6470 Allison RoadCITY OF MIAMI BEACH
CITY HALL 1700 CONVENTION CENTER DRIVE MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA 33139
www.ci .miami-beach .fi.us
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Telephone: (305) 673-7550
Facsimile: (305) 673-7559
August12,2005
Mr. & Mrs. Alan Courey
6470 Allison Road
Miami Beach, Florida 33141
Re:
6470 Allison Road, Miami Beach
Request for a Determination of Architectural Significance
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Courey:
Pursuant to your request that was received on July 28, 2005 (see Attachment), the Planning
Department has evaluated the subject property at 6470 Allison Road to determine whether the
single-family residence is architecturally significant. A site visit of the subject property was
conducted by staff on August 9, 2005. In accordance with Section 142-108(1) of the Land
Development Regulations of the Miami Beach City Code, the following criteria determine whether a
home constructed pdor to 1942 is architecturally significant:
The subject structure is characteristic of a specific architectural style constructed in the city
prior to 1942, including, but not limited to, Vernacular, Mediterranean Revival, Art Deco,
Streamline Moderne, or variations thereof.
Not Satisfied. The subject home is no Ionger exemplary of a specific architectural style in
the city pfiorto 1942. Although it was originally designed by architect Robert Law Weed in
the Monterey style in 1935, the structure has clearly been significantly altered and no longer
maintains a high level of its architectural integrity.
In 1995, the original design of the residence was severely modified with the construction of
three major additions and numerous alterations. More specifically, a two-story addition was
constructed on the front (east) elevation of the residence. This addition featured an arched
front entrance door with a one-story portico and multiple large windows with arched
transoms. It obscured about one-half of the original design of the front elevation, including
the front entrance and a significant portion of the original full-width balcony on the second
floor. The original simple, wooden posts and railings on the remaining portion of the second
floor balcony were replaced with Tuscan-inspired columns and metal railings. On the north
end of the residence, a second floor addition was constructed above an original one-story
wing. A new covered porch and second floor balcony were attached to its west side and
featured Tuscan-inspired columns, metal railings, and arched openings. At the south end of
the home's west elevation, the original covered terrace (previously enclosed) was expanded
westward with a hipped roof supported by Tuscan-inspired columns and arched openings.
Alterations to the residence that same year included the replacement of the windows and
doors with configurations different from the original design, the introduction of new
decorative moldings that frame the windows and doors, modifications to the original window
and door masonry openings, and the covering of the original brick cornice with stucco on the
chimney top and along the roof line. Previously, the original arched picture window with
multiple lites was replaced on the front (east) elevation with sliding glass doors and on the
Re;
6470 Allison Road
August 12, 2005
Page 2 of 2
west elevation with a "fiat" arch and a single pane of fixed glass. Other earlier modifications
to the original window openings include the removal and replacement of five single
casement windows on the second fioor of the west elevation with two larger, irregular size
windows. These numerous additions and alterations have almost completely obscured the
original design of the residence.
The exterior of the structure is recognizable as an example of its style and/or period, and its
architectural design integrity has not been modified in a manner that cannot be reversed
without unreasonable expense.
Not Satisfied. The exterior of this residence is no longer recognizable as an example ora
specific architectural style in Miami Beach, nor does it maintain its architectural design
integrity, due to numerous additions and alterations over the years that could not be
reversed without unreasonable expense. (Refer to staff analysis in Criterion No. 1 above.)
Significant exterior architectural characteristics, features, or details of the subject structure
remain intact.
Not Satisfied. Most of the structure's original exterior architectural features have been
altered, covered, or removed over time. (Refer to staff analysis in Criterion No. 1 above.)
The subject structure embodies the scale, character, and massing of the built context of its
immediate area.
Not Satisfied. Although the two-story home is consistent with the scale and massing of the
surrounding neighborhood, it does not embody the historic character of the built context on
Allison Island.
The Planning Department has determined that the subject building does not meet the
criteria in Section 142-108(1 ) and, therefore, is not architecturally significant. An application for the
demolition of the structure may therefore be approved administratively, subject to the requirements
of the Building Department. Please be advised that no demolition permit may be issued within a ten
(10) day appeal period of the rendering of this decision.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact myself or Shannon
Anderton, Senior Planner, at 305-673-7550.
Sincerely,
William H. Cary ~
Assistant Plannidg Director
C;
Robert E. Parcher, City Clerk
Jorge G. Gomez, Planning Director
Thomas R. Mooney, Design and Preservation Manager
Shannon M. Anderton, Senior Planner
SFRRB File No. 53
JGG:WHC:TRM:SMA
F:\PLAN\$ALL\Single Family Homes\Correspondence\6470 Allison Rd.sma.doc
Alan J'. Courey
6470Allison Road
Miami Be. ach, FL 33141
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Shannnon M. AnderSon, Senior Planner
City of Miami Beach
1700 Convention Center Drive
Miami Beach, Fl 33139
Re: Determination of "ArChitectural Significant"
Dear Ms. Anderton,
We would like to request to have our home evaluated by the department, as to whether or
not it would be categorized as an "Architectural Significant" home. We are planning in
the near future to have our home demolished, and I understand that this is a necessary
step.
Our home is located at 6470 Allison Road, Miami Beach, FL 33141.
We have included all the necessary items as per the procedures and instruction sheet. I
will be out of town August 2-8, but may be reached on my cell at 305-903-2526, if you
have any questions.
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