Ordinance 2021-4399 International Inn - 2301 Normandy Drive Historic Site Designation
ORDINANCE NO. 2021-4399
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT
REGULATIONS OF THE MIAMI BEACH CITY CODE, BY AMENDING
CHAPTER 118, ENTITLED "ADMINISTRATION AND REVIEW
PROCEDURES," ARTICLE X, ENTITLED "HISTORIC PRESERVATION,"
DIVISION 4, ENTITLED "DESIGNATION," SECTION 118-593, ENTITLED
"HISTORIC PRESERVATION DESIGNATION," AT SUBSECTION (E),
ENTITLED "DELINEATION ON ZONING MAP," BY DESIGNATING ONE OR
MORE BUILDINGS AT 2301 NORMANDY DRIVE AS AN HISTORIC SITE TO
BE KNOWN AS "INTERNATIONAL INN, 2301 NORMANDY DRIVE," AS MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN THIS ORDINANCE; PROVIDING THAT THE
CITY'S ZONING MAP SHALL BE AMENDED TO INCLUDE 2301 NORMANDY
DRIVE AS AN HISTORIC SITE; ADOPTING THE DESIGNATION REPORT
ATTACHED HERETO AS APPENDIX "A"; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN
THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS OF THE CITY CODE; AND
PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION, REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, AND AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, on June 10, 2019, the City's Historic Preservation Board held a public hearing
and voted unanimously (6-0) in favor of recommending that the City Commission designate the
the International Inn, located at 2301 Normandy Drive, as an Historic Site; and
WHEREAS, following a public hearing on November 18, 2020, the City's Planning Board
voted unanimously (6-0) to transmit the proposed designation to the City Commission with a
favorable recommendation; and
WHEREAS, the City's Planning Department has recommended that the City Commission
adopt this amendment to the Land Development Regulations; and
WHEREAS, the designation of the International Inn at 2301 Normandy Drive as an Historic
Site is supported by the information documented in the Designation Report, which was prepared
by the City of Miami Beach Planning Department, and is attached hereto as Appendix "A"; and
WHEREAS, the amendments set forth below are necessary to accomplish all of the above
objectives.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. DESIGNATION OF 2301 NORMANDY DRIVE AS AN HISTORIC SITE.
That certain area located on Lots 15 through 18, Block 40 of Miami View Section — Isle of
Normandy Part 3, as recorded in Plat Book 40, Page 33 of the Public Records of Miami-Dade
County, Florida; and having the legal description as described herein, is hereby designated as an
Historic Site of the City of Miami Beach and shall be known as "International Inn, 2301 Normandy
Drive." The Designation Report attached hereto as Appendix "A" is hereby adopted as if fully set
forth herein.
SECTION 2. AMENDMENT TO SUBSECTION 118-593(E).
That Subsection (e), entitled "Delineation on Zoning Map," of Section 118-593, entitled "Historic
Preservation Designation," of Division 4, entitled "Designation," of Article X, entitled "Historic
Preservation," of Chapter 118, entitled "Administration and Review Procedures," of Subpart B of
the Land Development Regulations of the City Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
CHAPTER 118
ADMINISTRATION AND REVIEW PROCEDURES
* * *
ARTICLE X. HISTORIC PRESERVATION
* * *
DIVISION 4. DESIGNATION
* * *
Section 118-593. Historic Preservation Designation.
* * *
(e) Delineation on zoning map. All sites and districts designated as historic sites and
districts shall be delineated on the city's zoning map, pursuant to section 142-71,
as an overlay district. Such sites and districts include:
(1) Historic preservation sites (HPS).
* * *
p. RM-1/HPS-16: International Inn, 2301 Normandy Drive, as more
particularly described as Lots 15 through 18, Block 40 of Miami View
Section — Isle of Normandy Part 3, as recorded in Plat Book 40, Page 33
of the Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida.
* * *
SECTION 3. CODIFICATION.
It is the intention of the Mayor and City Commission of the City of Miami Beach, and it is hereby
ordained that the provisions of this ordinance shall become and be made part of the Code of the
City of Miami Beach, Florida. The sections of this ordinance may be renumbered or re-lettered to
accomplish such intention, and, the word "ordinance" may be changed to "section", "article", or
other appropriate word.
SECTION 4. AMENDMENT OF ZONING MAP.
That the Mayor and City Commission hereby amend the Zoning Map of the City of Miami Beach
as contained in the Land Development Regulations of the City Code by identifying the property
described herein as HPS-16, Historic Preservation Site 16.
SECTION 5. REPEALER.
All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith be and the same are hereby repealed.
SECTION 6. SEVERABILITY.
If any section, subsection, clause or provision of this Ordinance is held invalid, the remainder shall
not be affected by such invalidity.
SECTION 7. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Ordinance shall take effect ten days following adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this "0 day of February , 2021 .
