Hall is two stories in height. Alterations are
limited to suspended fluorescent lights and the air conditioning
system, paneled off above the vestibule. An addition of concrete
block to the east was done in 1946, containing offices and meeting
rooms. Windows on the side elevation are all original, flat
ransomed double hung sash, except for arched casements in the
vestibule space and modern jalousies in the rear addition.
- 2
12
The present Beth Jacob Congregation was built in 1936, the design
of Henry Hohauser, one of the most prominent architects in Miami
Beach at the time. This is a fine example of religious
architecture, strongly relying on the Art Deco style for its
decorative details.
This building is sensitive to the design of the older one, as it
maintains the basic massing, scale, setback and materials. The
front elevation has the same gable end treatment as its neighbor,
but the height is increased by the extension of a continuous
parapet. The two story rectangular plan is treated in a very
classical, symmetrical composition. The front elevation has a
large central arched opening, flanked by a smaller arched window.
•
The central double door has inset panels, highlighting the Star of
David as m?in decoration. The main entrance is elevated and
fronted by ten steps surfaced in tile which is approached from
three sides. Above the door is a large arched stained glass
window, depicting a scene of symbolism of Jewish religion and
history. The entrance is flanked by coupled fluted pilasters of
cast stone, topped by composite capitals, the fluting continues in
the arch. Above, contemporary Tablets top the gable end.
Remaining are parts of the original light fixtures and stair
railings.
The side elevation is also symmetrically composed, through the
fenestration and the flat parapet, which rises and curves at the
center. This central portion has a slight forward projection. The
building is crowned at the "crossing" by a shallow dome mounted in
an octagonal drum, all sheathed in copper. Each side of the drum
has an octagonal stained glass window with a central Star of David.
The rear elevation is also a symmetrical composition with windows
flanking the central projecting beam. Above this projection, a
semi -circular stained glass window depicts the Menorah.
The fenestration is one of the most striking features of the
design. The tall, slender arched window openings are divided into
three parts - the lower portion is an operable double hung sash
windows. Above, a spandrel panel of cast stone has an Art Deco bas
relief design of stylized acanthus leaves flanking a central Star
of David. The second story window is fixed glass. All windows are
stained glass. A continuous string course around the building
provides the springing for the arches of all the upper windows.
Inside, the floor of the Congregation slopes down. The ceiling is
a shallow barrel vault. Fine Art Deco chandeliers hang from the
ceiling, the largest one suspended from the top of the dome.
- 3
13
Minor alterations include the front entrance canopy in 1947, and
the air conditioning unit, which although visible from the front,
has ductwork, which by running along the north elevation in the
narrow space between the two buildings, is almost concealed.
North of the present Social Hall is a memorial park dedicated to
Anne Frank. The park, which is part of the three -lot parcel owned
by Congregation Beth Jacob,. includes trees donated by members and
area residents. The park is surrounded by a low chainlink fence.
IV. RELATION TO ORDINANCE CRITERIA
In accordance with Section 19-5(b) of the Zoning Ordinance,
eligibility for designation is determined on the basis of
compliance with listed criteria. The first level is referred to as
Mandatory Criteria, which is required of all nominated sites or
districts. The second level is refer/ad to as Review Criteria
which requires compliance with at least one of the several listed
criteria. The proposed historic site is eligible for designation
as it complies with the criteria as outlined below.
A. Mandatory Criteria
Integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship and
association.
Staff finds the nominated site to be in conformance with the
mandatory criteria for the following reasons:
1. The nominated site has been individually listed on the
National Register of Historic Places since 1980.
2. The nominated site contains the original structures, in their
original location, still in use for their original purpose.
Minor alterations over time have not significantly affected
the original appearance of the structures or their relation to
the surrounding neighborhood.
3. There are significant materials and quality workmanship
present in the nominated site including stucco surfaces,
decorative use of stone and metal, architectural features and
stained glass. In addition, the nominated sites contain
significant interior features such as original light fixture,
marble bema or pulpit, friezes and other decorative features.
The memorial park contains numerous trees.
