420 West San Marino Drive
fa MIAMI BEACH
City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Tel: 305-673-7550, Fax: 305-673-7559
November 17, 2006
Dr. David Thornburgh and Maria Thornburgh
420 West San Marino Drive
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
Re: 420 West San Marino Drive, Miami Beach
Request for a Determination of Architectural Significance
SFR File No. 67
Dear Dr. Thornburgh and Mrs. Thornburgh:
Pursuant to your recent requests, dated October 4, 2006 and October 16, 2006,
the Planning Department has evaluated the subject property at 420 West San
Marino Drive to determine whether the pre-1942 single-family residence is
architecturally significant. A site visit of the subject property was conducted by
staff on July 6, 2006. 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 prior to 1942 is architecturally significant:
1. The subject structure is characteristic of a specific architectural style
constructed in the city prior to 1942, including, but not limited to, Vernacular,
Mediterranean Revival, Art Deco, Streamline Moderne, or variations thereof.
Satisfied. Designed in 1937 by noted local architect, Dean Parmalee, the
subject structure is characteristic of the sophisticated masonry vernacular
type home constructed in the city prior to 1942, with combined design
influences of the Mediterranean Revival and Streamline Moderne styles of
residential architecture. While there have been minor alterations to the
exterior of the structure, a review of the original architectural drawings from
1937 indicates that the existing house maintains a very high level of its
original architectural design integrity.
The design of the two story residence is distinguished by its carefully
proportioned stepped massing, multiple sloped roofs and ornamental chimney
features, characteristic of the Mediterranean Revival period, and smooth
stucco finish, casement windows, powerful curved and cylindrical design
elements, flat white cement roof tiles, corner windows, and continuous
horizontal moldings, characteristic of the Streamline Moderne style. It is a
classic example of the successful merging of these two important Miami
Beach design influences into a single well articulated residential structure of
its time.
2. The exterior of the structure is recognizable as an example of its style and/or
period, and its architectural design integrity has not been modified in a
manner that cannot be reversed without unreasonable expense.
Satisfied. The exterior of this residence is clearly recognizable as an
example of the sophisticated masonry vernacular type home constructed in
the city prior to 1942, with combined design influences of the Mediterranean
Revival and Streamline Moderne styles of residential architecture. (Refer to
staff analysis in Criterion No. 1 above.) Of special note is the two story
cylindrical stair tower flanking the front entrance to the home, broad roof
eaves, feature chimney elements, and the sweeping curve of the living room
overlooking Biscayne Bay.
3. Significant exterior architectural characteristics, features, or details of the
subject structure remain intact.
Satisfied. Most of the structure's significant original exterior architectural
features remain intact with the exception of some window replacement, and
minor changes to the west exterior wall the original first floor bedroom
including sliding glass doors and the introduction of additional exterior stairs
(Refer to staff analysis in Criterion No. 1 above.)
4. The subject structure embodies the scale, character, and massing of the built
context of its immediate area.
Satisfied. The scale, character, and massing of the two-story home is highly
consistent with the scale and massing of the surrounding neighborhood, and
embodies the historic character of the built context in the residential area.
The Planning Department has determined that the subject building meets the
criteria in Section 142-108 and, therefore, is architecturally significant. This
determination relative to architectural significance of the single-family home may
be appealed within ten (10) days of rendering such decision. The appeal must
be in writing and shall be to the Design Review Board (c/o Planning Director).
In accordance with Section 142-108, a request for the total demolition of an
architecturally significant single-family home must be reviewed by the Design
Review Board (ORB). A permit for the demolition of an architecturally significant
single-family home shall not be issued unless a full building permit for new
construction has been issued. In the event an architecturally significant home is
proposed to be demolished, the Design Review Board shall review and approve
all new construction on the subject site. If you wish to pursue the total demolition
of the subject structure and the construction of a new home, or if you wish to
pursue significant additions or alterations to the subject structure or property that
are substantially visible from the public right-of-way or the waterway, please
contact Michael Belush, Senior Planner, at 305-673-7000 ext. 6258, in order to
schedule a pre-application conference for the Design Review Board.
Staff will be pleased to work with you in reviewing any proposed alterations or
additions to the subject property. If you have any further questions or concerns,
please do not hesitate to contact myself or Thomas Mooney, Design and
Preservation Manager, or Michael Belush, Senior Planner, at 305-673-7550.
Sincerely,
~.p-7
William H. Cary L7
AssisJant Planning Director
c: J Robert Parcher, City Clerk
Jorge G. Gomez, Planning Director
Thomas R. Mooney, Design and Preservation Manager
Shannon Anderton, Senior Planner
Debbie Tackett, Senior Planner
SFR File No. 67
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