: �. Dan Gelber, Mayor
INCORP ORATED' •
ATTEST:
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APPROVED AS TO FORM AND
LANGUAGE AND FOR EXECUTION
�/L`� Lei.I
Rafa I E. Granado, City Clerk 100Z0(0
pCity Attorney � Date
First Reading: December 9, 2020
Second Reading: January 13, 021
JVerified By:
T f.mas R. Mooney, rCP
Planning Director
Underline denotes additions
Strike through denotes deletions
T:\Agenda\2020\12 December 9\Planning\2301 Normandy Dr-International Inn Historic Designation-First Reading ORD.docx
Ordinances - R5 A
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Raul J. Aguila, Interim City Manager
DATE: February 10, 2021
10:05 a.m. Second Reading Public Hearing
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL INN - 2301 NORMANDY DRIVE HISTORIC SITE
DESIGNATION
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT
REGULATIONS OF THE MIAMI BEACH CITY CODE, BY AMENDING
CHAPTER 118, ENTITLED "ADMINISTRATION AND REVIEW
PROCEDURES," ARTICLE X, ENTITLED "HISTORIC PRESERVATION,"
DIVISION 4, ENTITLED "DESIGNATION," SECTION 118-593, ENTITLED
"HISTORIC PRESERVATION DESIGNATION," AT SUBSECTION (E),
ENTITLED "DELINEATION ON ZONING MAP," BY DESIGNATING ONE OR
MORE BUILDINGS AT 2301 NORMANDY DRIVE AS AN HISTORIC SITE TO
BE KNOWN AS "INTERNATIONAL INN, 2301 NORMANDY DRIVE," AS
MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN THIS ORDINANCE; PROVIDING
THAT THE CITY'S ZONING MAP SHALL BE AMENDED TO INCLUDE 2301
NORMANDY DRIVE AS AN HISTORIC SITE; ADOPTING THE
DESIGNATION REPORT ATTACHED HERETO AS APPENDIX "A";
PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE LAND DEVELOPMENT
REGULATIONS OF THE CITY CODE; AND PROVIDING FOR
CODIFICATION, REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
RECOMMENDATION
The Administration recommends that the City Commission adopt the subject Ordinance.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
On May 9, 2017, the Historic Preservation Board (HPB) requested that the Planning
Department prepare a Preliminary Evaluation and Recommendation Report relative to the
possible designation of the property located at 2301 Normandy Drive as a local historic site. On
October 10, 2017, the HPB reviewed a Preliminary Evaluation and Recommendation Report
relative to the possible designation of the International Inn Historic Site located at 2301
Normandy Drive and directed staff to prepare a formal Designation Report for the International
Inn Historic Site. Pursuant to Section 118-591 of the City Code, on October 12, 2017 the City
Commission was advised of the aforementioned action of the HPB via LTC 488-2017.
On June 11, 2018, the HPB continued the proposed historic designation to a date certain of
Page 548 of 1252
July 10, 2018, at the request of the property owner. On July 10, 2018. the HPB continued the
proposed historic designation to a date certain of September 17, 2018. On September 17,
2018, the Planning Department presented the formal Designation Report for the proposed
International Inn Historic Site and the Board continued the matter to a date certain of January 8,
2019.
On January 8, 2019, the Planning Department presented supplemental information regarding
the public interior of the proposed International Inn Historic Site and the Board continued the
review of the Historic Designation Report to a date certain of March 11, 2019. On March 11,
2019, the HPB discussed the application and continued the matter to the June 10, 2019
meeting.
On June 10, 2019, the HPB transmitted the proposed International Inn Historic Site
Designation to the Planning Board with a favorable recommendation (6 to 0).
On September 11, 2019, the City Commission considered a proposed Development
Agreement at First Reading (item R7D) pertaining to the International Inn site. The proposed
Development Agreement included a proposed sequencing of approvals for corresponding City
Code and LDR amendments as a companion to the proposed designation of the International
Inn as an historic site. After a lengthy discussion, and based upon concerns pertaining to the
operation of the existing hotel, the City Commission deferred action on the Development
Agreement for six months.
On May 13, 2020, the owner of the International Inn made a presentation to the City
Commission, including an update on the operational and public safety issues associated with
the existing hotel. Following the presentation, the City Commission directed the administration to
schedule first reading of the proposed Development Agreement on June 24, 2020.
On June 24, 2020, the City Commission approved the Development Agreement at first reading
and referred the companion City Code and LDR ordinances to the Planning Board for review
and recommendation (Item R7 D). On July 29, 2020 the Development Agreement was adopted
by the City Commission.
On July 27, 2020 the Planning Board held a public hearing and transmitted the companion City
Code and LDR ordinances to the City Commission with a favorable recommendation by a vote
of 7-0. On September 16, 2020, the City Commission approved the companion City Code and
LDR ordinances at first reading. The ordinances were adopted on November 18, 2020.
ANALYSIS
HISTORIC DESIGNATION PROCESS
The process of historic designation is delineated in Sections 118-591 through 118-593 in
Subpart B of the Land Development Regulations of the City Code (Chapter 118, Article X,
Division 4). An outline of this process is delineated below.
Step One: A request for designation is made either by the City Commission, the Historic
Preservation Board, other agencies and organizations as listed in the Land Development
Regulations of the City Code, or the property owners involved. Proposals for designation shall
include a completed application form available from the Planning Department.
Page 549 of 1252
Step Two: The Planning Department prepares a preliminary evaluation report with
recommendations for consideration by the Board.
Step Three: The Historic Preservation Board considers the preliminary evaluation to determine
if proceeding with a designation report is warranted. The designation report is an historical and
architectural analysis of the proposed district or site. The report:
1) describes the historic, architectural and/or archeological significance of the property or
subject area proposed for Historical Site or District designation:
2) recommends Evaluation Guidelines to be used by the Board to evaluate the appropriateness
and compatibility of proposed Developments affecting the designated Site or District; and
3) will serve as an attachment to the Land Development Regulations of the City Code.
Step Four: The City Commission is notified of the Board's decision and the initial boundaries
proposed for designation. Within 60 days of the vote of the Historic Preservation Board to direct
the Planning Department to prepare a designation report, the City Commission may, by a five-
sevenths vote, deny or modify the proposed request for designation.
Step Five: The designation report is presented to the Historic Preservation Board at a public
hearing. If the Board determines that the proposed site or district satisfies the requirements for
designation as set forth in the Land Development Regulations of the City Code, the Board
transmits a recommendation in favor of designation to the Planning Board and City
Commission.
Step Six: The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed designation, and shall
consider the proposed historic designation as an amendment to the Land Development
Regulations of the City Code and, subsequently, transmit its recommendation to the City
Commission.
Step Seven: The City Commission may adopt an amendment to the Land Development
Regulations of the City Code by a five-sevenths majority vote, which thereby designates the
Historic Preservation Site or Historic District after one (1) public hearing for a parcel of land less
than ten (10) contiguous acres or after two (2) public hearings for a parcel of land that is more
than ten (10) contiguous acres.
HISTORIC DESIGNATION CRITERIA
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 they are significant in the historical, architectural, cultural, aesthetic or archeological
heritage of the city, the county, state or nation. Such properties shall possess integrity of
location, design, setting, materials, workmanship. feeling or association and meet at least one 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;
Page 550 of 1252
(2)Association with the lives of persons significant in the city's past history;
(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.
