Resolution 2021-31656 RESOLUTION NO. 2021-31656
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ENDORSING THE DESIGNATION,
AS INITIATED BY THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD, OF THE
NORTH BEACH BANDSHELL STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 7275
COLLINS AVENUE AS AN INDIVIDUAL HISTORIC SITE.
WHEREAS, the North Beach Bandshell located at 7275 Collins Avenue was constructed
in 1961 and designed by prominent local architect Norman Giller in the Post War Modern style of
architecture; and
WHEREAS, on December 8, 2020, the Historic Preservation 'Board (HPB) passed a
motion (7-0) directing the Planning Department to prepare a Preliminary Evaluation and
Recommendation Report relative to the possible historic designation of the North Beach
Bandshell as an individual local historic site; and
WHEREAS, March 8, 2021, the HPB reviewed the Preliminary Evaluation and
Recommendation Report outlining the historic and architectural significance of the Bandshell and
passed a motion (7-0) directing the Planning Department to prepare a formal Designation Report
for the North Beach Bandshell Historic Site; and
WHEREAS, the North Beach Bandshell is an exceptional example of Post War Modern
architecture with its dramatic sculptural concrete forms designed to respond to its unique tropical
location in Miami Beach; and
WHEREAS, the retention of the North Beach Bandshell is critical to the architectural and
cultural history of the City of Miami Beach; and
WHEREAS, the City of Miami Beach is committed to preserving important historically
significant structures.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City
Commission hereby endorse the designation of the North Beach Bandshell structure located at
7275 Collins Avenue as an individual historic site, as initiated by the Historic Preservation Board.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 1 7 day of march , 2021.
ATTEST: ,47-21----____
Dan Gelber, Mayor
*jiti
Rafae . Gra ado, Citk _\PMi. �c,f��
g:: , f '•'•:�j.y APPROVED AS TO FORM AND
I
� LANGUAGE AND FOR EXECUTION
INCORPORATED. 3 — a_ci --7_I
. ' '' '`'- City Attorney Lw... Date
New Business and Commission Requests - R9 T
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Mayor Dan Gelber
DATE: March 17, 2021
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING LOCAL HISTORIC
DESIGNATION FOR BANDSHELL.
SUPPORTING SURVEY DATA
See attached.
Applicable Area
Citywide
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
Mayor Dan Gelber
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
o Letter to Commission- Proposed Designation of North Beach Bandshell as local historic site
Page 2123 of 2284
DocuSign Envelope ID:CF6F38ED-6A08-414A-9A70-E40B909E100E
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC# 099-2021 LETTER TO COMMISSION
•
TO: Mayor Dan Gelber and Members of the City Commission
DoCuSIQned by:
FROM: Raul J. Aguila, Interim City Manager [(//j((j//Qp����(.a.
�6240F92845D
DATE: March 9, 2021
SUBJECT: Proposed Designation of North Beach Bandshell as a Local Historic Site
On December 8, 2020, the Historic Preservation Board passed a motion (7-0), directing the
Planning Department to prepare a Preliminary Evaluation and Recommendation Report relative to
the possible historic designation of the North Beach Bandshell located at 7275 Collins Avenue as
a local historic site.
On March 8, 2021, the Historic Preservation Board held a meeting to consider a Preliminary
Evaluation and Recommendation Report relative to the possible North Beach Bandshell Historic
Site. At this meeting the Board voted (7-0)to direct the Planning Department to prepare a formal
historic designation report for the proposed North Beach Bandshell Historic Site.
Pursuant to Section 118-591 of the City Code, when the Historic Preservation Board directs staff
to prepare a designation report for a proposed historic district or site, the Mayor and City
Commission shall be 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, as well as establish specific timeframes for
the completion of the evaluation and recommendation and/or designation report. Within this 60-
day period the City Commission may also, by a five-sevenths vote, deny or modify the proposed
designation boundaries.
The regularly scheduled City Commission meetings within this 60-day timeframe are on March 17,
2021 and April 21, 2021.
