2121 Lucerne Ave, Sunset Isl 4MIAMIBEACH
City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, www. miamibeachfl.gov
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Tel: 305-673-7550, Fax: 305-673-7559
November 10, 2005
Mr. Yuri Gomez
Ms. Sara Silva
2121 Lucerne Avenue
Sunset Island No. 4
Miami Beach, Florida 33140
Re:
2121 Lucerne Avenue, Sunset Island No. 4, Miami Beach
Request for a Determination of Architectural Significance
Dear Mr. Gomez & Ms. Silva:
Pursuant to your request that was received on September 27, 2005 (see Attachment), the
Planning Department has evaluated the subject property at 2121 Lucerne Avenue to determine
whether the single-family residence is architecturally significant. A site visit of the subject
property was conducted by staff on October 10, 2005. In accordance with Section 142-108(a) of
the Land Development Regulations of the Miami Beach City Code, the following criteria
determine whether a home constructed prior to 1942 is architecturally significant:
.
The subject structure is characteristic of a specific architectural style constructed in the
city prior to 1942, including, but not limited to, Vernacular, Mediterranean Revival, Art
Deco, Streamline Moderne, or variations thereof.
Satisfied. Built in 1938 and designed by local architect Robert M. Little, the subject
home is a good interpretation of the Monterey style of architecture as applied to a
modest one-story structure on a Iow-scale residential island. The residence is located
on a corner lot that faces Lucerne Avenue and West 22nd Street at the west end of
Sunset Island No. 4. It has an irregular plan with an L-shaped front porch that wraps the
northwest corner of the home, a rear covered porch (now enclosed) on the east
elevation, and a single-car garage on the north elevation. The garage is accessed from
West 22nd Street.
While structures of the Monterey style typically feature a second-story cantilevered
balcony, this design element is recalled on the front (west) elevation of the subject home
through its expansive front porch that is covered by the principal hipped roof and
supported by paired copper c/added columns. It is also seen through its use of full-
length windows (now modified) and decorative wooden shutters (since removed). Other
design elements of the Monterey style that are reflected in the subject home include Iow-
pitched hipped roofs with flat tiles, smooth stucco wall surfaces with contrasting stucco
and brick bands, and a wide chimney top with delicate features. The home also has
wood planked soffits, decorative vents, brick banding on either side of the front entrance
door, and curved step ends on the front porch with vertically scored stucco. Site
features include an original outdoor fireplace with a sculptural chimney on the east side
of the property as well as a decorative masonry fence wall with horizontal stucco
banding and brick accents. The fence wall extends from the west elevation wall of the
Re: 2121 Lucerne Avenue
November 10, 2005
Page 2 of 3
home towards the south. Together all of these architectural features contribute to the
special character and architectural significance of this modest residence.
,
The exterior of the structure is recognizable as an example of its style and/or period, and
its architectural design integrity has not been modified in a manner that cannot be
reversed without unreasonable expense.
Satisfied. The exterior of the subject home is clearly recognizable as an example of its
style and period with minor modifications. These modifications include the following: the
replacement of the original casement windows with more contemporary, dark brown
aluminum framed windows; modification of some of the original masonry window
openings; replacement of the original front entrance door with a more contemporary,
paneled door and an oval window on the west elevation; removal of the original
decorative metal screens on the west elevation of the garage and the north side of the L-
shaped front porch; removal of the original decorative screen windows and doors in the
rear porch on the east elevation and enclose these openings with sliding glass doors;
construction of a wooden roof supported by posts to cover the rear brick terrace on the
east side of the property; removal of the original wooden, decorative window and door
shutters; and the construction of a small addition at the southeast corner of the home
with a raised, L-shaped wooden deck. Collectively, these modifications do not have a
significant negative impact on the architectural integrity of the residence.
.
Significant exterior architectural characteristics, features, or details of the subject
structure remain intact.
Satisfied. The subject home has not been significantly altered and appears to be
substantially consistent with its original architectural design.
.
The subject structure embodies the scale, character, and massing of the built context of
its immediate area.
Satisfied. The one-story residence is compatible with the built context of the
surrounding single-family homes in terms of scale, character, and massing.
The Planning Department has determined that the subject building, although a modest
residence, does meet the criteria in Section 142-108(a) and, therefore, is architecturally
significant. This determination relative to architectural significance of the single-family home
may be appealed within ten (10) days of rendering such decision. The appeal must be in writing
and shall be to the Design Review Board.
In accordance with Section 142-108(d), a request for the total demolition of an architecturally
significant single-family home must be reviewed by the Design Review Board (DRB). A permit
for the demolition of an architecturally significant single-family home shall not be issued unless a
full building permit for new construction has been issued. In the event an architecturally
significant home is proposed to be demolished, the Design Review Board shall review and
approve all new construction on the subject site. If you wish to pursue the total demolition of the
subject structure and the construction of a new home, please contact Michael Belush, Senior
Planner, at 305-673-7000 extension 6258, in order to schedule a pre-application conference for
the Design Review Board.
Because staff has determined this single-family home to be architecturally significant, we would
like to suggest that you consider requesting that the Historic Preservation Board evaluate the
property for local individual historic structure designation. There can be significant tax and other
benefits to historic designation, and staff would be pleased to discuss these opportunities with
We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work, and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic
community.
Re: 2121 Lucerne Avenue
November 10, 2005
Page 3 of 3
you and assist in this process. Please contact either myself or Shannon Anderton, Senior
Planner, to schedule an appointment to discuss this matter further at 305-673-7550.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact myself or
Shannon Anderton, Senior Planner, at 305-673-7550.
Sincerely,
William H. Cary
Assistant Planning Director
C:
Robert Parcher, City Clerk
Jorge G. Gomez, Planning Director
Thomas R. Mooney, Design and Preservation Manager
Shannon Anderton, Senior Planner
SFRRB File No. 58
JGG:WHC:TRM: SMA
F:\PLAN\$ALL\Single Family Homes\CorrespondenceS2121 Lucerne Ave.sma.doc
We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work, and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic
community.
Yuri Gomez & Sara Silva
2121 Lucerne Avenue
Sunset Island 4
Miami Beach, Florida 33140
September 22, 2005
Attn: City of Miami Beach Planning Department.
Ref: 2121 Lucerne Ave. Sunset Island 4 Miami Beach, 33140
Our new home was built in 1938. We are about to do interior and exterior refurbishing
that will entitle a degree of demolition. We have been informed that since our home was
built before 1942 we fall under different guidelines and therefore the City of Miami
Beach must determined the following:
As requested by the City of Miami Beach pursuant to Section 142-108 of the Land
Development Regulation of City Code we are here by requesting for the property in hand
to be review as to determine of any architectural significance.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and consideration into the matter in hand.
Thank you
Sincerel~/Y~o~s