4. The nominated site is closely associated with the development
of the Jewish community in Miami Beach. As the first
synagogue, Beth Jacob became the focus of the religious and
social lives of the early Jewish residents. The synagogue is
also associated with several persons significant in the early
history of Miami Beach, including Dr. and Mrs. Max Dobrin
- 4 -
14
(first physician on Miami Beach), Baron de Hirsch Meyer
(founder of Miami Beach Federal Savings and Loan Association)
and the Weiss family (one of the first Jewish families to
settle in Miami Beach).
B. Review Criteria
Analysis indicates that the nominated site is in compliance with
the following review criteria:
1. Association with events that have made a significant
contribution to the broad patterns of our history. The
nominated site includes the first synagogue built in Miami
Beach and represents the beginning of the jewish community in
Miami Beach.
2. Association with the lives of persois significant in our past.
The nominated site is associated with nearly all jewish
residents/visitors in Miami Beach during the earliest period
of the City's history. Prominent residents involved in the
development of the synagogue include Dr. and Mrs. Max Dobrin,
Baron de Hirsch Meyer and the Weiss family.
3. Embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or
method of construction. The nominated site contains two
significant structures, the present social hall built in 1929
and the present synagogue built in 1936. Both structures are
representative of the architectural styles popular in Miami
Beach during the time period of its greatest growth and
development. The Social Hall is representative of the
Mediterranean influence on early Miami Beach architecture of
a water table in rusticated stucco, arched windows and gable
roof. The Synagogue is a fine example of religious
architecture with classical features which is strongly
influenced by the Art Deco style predominant in Miami Beach in
the 1930s and 1940s.
4. Possess high artistic values. The nominated site evidences
high artistic value in its architectural forms, architectural
details, decorative features including light fixtures,
friezes, stone and metal work and stained glass windows.
5. Represent the work of a master. The Synagogue was designed by
architect Henry Hohauser. Mr. Hohauser is generally regarded
as one of the most prominent and influential architect in
Miami Beach during the 1930s and 1940s. He is responsible for
over 100 buildings remaining in the Miami Beach Architectural
(Art Deco) District - more than any other individual
architect.
- 5 -
15
V. PLANNING CONTEXT
A. Present Trends and Conditions
During the last decade, the population of Orthodox Jews in southern
Miami Beach has been declining. Changing demographics in the
neighborhood have shown a decrease in the once predominant elderly
Jewish population and an increase in younger hispanic residents.
Beth Jacob is one of few synagogues which has remained opened as
others have been converted to new uses. Beth Jacob is in the
process of securing grants for the rehabilitation of its buildings
for itself and new tenant "Mosaic", a museum of jewish life and
history. This will preserve an important social focus in this
rapidly changing neighborhood.
B. Conservation Objectives
Historic designation would compliment the efforts currently
underway to maintain the original synagogue structure for its
original use and encourage a compatible new use, a Jewish museum,
in the present synagogue.
Historic Site Designation will aid in the achievement of several
important goals:
1. Preserve the character and architectural integrity of
these historic buildings for future generations;
2. Protect the historic buildings, streetscape and open
space from inappropriate or undesirable alterations;
3. Encourage and support important focus of a rapidly
changing neighborhood.
VI. EPUD DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
1. Criterit for Designation: Staff finds the nominated site is
in compliance with the Mandatory Criteria and Review Criteria
(numbers 1-5) as listed in Section 19-5(B) of the Zoning
Ordinance.
2. Boundaries: Staff recommends the historic site boundaries
include all contiguous property owned by Congregation Beth
Jacob including Lots 9, 10 and 11 of Block 7, Ocean Beach Sub -
Division.
3. Areas Subject to Review: All building elevations and all
public interior areas. This does not include administrative
offices, mechanical/electrical rooms, storage and service
areas. Also, subject to review shall be the memorial park on
Lot 11.
- 6 -
16
4. Review Guidelines: Staff recommends the U.S, Secretary of the
eh -b a •i • sto .
a _s
-s
as amended, as the standards for review of any project within
the nominated site.
REFERENCES
Kirby, Elizabeth A.; "Beth Jacob Social Hall and Congregation";
National Register of Historic Places Inventory - Nomination Form;
United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service;
July 28, 1980.
Rodriguez, Ivan (Reporter); "Beth Jacob Social Hall and
Congregation"; Florida Mast,r Site File No. 8Da950; State of
Florida, Department of State.
- 7 -
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