Attached, please find a copy of the Preliminary Evaluation and Recommendation Report, prepared
by the Planning Department, which outlines the initial evaluation of the North Beach Bandshell.
Please advise if you would like this matter scheduled for discussion at any of the above noted City
Cori
mi on meetings.
RJA/ETC/TRM/DJT
C: Rafael Paz, Acting City Attorney
Rafael Granado, City Clerk
F:\PLAM$ALL\CM RESP12021\LTC-North Beach Bandshelljlroposed historic site.docx
Page 2124 of 2284
DocuSign Envelope ID:CF6F38ED-6A08.414A-9A70-E40B909E100E
•
MIAMI BEACH
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Staff Report & Recommendation Historic Preservation Board
TO: Chairperson and Members DATE: March 8, 2021
Historic Preservation Board
FROM: Thomas R. Mooney, AICP
Planning Director
SUBJECT: HPB20-0446, 7275 Collins Avenue—North Beach Bandshell.
A presentation by the City of Miami Beach Planning Department to the Historic
Preservation Board of a Preliminary Evaluation and Recommendation Report
relative to the possible historic designation of the North Beach Bandshell
structure located at 7275 Collins Avenue, as an individual local historic site.
RECOMMENDATION
Direct the Planning Department to prepare a formal historic designation report for the proposed
North Beach Bandshell Historic Site.
BACKGROUND
On December 8, 2020, the Historic Preservation Board passed a motion (7-0), directing the
Planning Department to prepare a Preliminary Evaluation and Recommendation Report relative
to the possible historic designation of the North Beach Bandshell as an individual historic site.
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:
Page 2125 of 2284
DocuSign Envelope ID:CF6F38ED-6A08-414A-9A70-E40B909E100E
Historic Preservation Board
HPB20-0446-7275 Collins Avenue
March 8,2021 Page 2 of 12
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 the 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 designation report is presented to the Historic Preservation Board at a public
hearing. If the Historic Preservation 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 Historic Preservation Board
transmits a recommendation in favor of designation to the Planning Board and
City Commission.
Step Five: 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 Six: The City Commission may adopt an amendment to the Land Development
Regulations of the City Code which thereby designates the Historic Preservation
Site or Historic District after (1) public hearing for a parcel of land less than ten
(10) contiguous acres or after (2) public hearings for a parcel of land which is •
more than ten (10)contiguous acres.
PRELIMINARY EVALUATION
Historical Context
Long before the incorporation of Miami Beach in 1915, even before this desolate barrier island
became a coconut plantation, the Biscayne House of Refuge was built near present-day 72nd
Street (just south of what would become the future site of the North Beach Bandshell). It was
one of five stations constructed by the United States Lifesaving Service (a precursor to the
Coast Guard) along Florida's southeast coast in 1876. These stations usually housed a keeper
and his family, and they provided shelter and food for shipwrecked mariners.'
It is widely believed that the Biscayne House of Refuge was the first formal structure erected on
the barrier island now known as Miami Beach.2 It was also the birthplace of Richard Peacock,
son of the keeper at that time. Born on November 4, 1886, he is reputedly the first person born
in what would later become Miami Beach.
Soon after its construction, the Biscayne House of Refuge played a part in the coconut
1 Miami Library, Florida Room,"The Biscayne House of Refuge,"Journal of the Historical Association of Southern
Florida,June 1975,pp.4-5.
2 Ruby Leach Carson,"Forty Years of Miami Beach,"Tequesta,Historical Association of Southern Florida,volume
XV,1955,pp.6-7.