DESIGNATION CRITERIA ANALYSIS
The proposed North Shore Historic District Tatum Waterway Expansion is eligible for historic
designation as it complies with the criteria as specified in Section 118-592 in the Land
Development Regulations of the City Code outlined above. Specifically, staff finds that the
proposed International Inn Historic Site located at 2301 Normandy Drive possess integrity of
location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association with the past. In this
regard, the proposed historic site possesses the integrity of its original location at 2301
Normandy Drive, despite over sixty years of hurricanes, storms and economic downturns.
Further, the building retains many of its historic materials, details and workmanship as well as the
character of its 1950s period of construction.
Further, staff finds the proposed historic district to be eligible for historic designation and in
conformance with the following designation criteria:
(1) Association with events that have made a significant contribution to the history of
the city, the county, state or nation.
The construction of the International Inn directly reflects the turn of events in America following
World War I I (WWII). The advent of reliable and affordable mass-produced automobiles and
air transportation and the advent of air-conditioning during the early mid-century period, made
year-round resort living in South Florida highly desirable and practical, as well as within the reach
of America's middle class. Unprecedented development followed the American success in
WWII when major new resort hotels and residential buildings were constructed. Development
during this time was on a scale never before seen in South Florida. This event redefined the
evolution of resort architecture in Miami Beach and Florida. Furthermore, Miami Beach played a
significant role as a training site and redistribution center for the U.S. Army-Air Forces during
World War I I. After the war, many veterans who had trained as recruits in Miami Beach returned
here to vacation or to make their home.
Page 551 of 1252
(3) Embody the distinctive characteristics of a historical period, architectural or design
style or method of construction.
The International Inn embodies the distinctive charactenstics of the Post War Modem style of
architecture, the style of choice used by successful developers in the period that followed World
War I I in Miami Beach as well as other areas of South Florida. The structure incorporates cubic
massing, dramatic angles, large expanses of glass, pipe columns, large roof overhangs,
decorative breeze block elements, and exterior catwalks and outdoor stairways. Further, its
location adjacent to the 79th Street Causeway and exuberant neon roof signage facing
Biscayne directly reflect the Post War automobile culture.
(4) Possesses high artistic values.
The International Inn, with its dramatic use of glass, acute angles and sweeping roof line,
exemplifies high artistic values. A 2002 exhibit launched by the Municipal Art Society at the
Urban Center Galleries on Madison Avenue entitled, "Beyond the Box — Mid-Century Modem
Architecture in Miami and New York," which featured the International Inn. underscores the high
artistic value of the architecture.
(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 International Inn was designed by Melvin Grossman, a prominent local architect who also
designed the Seville, Deauville and Doral Beach hotels along Collins Avenue.
PLANNING ANALYSIS
As noted above, on June 10, 2019 Historic Preservation Board transmitted the proposed
designation to the Planning Board with a favorable recommendation. Subsequently the property
owner has studied redevelopment options for the subject site and a Development Agreement
has been approved. The companion LDR and City Code amendments were adopted by the
City Commission on November 18, 2020. For reference, these amendments provide for the
following:
1. Allow for a hotel as a main permitted use with accessory uses, on properties within the RM-1
zoning district located north of Normandy Drive that have a lot area greater than 30,000 square
feet and are designated as a local historic site. Currently, hotels are a prohibited use in the RM-1
zoning district.
2. Increase allowable building height from 55'-0" to 80'-0".
3. Relax the maximum distance requirement for providing required parking off-site to 2,500 feet
within the City limits or within one (1) mile for any off-site parking provided outside City limits;
4. Allow restaurants serving alcoholic beverages as an accessory use to a hotel.
5. Subject to conditional use approval, allow for a neighborhood impact establishment, ambient
outdoor entertainment performances, and an outdoor bar counter (as accessory uses to a hotel).
6. The lobby bar, and any other bar on the property, shall only be permitted as an accessory use
to a restaurant.
Page 552 of 1252
7. Outdoor and open-air ambier.t entertainment shall be subject to conditional use approval from
the Planning Board.
8. The hours for outdoor ambient entertainment shall be limited from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.,
unless modified by the Planning Board through the conditional use process.
9. Conditional use approval shall be required for an accessory outdoor bar counter.
10. Create an exemption from distance separation requirements for establishments selling or
offering alcoholic beverages for consumption on-premises.
From a sequencing standpoint, as requested by the owner, the Development Agreement
provides that the proposed amendments would be adopted by the City Commission prior to the
adoption of the Designation Ordinance. The proposed amendments will allow a balanced
approach to ensure the long term economic and cultural viability of a desired historic asset.
In conclusion, the International Inn represents an outstanding example of post-war modem
architecture and is a gateway icon into North Beach and staff is supportive of the historic
designation of the site.
PLANNING BOARD REVIEW
On November 17, 2020 the Planning Board held a public hearing and transmitted the ordinance
to the City Commission with a favorable recommendation by a vote of 6-0.
UPDATE (First Reading)
The subject Designation Ordinance was considered by the City Commission at First Reading
on December 9, 2020 and deferred to January 13, 2021. The item was deferred in order to
permit the Administration to research and provide additional information regarding recent Police
and Code Compliance activity at the International Inn, related primarily to a private event held on
December 5, 2020.
The following is a summary of Police and Code Compliance activity at the International Inn
since July of 2020:
Police
As noted in the attached December 29, 2020 Police Memorandum, the Police Department has
received the following calls for service since July 2020:
1. September 8, 2020: Intentional activation of fire alarm by an angered guest.
2 . September 8, 2020: Complaint that an employee actively prevented an individual from
retrieving personal belongings from a room.
3. October 20, 2020: Baker Act of an individual on the premises without clothing.
4. December 5, 2020: Complaints of a loud party.
As it pertains to the event on December 5, 2020, the North Bay Village Police Department
advised they had received calls relating to a loud party at the International Inn (which is
immediately across the waterway from North Bay Village) around 11:45 pm. Miami Beach Police
units responded and discussed the situation with the private party organizers. The volume of
music was lowered, the event dispersed within a half hour, and no violations or citations were
issued to the establishment.
