LTC 437-2023 Historic Preservation Board application for 1601-1627 Washington AvenueM IA M I B EA CH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER LETTER TO COMMISSION
NO.LTC#
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
437-2023
Honorable Mayor Dan Gelb~r and Mem ers of the City Commission
Alina T. Hudak, City Manag r
September 29, 2023
Historic Preservation Board application for 1601-1627 Washington Avenue
The purpose of this Letter to Commission ("LTC") is to notify the Mayor and City Commission of Historic
Preservation Board (HPB) application HPB23-0588 related to proposed improvements to a mixed-use
office building located at 1601-1627 Washington Avenue (the "Property"), on land owned and leased to
a Tenant by the City.
The Property was originally developed pursuant to that certain ground lease dated September 1, 1999,
by 16" Street Partners LLC (a joint venture comprised of Comras 16"" Street, Inc. and LNR 16" Street,
Inc.) through a public-private partnership with the City as a result of a competitive solicitation process.
In connection with a Development Agreement with the City, 16th Street Partners LLC constructed an
eight-story building with approximately 105,652 rentable square feet of office space, 28,483 square feet
of retail space, and a 493-space parking garage. 16" Street Partners transferred its leasehold interest
on December 23, 2016 to a permitted buyer, NG 1601 Washington Ave LLC, JBL 1601 Washington
LLC, and Review Avenue Miami, LLC, (collectively, the "Tenant").
On September 13, 2023, the Tenant advised the City of its intent to conduct Major Alterations to the
Property, subject to Section 14.5(d) of the Ground Lease, which stipulates that the City Manager must
approve such Major Alterations within thirty (30) days provided they meet the requirements set forth in
the Ground Lease. As the proposed Major Alterations require HPB approval and the City is the
landowner, HPB23-0588 was submitted for inclusion on the November 14, 2023 HPB agenda, following
significant review by Planning Department staff. If such improvements are approved by the HPB, the
City Manager will approve the Major Alterations.
The application requests a Certificate of Appropriateness for
modifications to the exterior fa~ades of the building and a full
renovation of the building. More specifically, the applicant is
proposing to introduce new exterior balustrades and awnings,
new balconettes with planter boxes, and a new building crown
at the corner of Washington Avenue and 16 Street. Portions
of the north, south, east, and west elevations are proposed to A
be accented with a new stone veneer finish and metal
cladding. At the ground level, along the curved fa~ade at the
corner of Washington Avenue and 16 Street, a new, more
transparent structural glazing system is proposed.
Additionally, the project will include a full interior renovation of the upper floors.
Tangentially, the Tenant is also requesting to transfer 100% of its leasehold interest, subject to
compliance with Article 10 of the Ground Lease, including qualification of the prospective purchaser as
a Permitted Buyer. Prior to proceeding with the sale of the leasehold, the City Commission will need to
consider the City's Right of First Offer to purchase the leasehold interest. The Administration intends to
present an item for consideration by the Mayor and City Commission at the October 18, 2023 City
Commission meeting.
Should you have any questions, please contact Rickelle Williams, Assistant City Manager, at
rickellewilliams@miamibeachfL.gov.
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