Page 2126 of 2284
DocuSign Envelope ID:CF6F38ED-6A08-414A-9A70-E40B909E100E
Historic Preservation Board
HPB20-0446—7275 Collins Avenue
March 8,2021 Page 3 of 12
plantation project of 1882 when New Jersey entrepreneurs Elnathan Field, Ezra Osborn, and
Henry Lum purchased about 60 miles of oceanfront land extending from Key Biscayne to
Jupiter, Florida. A mobile work crew planted this land with over 300,000 coconuts that were
brought by boat from the Caribbean. The first camp site for the coconut planting operations was
located in the area of today's Lummus Park; subsequent camp sites were positioned at the
Biscayne House of Refuge in Miami Beach and then the Ft. Lauderdale House of Refuge (about
nine miles south of the Hillsboro Inlet). Although the project did not succeed commercially, it
was the first attempt at development of the City and it led to other, more successful endeavors
aimed at tourism.
•
t t f
e' 4
i
•
.; _ 'K •.t'. .. y;rY iti:}'h r
Biscayne House of Refuge, ca. 1925
The Biscayne House of Refuge was originally built on a 10-acre strip of oceanfront land claimed
for the United States government by an executive order from President Ulysses S. Grant in
1875. The Department of the Interior increased the government's land holdings to extend from
the Atlantic Ocean to Biscayne Bay in 1891. In 1921, President Warren G. Harding issued an
executive order to restore part of this tract to the public domain (to become known as Harding
Townsite), and a 500 foot-wide strip was retained for use by the United States Coast Guard
(established in 1915).3 The Coast Guard tract was 22 acres in size and spanned from the ocean
to the bay between what is now 72nd Street and 73rd Street.
In 1922, a survey revealed that the Biscayne House of Refuge, which consisted of the main
building, a boathouse, and an observation tower, had mistakenly been built a short distance
3 City of Miami Beach, Planning Department,"Harding Townsite/South Altos Del Mar Historic District Designation
Report," 1996, pp. 12-16.
Page 2127 of 2284
DocuSign Envelope ID:CF6F38ED-6A08-414A-9A70-E40B909E100E
Historic Preservation Board
HPB20-0446—7275 Collins Avenue
March 8,2021 Page 4 of 12
south of the parcel of land the United States government had claimed for its site.4 Consequently,
the Biscayne House of Refuge was moved the following year from its original location just south
of 72nd Street northward about 200 feet onto the government-owned tract of land.5 This area
was located in unincorporated Dade County at that time. When Miami Beach was incorporated
in 1915, the northern city limits were set along the midline of State-surveyed Sections 22 and 23
near present-day 46th Street.6 The house of refuge and the future site of the North Beach
Bandshell did not become a part of Miami Beach until July 1, 1924, when the northern city limit
was extended to its present location at 87th Terrace.'
The Biscayne House of Refuge remained in use until September of 1926 when it was heavily
damaged in the great hurricane and subsequently demolished. The only house of refuge that
survives today is located at Gilbert's Bar near Stuart, Florida. As times changed, property values
rose in North Beach, and the Coast Guard left the federal reservation idle and overgrown. Many
appeals were made for the release of this land from government ownership, but the original
1875 decree prohibited its sale. Finally, in 1941, the Coast Guard exchanged this property for
the site of its present station on Causeway Island, and the land between 72nd Street and 73rd
Street came into the possession of the City of Miami Beach for use as a public park.8 It appears
that the former Coast Guard property was first named Surfside Park9; however, it was later
renamed to North Shore Park by 1952.10
In 1942, the City of Miami Beach erected a lifesaving and comfort station on the beach in the
new park (just southeast of what would become the future site of the bandshell). It was
designed by August Geiger and built by Wilbert Harborn for a cost of$18,000. The floor plan of
the building was organized around a central hospital room with a squad room on the north end
and a storage room on the south end. Bathroom facilities were located on the far north and
south sides of the structure. The 1-story building was symmetrically designed with a central
section and two side wings that were lower in height. It featured multiple hipped roofs with flat
tile, double-hung sash windows, heavy wood-paneled doors, wooden shutters, side entrances
with thick masonry sidewalls, and a large porch facing the ocean. In 1974, the structure was
enlarged and significantly altered to adapt to a new use as a community center.11
In 2010, the 1942 building was demolished and replaced by a new 2-story community center
designed by architect Rene Gonzalez. This new community center was approved by the Design
Review Board in 2008 and completed in 2013.12
4"Harding Tale Tragic,"Miami Herald,21 April 1940;"The Story of Miami Beach,"Beach Beacon,7 July 1927,p 4;
and City of Miami Beach, Public Works Department,United States Department of Interior Survey,Plat of the
Townsite of Harding, 1922.