Page 553 of 1252
Other than the calls identified in this memorandum, no additional calls for service were reported
for the location on December 5, 2020. However, an unrelated arrest of an individual involved in
the dealing of drugs on the same day (December 5, 2020) was made by City of Miami Police at
the International Inn; Miami Beach Police was notified of the arrest, but did not provide any
assistance.
Code Compliance
The Code Compliance Department did not receive any calls for service on December 5, 2020.
Code Compliance has received one (1) call for service for the International Inn within the last
year, which was for excessive trash; no trash was present at the time of inspection, and no
violation was issued. There have been no violations issued this year and the last Code violation
was issued in 2016.
General Summary
Notwithstanding the private event on December 5, 2020, the Police Department has seen a
marked improvement in the operation of the International Inn over the last two years. As more
specifically summarized in the attached Police Memorandum, calls for service have decreased,
and any issues on the property have evolved in nature from felonies and other disturbances to
more minor criminal activity, comparable to activity at similar establishments in the area and
industry. Additionally, International Inn management has actively worked with the Police
Department to address concerns and implement important and permanent security
enhancements, including the following
• Installation of security cameras throughout the property.
• Installation of access control systems via electronic keycards throughout the premises; these
include every hotel room door and on the adjacent FDOT lot (carried out through a Mutual Use
Agreement).
• Installation of a decorative fence and lighting throughout the property.
• Addition of a security guard at night to deter illegal activity. Due to COVID-19 closures and
other restrictions, this service was temporarily discontinued but, following the incident on
December 5, 2020, has now been reinstated.
• Modifications to hotel booking procedures to require guests to provide proper identification.
Based upon the foregoing, the Administration is satisfied that the private event held on
December 5, 2020 was an isolated occurence and not an example of a broader pattern of
egregious behavior by the owners and/or management of the International Inn.
It is important to note that, under the LDR amendments adopted by the City
Commission on November 18, 2020, the International Inn will not be permitted to
operate as a hall for hire (e.g., to host third-party private events) at any time.
Additionally, the LDR amendments will not become effective as to the International Inn
unless and until this Designation Ordinance is adopted on Second Reading. Assuming
the City Commission adopts the Designation Ordinance, the accessory uses that may be
approved at the International Inn, as an individually designated historic site, will be limited to
retail, restaurants with or without accessory bars and ambient entertainment, and personal
services. Additionally, most of these accessory uses will require Planning Board approval
through the conditional use permit (CUP) process.
UPDATE (Second Reading,)
Page 554 of 1252
The subject Ordinance was approved at First Reading on January 13, 2021, with no changes.
SUPPORTING SURVEY DATA
N/A
CONCLUSION
The Administration recommends that the City Commission adopt the subject Ordinance.
Applicable Area
North Beach
Is this a "Residents Right Does this item utilize G.O.
to Know" item. pursuant to Bond Funds?
City Code Section 2-14?
Yes No
Legislative Tracking
Planning
Sponsor
Historic Preservation Board & Commissioner Gongora
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
D International Inn - Designation Report
❑ FA Ordinance
o Dec 29 2020 MB PD Memo
Page 555 of 1252
INTERNATIONAL INN
2301 NORMANDY DRIVE
DESIGNATION REPORT
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Constructed in 1956, Designed by Melvin Grossman
PREPARED BY
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JUNE 10, 2019
Page 556 of 1252
International Inn Historic Site Designation Report Page 2 of 22
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
HISTORIC SITE DESIGNATION REPORT
INTERNATIONAL INN, 2301 NORMANDY DRIVE
PREPARED BY
City of Miami Beach Planning Department
MIAMI BEACH CITY COMMISSION
Dan Gelber, Mayor
Commissioners:
Mickey Steinberg
Mark Samuelian
Michael Gongora
Kristen Rosen Gonzalez
Ricky Arriola
John Elizabeth Aleman
Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager
Page 557 of 1252
International Inn Historic Site Designation Report Page 3 of 22
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD
Stevan Pardo, Chair
Jack Finglass
Nancy Liebman
Rick Lopez
Scott Needelman
Kirk Paskal
John Stuart
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH PLANNING BOARD
Brian Elias, Chair
Michael Barrineau
Kareem Brantley
Daniel Veitia
Mark Meland
Nick Gelpi
David Wieder
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH PLANNING DEPARTMENT
AUTHORS
Debbie Tackett, Chief of Historic Preservation
Jake Seiberling, Principal Planner
EDITORS
Thomas R. Mooney, AICP, Director
Debbie Tackett, Chief of Historic Preservation
Jake Seiberling, Principal Planner
REPORT DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
Debbie Tackett, Chief of Historic Preservation
Jake Seiberling, Principal Planner
Page 558 of 1252
International Inn Historic Site Designation Report Page 4 of 22
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
HISTORIC SITE DESIGNATION REPORT
INTERNATIONAL INN, 2301 NORMANDY DRIVE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. REQUEST 5
II. DESIGNATION PROCESS 5
III. RELATION TO ORDINANCE CRITERIA 6
IV. DESCRIPTION OF BOUNDARIES 10
V. PRESENT OWNERS 10
VI. PRESENT USE 10
VII. PRESENT ZONING 10
VIII. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND 10
IX. ARCHITECTURAL BACKGROUND 12
X. BOUNDARY MAP 1 7
XI. ZONING MAP 18
XII. PLANNING DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS 19
XIII. CURRENT PHOTOGRAPHS 20
Page 559 of 1252
International Inn Historic Site Designation Report Page 5 of 22
1. REQUEST
On May 9, 2017, the Historic Preservation Board directed Planning Department to prepare a
Preliminary Evaluation and Recommendation Report relative to the possible designation of the
property located at 2301 Normandy Drive as a local historic site.
On October 10, 2017, the Historic Preservation Board reviewed a Preliminary Evaluation and
Recommendation Report relative to the possible designation of the International Inn Historic Site
located at 2301 Normandy Drive and directed staff to prepare a Formal Designation Report for
the International Inn Historic Site.
Pursuant to Section 118-591 of the City Code, on October 12, 2017 the City Commission was
advised of the action of the Historic Preservation Board via LTC 488-2017.
11. DESIGNATION PROCESS
The process of historic designation is delineated in Sections 118-591 through 118-593 in Subpart
B of the Land Development Regulations of the City Code (Chapter 118, Article X, Division 4). An
outline of this process is delineated below.