5 Library of Congress,Washington,D.C., United States Coast Guard Correspondence,box 640, 1910 to 1935.
6"Vote Tonight on Incorporating Miami Beach,"Miami Metropolis,26 March 1915,p.1.
7"Miami Beach News,"Miami Daily News-Metropolis,2 July 1924.
8 City of Miami Beach, Planning Department,"Harding Townsite/South Altos Del Mar Historic District Designation
Report,"1996,pp.12-16.
9 Atlas of Miami Beach to Golden Beach.Florida(Ft.Lauderdale,Florida: Frank B.Dolph,1944),plate 15.
10 Plat Book of Miami Beach to Golden Beach.Florida(Philadelphia,Pennsylvania: G.M.Hopkins Company, 1952),
plate 20.
11 City of Miami Beach,Building Department, Building Permit Cards 68 and 94.
12 City of Miami Beach,Planning Department, DRB File No.21559
Page 2128 of 2284
DocuSign Envelope ID:CF6F38ED-6A08-414A-9A70-E40B909E100E
Historic Preservation Board
HPB20-0446—7275 Collins Avenue
March 8,2021 Page 5 of 12
North Beach Bandshell
The North Beach Bandshell, originally known as the North Shore Community Center, is located
within Bandshell Park on Collins Avenue between 72nd and 73rd Streets, adjacent to the beach
and the Atlantic Ocean. Designed by the renowned Miami Beach architect Norman Giller in
1961, the bandshell is an excellent example of the Post War Modern or Miami Modem (MiMo)
style of architecture. The bandshell was designed as an open-air facility to host a variety of civic
and community activities. Comprised of sculptured concrete forms, the bandshell complex is
designed as an amphitheater with a central circular terrazzo dance floor surrounded by a semi-
circular area for seating and a central stage. A perimeter wall capped with decorative cast
concrete breeze block encircles the amphitheater complex. The large, curved concrete stage is
flanked by two side entrances, each detailed with large cantilevered concrete canopies that
appear to float, and a main gate that is on axis with the stage and enclosed in a tower of curved
columns. This open-air performing arts facility was sensitively designed to respond to its unique
tropical location in Miami Beach. The highly spirited open form of its architecture integrates
artfully with its coconut palm setting by the sea.
•
•
.0 ~:i irw Yl _ oy -r
,� �i�._
a '{ +� i ` . N+•''�/I tis
11'
' �' % � r •�. ,i r Rmoi• .`IJ ` .r s«".'. .._
/r i , '- CwR.r rv{ � Y I .R- +•
R \ '`•.ti:#:Yrs.., a. 1
-i,,- .V
R •
•
S`.
1..: -_ .,�G •M`•,r+ `n• rf� 'fir
•
I+,
Bandshell floor plan, Norman Giller, 1951
Page 2129 of 2284
DocuSign Envelope ID:CF6F38ED-6A08-414A-9A70-E40B909E100E
Historic Preservation Board
HPB20-0446—7275 Collins Avenue
March 8,2021 Page 6 of 12
4 tlILN
NsA�
__T°ir;
YNA{Kc*I(L""m If I1CCc/6NIf
,
,thLt______---'-"1i�—. _-------_ fi -1',.1- n F
f- ›. �'+
---��-. 1111 2-'14 cum, IN
- t ?-- ikoi JOIN[
t- ,, 1.6___-_-::::::„..--\...4.-c---_ -_-,--__:_-- ---*
.1,.. c uc - 1• •C.. -CONI TSL KAM
ELEVATION A*I
tl•GVLc�t ilrs,
-- blotto ly; SECTION Q-A
N
cL NO.=1.1 CLIC 1__' �4 -P
c�oo>4 rw. row --
IOGL.1loNi) 'T'/ICII uNli :!Nilo
SECTION 6.6
Breeze block detail, Norman Giller, 1951
Between 2009 and 2011, the Bandshell facility was restored and renovated by the City including
the replacement of the eastern shed structure with a new 1-story back of house addition. In
2019, the Design Review Board reviewed and approved plans for the introduction of a new
circular shade canopy structure designed by Ira Giller, Norman Giller's son.
•
v -
: ..... ip Vil ; 1 -
:::7:'-•: .• : • : • : , % , '
-,.
" p
Current photograph of the bandshell complex showing recently installed canopy
Page 2130 of 2284
DocuSign Envelope ID CF6F38ED-6A08-414A-9A70-E40B909E100E
Historic Preservation Board
HPB20-0446—7275 Collins Avenue
March 8,2021 Page 7 of 12
-g'- . - - -
-
n SUMO
✓ '
N Z
74TH STREET -a
m
C 73
i111:
I cm
m -
E
PI ir _
! _ _ _ _ . .
I . _-.11 North Beach Bandshell
73RD STREET Possible Desi•nation
BANDSHELL
PARK
ATLANTIC
GLEAN.
72ND STREET - _
-
n
II
> , _, ..t 0 ,
C) 69TH STREET cn _
I
rn
C -z m
m i,._
- :• 1--,i --,.--
Map of the approximate boundaries of the possible North Beach Bandshell Historic Site
Page 2131 of 2284
DocuSign Envelope ID:CF6F36ED-6A08-414A-9A70-E408909E100E
Historic Preservation Board
HPB20-0446—7275 Collins Avenue
March 8,2021 Page 8 of 12
The Post War Modern Style of Architecture in Miami Beach (about 1945 to 1967)
In order to better understand the Post War Modern or Miami Modern (MiMo) 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.
Between 1942 and 1945 Miami Beach played a significant role WWII. Nearly half a million men
took over more than 300 hotels and apartment buildings for housing and training headquarters
by the Army Air Forces Technical Training Command. By the time the war ended, one-fourth of
all Army Air Force officers and one-fifth of the military's enlisted men had been trained in Miami
Beach. Hotel rooms became barracks, hotel dining rooms became mess halls, a movie theater
became a testing center, hotels became administrative offices, hotel pools and the ocean were
used to teach life saving techniques, golf courses became parade grounds, and the beach was
used for rifle ranges and physical training. Another group of hotels and buildings served as an
Army Redistribution Station for infantrymen returning from battle. Many of the buildings are still
in operation today and are visited by thousands of tourists each year.
Many of these young servicemen and women returned after the war. The influx of new residents
and visitors resulted in a housing construction boom during the 1950s, when hundreds of Post
War Modern style buildings were erected throughout the City.
Architectural Description
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
such as air conditioning, 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 (much as the term Art Deco was first applied about 1965 when the style actually first
appeared in the 1920s).
From about 1948 to 1966, 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 . Architect Morris Lapidus further expanded the architectural language of
this style when he made popular"cheese holes", "woggles", and "beanpoles".
The hotels in the Post-War Modem 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,
Page 2132 of 2284
DocuSign Envelope ID:CF6F38ED-6A08-414A-9A70-E40B909E100E
Historic Preservation Board
HPB20-0446—7275 Collins Avenue
March 8,2021 Page 9 of 12
"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.
Norman M. Giller (d. 2008), was born in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1918. Giller earned a degree
in architecture from the University of Florida in 1945. He apprenticed with Henry Hohauser and
Albert Anis during the early 1940's in Miami Beach. After World War II, Giller became one of
South Florida's most influential and inventive architects of the Post-War Modern style.13
Some of his best-known works include:
Bombay Hotel— 6901 Collins Avenue, 1951
Giller Building—975 41st Street, 1957
Carillon Hotel—6801 Collins Avenue, 1957
Diplomat Hotel (now demolished)—3555 South Ocean Drive, Hollywood, 1957
RELATION TO ORDINANCE CRITERIA—Preliminary Evaluation
Sec. 118-592. -Criteria for designation.