Step One: A request for designation is made either-by the City Commission, the Historic
Preservation Board, other agencies and organizations as listed in the Land
Development Regulations of the City Code, or the property owners involved.
Proposals for designation shall include a completed application form available
from the Planning Department.
Step Two: The Planning Department prepares a preliminary evaluation report with
recommendations for consideration by the Board.
Step Three: The Historic Preservation Board considers the preliminary evaluation to determine
if proceeding with a designation report is warranted.
The designation report is an historical and architectural analysis of the proposed
district or site. The report:
1) describes the historic, architectural and/or archeological significance of
the property or subject area proposed for Historical Site or District
designation;
2) recommends Evaluation Guidelines to be used by the Board to evaluate the
appropriateness and compatibility of proposed Developments affecting the
designated Site or District; and
3) will serve as an attachment to the Land Development Regulations of the City
Code.
Step Four: The City Commission is notified of the Board's decision and the initial boundaries
proposed for designation. Within 60 days of the vote of the Historic Preservation
Page 560 of 1252
International Inn Historic Site Designotion Report Page 6 of 22
Board to direct the Planning Department to prepare a designation report, the City
Commission may, by a five-sevenths vote, deny or modify the proposed request for
designation.
Step Five: The designation report is presented to the Historic Preservation Board at a public
hearing. If the Board determines that the proposed site or district satisfies the
requirements for designation as set forth in the Land Development Regulations of
the City Code, the Board transmits a recommendation in favor of designation to
the Planning Board and City Commission.
Step Six: The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed designation, and
shall consider the proposed historic designation as an amendment to the Land
Development Regulations of the City Code and, subsequently, transmit its
recommendation to the City Commission.
Step Seven: The City Commission may adopt an amendment to the Land Development
Regulations of the City Code by a five-sevenths majority vote, which thereby
designates the Historic Preservation Site or Historic District after one (1) public
hearing for a parcel of land less than ten (10) contiguous acres or after two (2)
public hearings for a parcel of land that is more than ten (10) contiguous acres.
III. RELATION TO ORDINANCE CRITERIA
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 they are
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;
(3) Embody the distinctive characteristics of an historical period, architectural
or design style or method of construction;
(4) Possesses high artistic values;
Page 561 of 1252
International Inn Historic Site Designation Report Page 7 of 22
(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 proposed International Inn Historic Site is eligible for historic designation 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 proposed International Inn Historic Site located at 2301
Normandy Drive possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials,
workmanship, feeling or association for the following reasons:
The construction of the hotel building located at 2301 Normandy Drive in 1956, two
years following the end of WWII, was clearly significant in the successful development
historic of the City of Miami Beach. The proposed historic site still possesses the integrity
of its original location at 2301 Normandy Drive, despite over sixty years of hurricanes,
storms and economic downturns. Further, the building retains many of its historic
materials, details and workmanship as well as the character of its 1950s period of
construction.
(a) Further, staff finds the proposed historic district 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 construction of the International Inn directly reflects the turn of events in
America following World War II (WWII). The advent of reliable and
Page 562 of 1252
International Inn Historic Site Designation Report Page 8 of 22
affordable mass-produced automobiles and air transportation and the
advent of air-conditioning during the early mid-century period, made year-
round resort living in South Florida highly desirable and practical, as well
as within the reach of America's middle class. Unprecedented
development followed the American success in WWII when major new
resort hotels and residential buildings were constructed. Development
during this time was on a scale never before seen in South Florida. This
event redefined the evolution of resort architecture in Miami Beach and
Florida.
Furthermore, Miami Beach played a significant role as a training site and
redistribution center for the U.S. Army-Air Forces during World War II.
After the war, many veterans who had trained as recruits in Miami Beach
returned here to vacation or to make their home.
(3) Embody the distinctive characteristics of a historical period,
architectural or design style or method of construction.
The International Inn embodies the distinctive characteristics of the Post
War Modern style of architecture, the style of choice used by successful
developers in the period that followed World War II in Miami Beach as
well as other areas of South Florida. The structure incorporates cubic
massing, dramatic angles, large expanses of glass, pipe columns, large
roof overhangs, decorative breeze block elements, and exterior catwalks
and outdoor stairways. Further, its location adjacent to the 79th Street
Causeway and exuberant neon roof signage facing Biscayne directly
reflect the Post War automobile culture.
(4) Possesses high artistic values.
The International Inn, with its dramatic use of glass, acute angles and
sweeping roof line, exemplifies high artistic values. A 2002 exhibit
launched by the Municipal Art Society at the Urban Center Galleries on
Madison Avenue entitled, "Beyond the Box - Mid-Century Modern
Architecture in Miami and New York," which featured the International Inn,
underscores the high artistic value of the architecture.
(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 International Inn was designed by Melvin Grossman, a prominent local
architect who also designed the Seville, Deauville and Doral Beach hotels
along Collins Avenue.
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International Inn Historic Site Designation Report Page 9 of 22
3. The historic preservation board shall consider if the historic buildings, historic structures,
historic improvements, historic landscape features, historic interiors (architecturally
significant public portions only), historic sites, or historic districts comply with the sea level
rise and resiliency review criteria in Chapter 133, Article II, as applicable, pursuant to
Section 118-592.
(a) Criteria for ordinances, resolutions, or recommendations:
(1) Whether the proposal affects an area that is vulnerable to the
impacts of sea level rise, pursuant to adopted projections.
The possible historic site area affects a property that is vulnerable to the
impacts of sea level rise.
The adopted projections are the following:
At Mean High Water, Sea Level Rise is projected to be (NGVD Elevations):
• 2.31 to 2.64 by 2030 (near-term)
• 2.98 to 3.98 by 2060 (mid-term)
• 4.39 to 6.89 by 2100 (long-term)
ESTIMATED from LIDAR and 1995 Partial Building Records indicates the
following for the property located at 2301 Normandy Drive:
• Average Existing Crown of Road - 4.96 NGVD
• Future Crown of Road -5.26 NGVD
• Average Existing Edge of Pavement- 4.26 NGVD
• Future Edge of Pavement- 5.06 NGVD
• Average Ground Elevation - 4.46 NGVD
The estimated Lidar data indicates the subject property has a ground
elevation that is currently at a level below the future crown of road
elevation.