(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 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 a historical period, architectural or design style
or method of construction.
(4) Possess 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.
13 Eric P.Nash and Randall C.Robinson,Jr.,MiMo:Miami Modern Revealed(San Francisco,California:Chronicle
Books,2004),pp.92-93.
Page 2133 of 2284
DocuSign Envelope ID:CF6F38ED-6A08-414A-9A70-E40B909E100E
Historic Preservation Board
HPB20-0446—7275 Collins Avenue
March 8,2021 Page 10 of 12
(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.
(c) 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.
Below are staffs preliminary findings:
(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 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;
Satisfied; the construction of the North Beach Bandshell directly reflects the turn
of events in America following World War Il (WWII). The advent of reliable and
affordable mass-produced automobiles and air transportation and the
introduction 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. The booming post war economy
gave the growing middle class more leisure time leading to increased tourism
and the construction of modern entertainment venues.
Financial prosperity combined with a strong sense of optimism led to a
nationwide focus on the arts and entertainment in the two decades following the
end of the war. Miami Beach, particularly along Collins Avenue north of 43'd
Street, became a magnet for live entertainment in the 1950s and 1960s. The
construction of the North Beach Bandshell in 1961, is directly associated with
events that followed WWIi.
(3) Embody the distinctive characteristics of an historical period, architectural
or design style or method of construction;
Satisfied; the North Beach Bandshell 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 11 in Miami Beach as well as
other areas of South Florida. The design of the Bandshell incorporates
Page 2134 of 2284
DocuSign Envelope ID:CF6F36ED-6A08-414A-9A70-E40B909E100E
Historic Preservation Board
HPB20-0446—7275 Collins Avenue
March 8,2021 Page 11 of 12
sculptured concrete forms, decorative cast concrete breeze block large, curved
concrete stage, floating cantilevered concrete canopies This open-air performing
arts facility was sensitively designed to respond to its unique tropical location in
Miami Beach.
(4) Possesses high artistic values;
Satisfied; North Beach Bandshell, with its dramatic use of soaring concrete
columns, 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 North Beach Bandshell,
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;
Satisfied; the North Beach Bandshell was designed by Norman Giller, a
prominent local architect who also designed among others, the Carillon Hotel,
Bombay Hotel and original Diplomat Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale (now demolished).
(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.
Satisfied; the structure retains a high degree of architectural integrity with very limited
modifications.
(c) 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.
(b) 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.
[ESTIMATED from LIDAR and 1995 Partial Building Records] The structure is
located on a site that is at an elevation of approximately 7' NGVD. The ground floor
elevation has not been determined.
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)
(2)Whether the proposal will increase the resiliency of the City with respect to sea
level rise.
Page 2135 of 2284
DocuSign Envelope ID:CF6F38ED-6A08-414A-9A70-E40B909E100E
Historic Preservation Board
HPB20-0446—7275 Collins Avenue
March 8,2021 Page 12 of 12
The proposal complements near and mid-term efforts to increase the resiliency of the
City with respect to sea-level rise. Reevaluation may be necessary in the future for
long-term effects(year 2100 and beyond).
(3)Whether the proposal is compatible with the City's sea level rise mitigation and
resiliency efforts.
The proposal is compatible with the City's near and mid-term efforts to increase the
resiliency of the City with respect to sea-level rise.
RECOMMENDATION
Therefore, based upon the evidence presented and the historical and architectural significance
of the proposed historic site, and in accordance with Chapter 118, Article X, Division 4, of the
Land Development Regulations of the City Code, the staff of the City of Miami Beach Planning
Department recommends that the Historic Preservation Board direct staff to prepare a formal
historic designation report for the proposed North Beach Bandshell Historic Site.
Page 2136 of 2284