(2) Whether the proposal will increase the resiliency of the City
with respect to sea level rise.
In order for the historic site designation to increase the resiliency of the
City, substantial alterations, adaptive re-use and/or redevelopment of the
property will likely be required. A suitable level of flexibility will be
necessary in reviewing applications for Certificates of Appropriateness for
alterations, demolition, additions and new construction in order for the
properties to meet current and future Building Codes and the City's
resiliency standards.
(3) Whether the proposal is compatible with the City's sea level
rise mitigation and resiliency efforts.
Page 564 of 1252
International Inn Historic Site Designation Report Page 10 of 22
In order for the historic site designation to be compatible with the City's
sea level rise mitigation and resiliency efforts, substantial alterations,
adaptive re-use and/or redevelopment of the subject properties will likely
be required. A suitable level of flexibility will be necessary in reviewing
applications for Certificates of Appropriateness for alterations, demolition,
additions and new construction in order for the property to meet current
and future Building Codes and to be consistent with the City's resiliency
initiatives.
IV. DESCRIPTION OF BOUNDARIES
The proposed historic site is located at 2301 Normandy Drive on Lots 15 thru 1 8, Block 40 of
Miami View Section — Isle of Normandy Part 3, as recorded in Plat Book 40, Page 33 of the
Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida. (MAP 1)
V. PRESENT OWNERS
The present owner of the property is Tsay International Inc.
VI. PRESENT USE
Hotel (Legal Non-Conforming)
VII. PRESENT ZONING
The established zoning district within the boundaries of proposed historic site is as follows:
RM-1 Residential Multifamily, Low Intensity
Please refer to the zoning map for more detailed information. (MAP 2)
VIII. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
In 1923, Henri Levy purchased the area which would become Normandy Isles from Carl Fisher.
Originally named Meade-Warner Island, the tract comprised 450 acres on two natural mangrove
islands in Biscayne Bay. Much of the land was initially under water and for over two years, huge
dredges pumped up the bay bottom to create additional land mass. In 1925, Henri Levy's
Normandy Beach Properties Corporation began development of Normandy Isles. Isle of
Normandy, the southernmost of the two islands shown in the photograph on the proceeding
page, required two years to clear land, construct seawalls and dredge. The final and most
challenging phase of the project was dredging and filling a swampy land mass directly to the
west extending the islands further in Biscayne Bay.
Page 565 of 1252
International Inn Historic Site Designation Report Page 11 of 22
-..,•••-•0117411
•
SitAMi.uAL*PL bL''3'1ti'1 LJ AItY Sybt
AAAAI4 {,
Aerial photograph, 1923
•
Aerial photograph, 1929
Levy then worked on realizing his dream of connecting his Miami Beach properties to the
mainland with a causeway across Biscayne Bay linking North Beach to mainland Miami's
growing northern subdivisions. The Miami Beach City Council endorsed the causeway project in
December 1925, making it possible to proceed with preliminary work. The causeway, completed
in 1929, can be seen in the photograph above.
Page 566 of 1252
International Inn Historic Site Designation Report Page 12 of 22
It is called the 79th Street Causeway for
its western connection at 79th Street in
Miami; at its eastern end it connects to `
71st Street on Normandy Isle and
Miami Beach. When completed in
1929, this causeway was a much
i -
needed new automotive link acrosswok
Biscayne Bay, with the County "'
Causeway farther south.
Although conceived, planned and
themed in the 1920's, and initially
developed in the 1920's and 30's,
Normandy Isles was largely urbanized
in the post-World War II period.
View looking west, 79th Street Causeway, 1955
IX. ARCHITECTURAL BACKGROUND
Post War Modern
The Post War Modern style of architecture in South Florida, which spans from approximately
1945 to the mid-1960s, is often interchangeably referred to as Miami Modern (MiMo) or Mid-
Century Modern, the latter being a more nationally recognized term. Regardless of name, the
historic design impact of this mid-20th century style can be seen today throughout South Florida
and beyond. In order to better understand the Post War Modern or style of architecture, it is
important to view this architectural movement in the context of the historical, political, social,
economic, and technological changes that were taking place during this period worldwide,
nationwide, and locally.
The United States emerged as a world power following World War II. After years of deprivation
during the Great Depression and wartime, the end of the war brought a sense of joyful optimism
to many Americans. The Baby Boom was the result of the eagerness to get this new generation
underway, while the legislation of the G.I. Bill helped to provide education and prosperity for war
veterans.
Miami Beach played a significant role as a training site and redistribution center for the U.S.
Army-Air Forces during World War II. The immediate availability of the City as a training center
in 1942 is credited with reducing the length of the war effort by six to eight months and saving
the government $6 million in building costs. 1 After the war, many veterans who had trained as
recruits in Miami Beach returned here to vacation or to make their home. This, in addition to the
Cuban Revolution in 1959, which prompted an unprecedented mass immigration of Cubans to
Miami, resulted in a need for housing, retail, and services to accommodate the different growing
segments of the population increased.
I "Army Life on Beach in Second Year," Miami Herald, 19 February 1943.
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International Inn Historic Site Designation Report Page 13 of 22
D.c.?1S --ow so Sldo.'Army A,ramie. America redirected its enormous
...., ' '. i Mwm� h nu
industrial capacity from the
"x defense economy back to the
■ ■ •• •
I ■ . ■■�l domestic economy following the•
Waie , ■ . ■...,; war. There was no longer a
• ' ' a"m : • . - perceived need for rationing,
, conserving, and recycling. The
07:„, r . • - economy was thrivingand gave
�. ti. -+�: eco o y
Ib y` frit- ',--7 t , rise to the growing middle class.
aQi New electric appliances and
Ai !IP. 1 , _ gadgets with push buttons began
• k :_ AL.�—= to appear in many households.
_ Air conditioning was introduced
'
Postcard depicting Army Air Forcesolders marching on Collins Avenue. as a modern convenience that
tremendously added to the
comforts of living in Florida. It became especially important because air conditioning allowed for
a year-round economy and freed architects from having to adapt their buildings to the hot, humid
climate.
It was the beginning of the space age. The first Sputnik was launched in 1957. Rivalry with the
U.S.S.R. led to the space race. Futuristic, flamboyant, fun design elements showed up in cars,
furniture, and buildings. Automobiles sprouted wings and depicted rocket motifs. The small globe
with protruding antennae reminiscent of the Sputnik became a common design detail. Cheese
holes, woggles and boomerangs began to appear in architecture everywhere in Miami Beach.
After a hiatus in construction due to World War II, the Post War Modern style picked up where
Art Deco left off with the added influences of a booming Post War economy, new technologies,
the prevalence of the sophisticated, affordable, and reliable new automobiles, and a feeling of
national optimism. The local expression of this style was dubbed Miami Modern or MiMo by the
Greater Metropolitan Miami area's Urban Arts Committee in about 2004.
From about 1948 to 1965, the widely popular Post War Modern style was frequently applied to
hotels, commercial buildings, apartment houses, and single family homes throughout Miami
Beach. Post War Modern style buildings generally made an extensive use of glass and poured
concrete. They often mixed two or more textured surfaces together (i.e. stucco with stone, brick, or
mosaic tile as well as contrasting smooth and patterned stucco surfaces). The style featured such
dramatic elements as accordion-like folded plate roofs and walls, acute as well as subtle angles,
dynamic parabolas, delta wing shapes, sweeping curved walls, and soaring pylons. Other
commonly occurring design elements and materials that were added to the architectural
vocabulary of the Post War Modern style structures included: brise soleil, architectural accents
with exotic themes and often wall sculptures in relief, brick or stone faced feature areas, cast
concrete decorative panels with geometric patterns, and a remarkable use of architectural 'breeze
block' in a wide variety of design patterns lending itself so well to natural air flow in this tropical
environment.
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International Inn Historic Site Designation Report Page 14 of 22
The hotels and motels in the Post-War Modern style often incorporated an expansive use of glass
curtain walls, cantilevered asymmetrical roofs, leaping arches, dramatic fin walls, floating planes,
architectural bridges, and grand entrance porte cocheres. Primary facades were sometimes
graced with bold neon signs or logos in order to catch the eye of passing motorists. Sometimes,
"sky signs" were mounted on rooftop features or on parapet walls. Color was an essential
ingredient of signage. The fenestration was often highlighted with boxed or corner windows, as
well as continuous ribbon windows and eyebrows. The hotels often took on exotic or futuristic
forms, using architecture as advertising in an effort to outdo one another in competing for
business.
Architect
Melvin Grossman (1914-2003) was an associate with Albert Anis in 1950 and was also a
protege of master Post War Modern architect Morris Lapidus. In fact, all three collaborated on
the Nautilus Hotel (1825 Collins Avenue) in 19502 and a year later on the Biltmore Terrace Hotel
(8701 Collins Avenue).' Grossman and Lapidus partnered in designing the DiLido Hotel (One
Lincoln Road) in 1953.
According to MiMo authorities Nash and Robinson, Grossman began as an engineer working for
Lapidus and then, after turning down an offer to become partners, struck out on his own to
become Lapidus' biggest imitator.4
Influenced by both Anis and Lapidus, Grossman would go on to design the Seville Hotel (2901
Collins Avenue) in 1955, the 593-room Deauville (6701 Collins Avenue) in 1957, and the Doral
Beach Hotel (4833 Collins Avenue) in 1962. He also exported the MiMo style in designing the
original Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas and the Acapulco Princess Hotel in Mexico.5
2301 Normandy Drive — International Inn
The International Inn is located at the western edge of Normandy Isles immediately adjacent to
the 79'' Street Causeway. This location was likely strategically chosen to capture motorist's
attention as they were traveling eastward from the City of Miami into Miami Beach. The property
consists of three lots and contains a surface parking lot on the eastern portion of the site and a
pool deck along the western portion Facing Biscayne Bay.
The International Inn has an I-shape plan, with the central guest room bar flanked on the north by
an additional guest room wing and on the south by a lobby and restaurant. Originally named the
Carnival Motel, the existing 2-story building was constructed in 1956 and designed by architect
Melvin Grossman in the Post War Modern style of architecture. City Building Department records
indicate the property was originally built as an Apartment-Motel, with 34 1-bedroom, 2-bathroom
apartments and 3 hotel rooms, and also contained a lobby and coffee shop.
2 M.Lapidus,Too Much Is Never Enough;Ri,zoli, 1996,p.1 50;also"Hotel Roosevelt Plans Gala Birthday Opening, Miami
Herald,Nov. 19, 1950
3 Building Permit Card#27133 and Plans#37045,Miami Beach Building Department.
4 Nash and Robinson,op.cit.,p.73.
5 Obituary,Miami Herald.November 12,2003,p.4B.
Page 569 of 1252
International Inn Historic Site Designation Report Page 15 of 22
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The name of the motel was changed to the International Inn in 1963, as evidenced in Building
Permit #69448 for the new roof signage. While the signage has been modified to remove the
word 'Motel', it remains today.
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Page 570 of 1252
International Inn Historic Site Designation Report Page 16 of 22
The existing building and site appear to be almost entirely consistent with the original design.
Existing significant architectural features indicative of the Post War Modern style of architecture
include exterior walkways and second floor catwalks accessing guest rooms, breeze block
details, overhanging roof eaves, exuberant neon roof signage and a dramatic 2-story lobby with
floor to ceiling glass, angled columns and sweeping roof structure.
A 40-year recertification (BR160143_40YR2016-00130) approved on August 10, 2016,
indicates the building is in good structural condition.
The International Inn was featured in 'Beyond the Box, Mid-Century Modern Architecture in Miami
and New York', an exhibit curated by the Urban Arts Committee of Miami Beach and the
Municipal Arts Society. The exhibit was showcased at the Municipal Arts Society of New York
Urban Galleries between March 13th and May 8, 2002.
THE PROGRESSION FROM SOUTH TO NORTH ALONG MIAMI BEACH IS
(
A PROGRESSION THROUGH RECENT AMERICAN ARCHITECTURAL
HISTORY FROM THE 1930s . THROUGH THE '405 . . . INTO THE
FAMOUS HOTELS OF THE 50s AND '60s. WE FEEL THAT THIS
PROGRESSION IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE ARCHITECTURAL AND
CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THIS COUNTRY AND SHOULD BE SEEN AS
SUCH BY THOSE WHO CONTROL ITS SURVIVAL.
— DENISE SCOTT BROWN. 1973
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2002, Page 14
Page 571 of 1252
International Inn Historic Site Designation Report Page 17 of 22
MAP 1: Proposed International Inn Historic Site Boundaries
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Page 572 of 1252
International Inn Historic Site Designation Report Page 18 of 22
MAP 2: Zoning Districts within and surrounding the proposed International Inn
Historic Site.
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Page 573 of 1252
International Inn Historic Site Designation Report Page 19 of 22
X. PLANNING DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Criteria for Designation: The Planning Department finds the proposed
International Inn Historic Site to be in compliance with the Criteria for Designation
listed in Section 118-592 in the Land Development Regulations of the City Code.
2. Site Boundaries; The Planning Department recommends that the boundaries of
the historic site consist of the entire property located on Lots 15 thru 18, Block 40
of Miami View Section — Isle of Normandy Part 3, as recorded in Plat Book 40,
Page 33 of the Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida. (MAP 1)
3. Areas Subject to Review: The Planning Department recommends that the
areas subject to review shall include all exterior building elevations and public
interior spaces, site and landscape features.
4. Review Guidelines: The Planning Department recommends that a decision on
an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness shall be based upon
compatibility of the physical alteration or improvement with surrounding properties
and where deemed applicable in substantial compliance with the following:
a. The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines
for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings, as revised from time to time;
b. Other guidelines/policies/plans adopted or approved by resolution or
ordinance by the City Commission;
c. All additional criteria as listed under Sections 118-564(6), 118-564(c) and
133-50(a) in the Land Development Regulations of the City Code;
d. A suitable level of flexibility will be necessary in reviewing applications for
Certificates of Appropriateness for alterations, demolition, and additions in
order to ensure the revitalization and resiliency of this unique and low-lying
area of the City;
e. City of Miami Beach Design Guidelines as adopted by the Joint Design
Review/Historic Preservation Board on October 12, 1993, amended June
7, 1994, as may be revised from time to time.
Page 574 of 1252
International Inn Historic Site Designation Report Page 20 of 22
XI. CURRENT PHOTOGRAPHS
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2301 Normandy Drive,view looking northeast,2018
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2301 Normandy Drive,view looking northeast,2018
Page 575 of 1252
International Inn Historic Site Designation Report Page 21 of 22
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2301 Normandy Drive, view looking northwest, 2018
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2301 Normandy Drive, lobby view looking southwest, 2018
Page 576 of 1252
International Inn Historic Site Designation Report Page 22 of 22
Ili -
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2301 Normandy Drive, lobby view looking northeast, 2018
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2301 Normandy Drive, mezzanine view looking northeast, 2018
Page 577 of 1252
MIAMIBEACH
MEMORANDUM
TO: Raul Aguila, City Manager
FROM: Rick Clements, Chief of Police
DATE: December 29, 2020
SUBJECT: International Inn - Security Concerns and Calls for Service
At the December 9, 2020 City Commission meeting, item R5Q regarding the historic
designation of the International Inn was discussed and deferred pending additional
information regarding police calls for service at the location.
Four relevant calls for service from the Miami Beach Police Department have been
logged at 2301 Normandy Dr.. Miami Beach since July 2020:
1. September 8, 2020 — intentional activation of fire alarm by an angered guest
2. September 8, 2020 — complaint that an employee actively prevented an
individual from retrieving personal belongings from a room
3. October 20, 2020 — Baker Act of an individual on the premises without clothing
4. December 5, 2020 — complaints of a loud party
With regards to the December 5, 2020 call for service discussed during the Commission
meeting, the North Bay Village Police Department advised they were receiving calls for
a loud party across the waterway around 11:45pm. Miami Beach Police units
responded and made contact with the parties on scene. The music was lowered, and
the event dispersed within half an hour. No violations or citations were issued to the
establishment. No additional calls for service or parties were reported for the location on
1 the same day. Follow up calls have taken place among the Department, Rabbi Hadar
and hotel management following the incident.
An unrelated arrest of an individual involved in the dealing of drugs on the same day by
City of Miami Police was made known to Miami Beach Police who did not provide any
assistance.
Page I of 2
Page 581 of 1252
MIAM!BEACH
vai
In the interest of shedding light on the progress and efforts made by the management of
the International Inn, it should be noted that calls for service have decreased and
changed in nature from felonies to more minor criminal activity, comparable to similar
establishments in the area and industry. The establishment has made large strides in
modifying its management approach, most significantly within the past two years.
Management has actively worked with the Department to address concerns and
implement important and permanent security enhancements. Mr. Ricky Tsay. the
current property manager of the hotel and son of the owner, currently lives on-location
and has diligently met with the Department multiple times in 2020 alone. The
International Inn has spent a significant amount of time and money in the hiring of
attorneys and engineers through which to execute the multiple recommendations made
by the Department to a degree not often observed in similar situations.
To date. Mr. Tsay and hotel management have implemented the following security
enhancements:
• installation of security cameras throughout the property
• installation of access control systems via electronic keycards throughout the
premises, on every hotel room door and on the adjacent FDOT lot (carried out
through a Mutual Use Agreement)
• installation of permitted decorative fence line lighting throughout the property
• addition of a security guard at night to deter illegal activity (due to the COVID-19
closures, this service was temporarily discontinued and has now been reinstated
following the December 5, 2020 incident)
• modifications to hotel booking procedures to include the requirement of proper
identification
The Miami Beach Police Department commends the International Inn for their efforts
and considers the establishment to be an example of crime prevention through
environmental design. The changes the hotel has gone to great lengths to implement
have unmistakably deterred serious criminal activity including shootings, gang activity,
narcotic sales and prostitution from their premises over the past few years.
Page 2 of 2
Page 582 of 1252