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Ord. No. 28-05-1850ORDINANCE NO. 28 -05 -1850 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA, RELATING TO A REQUEST TO AMEND THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE BY DESIGNATING THE AMSTER PROPERTIES (AKA DORN BROTHERS' BUILDINGS), LOCATED AT 5900 -5904 SUNSET DRIVE AS AN HISTORIC SITE AND BY PLACEMENT OF AN HISTORIC PRESERVATION OVERLAY ZONE (HP -OV) OVER THE EXISTING ZONING USE DISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, Application No. PB -04 -022 was submitted to the Planning Department by the Historic Preservation Board, said application requesting to amend the official zoning map of the City of South Miami by overlaying an "HP -OV" Historic Preservation Overlay zoning district for property identified as 5900 -5904 Sunset Drive; said property legally described as Lot 4 and the southwesterly 2.02 feet of Lot 3, less the highway; Lots 1, 2 and 3 less the southwesterly 2.02 feet, less the highway, Lots 34 and Lot 33 less the south 7.5 feet, all in Dorn's Subdivision, Plat Book 3, page 99 of the public records of Dade County Florida; and WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Board, at its February 28, 2005 meeting, reviewed a Designation Report for 5900 -5904 Sunset Drive and recommended that the proposed site be designated historic; and WHEREAS, the proposed historic designation and rezoning is consistent with the goals and policies and the future Land Use Map of the City of South Miami Comprehensive Plan; and WHEREAS, on March 29, 2005, after public hearing regarding the application of the HP -OV zoning for the property at 5900 -5904 Sunset Drive, the Planning Board recommended approval by a vote of 5 aye and 0 nays; and WHEREAS, the City Commission desires to accept the recommendations of the Planning Board and enact the aforesaid HP -OV zoning. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND THE CITY CISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA: Section 1. That the City's Official Zoning Map shall be amended by placing the Historic Preservation Overlay (HP -OV) zoning district over the existing underlying zoning use district for property identified as 5900 -5904 Sunset Drive, said property legally described as Lot 4 and the southwesterly 2.02 feet of Lot 3, less the highway; Lots 1,2 and 3 less the southwesterly 2.02 feet, less the highway, Lots 34 and Lot 33 less the south 7.5 feet, all in Dom's Subdivision, Plat Book 3, page 99 of the public records of Dade County Florida; and Section 2 . That the Designation Report for the property located at 5900 -5904 Sunset Drive as prepared by the South Miami Planning Department is identified as Attachment "A" and is attached to and made part of this ordinance. Section 3 The Design Review Guidelines set forth in the Designation Report and the provisions contained in the Land Development Code pertaining to review of building permits, certificates of appropriateness, and demolition are applicable to the property located at 5900 -5904 Sunset Drive. Ord. No. 28 -05 -1850 (2) Section 4. If any section, clause, sentence, or phrase of this ordinance is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. Section 5 All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed. Section 6. This ordinance shall be effective immediately after the adoption hereof. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 6 day of ATTEST: C4 L \ / �� z. 41-1v- P! TY CLERK READ AND p ED AS TO FORM: CITY ATTORNEY 2005 APPROVED: I" Reading - 8 / 2—/ 0 5 2id Reading- 8/16/05 COMMISSION VOTE: 5 -0 Mayor Russell: Yea Vice Mayor Palmer: Yea Commissioner Wiscombe: Yea Commissioner: Birts- Cooper: Yea Commissioner Sherar: Yea Attachments Attachment "A" Designation Report for Amster Properties, 5900 -5904 Sunset Dr. E: \Comm Items\2005 \8- 16- 05\HP -OV Amster Prop Ord..doc CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER INTER- OFFICE MEMORANDUM To: Honorable Mayor, Vice Mayor & Commission Members From: Maria V. Davis City Manager ORDINANCE South Miami bAA NI- Nnedca ft 2001 Date: August 16, 2005 ITEM No. RE: LDC Map Amendment HP -OV Amster Properties AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA, RELATING TO A REQUEST TO AMEND THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE BY DESIGNATING THE AMSTER PROPERTIES (AKA DORN BROTHERS' BUILDINGS), LOCATED AT 5900 -5904 SUNSET DRIVE AS AN HISTORIC SITE AND BY PLACEMENT OF AN HISTORIC PRESERVATION OVERLAY ZONE (HP -OV) OVER THE EXISTING ZONING USE DISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. BACKGROUND In 2004 the Land Development Code was amended to create the "HP -OV" Historic Preservation Overlay zoning district and to require that designations become a zone map change. The procedures set forth in that amendment require the Planning Board to hold a public hearing on all designations recommended by the Historic Preservation Board. The Historic Preservation Board at its February 28, 2005 meeting reviewed an historic designation report for a group of commercial buildings located at 5900'5904 Sunset Drive. Following a public hearing, the Historic Preservation Board adopted a motion recommending that this area be designated an historic site. APPLICABLE REGULATIONS The current LDC provides the following regulations on the historic designation process (Section 20- 5.17(E)): "(E) Planning Board Review. (1) Following a favorable recommendation by the Historic Preservation Board, a proposed designation shall be implemented by the adoption of an "HP -OV" Historic Preservation Overlay zone for the property set forth in the historic designation report. (2) The Planning Board shall determine if the designation is compatible with the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan, and if the proposed historic site and /or district regulations would change any existing zoning district regulations such as, for example, permitted use, LDC HP -OV Rezoning Amster Properties August 16 2005 height, floor area ratio, yard setbacks or off - street parking. The review shall be pursuant to the provisions set forth in Section 20 -5.5, `Applications requiring public hearings ". The recommendation of the Planning Board on the proposed designation shall be transmitted to the City Commission. " The designation of an historic site requires that the Historic Preservation Board approve a Designation Report which sets forth the history of the building and the architectural significance. Attached to this staff report is the Designation Re ort � which was approved by the Historic Preservation Board after a public hearing at its February 28, 2005 meeting. The report contains a detailed history of the three buildings on the site and includes photographs. The designation of the properties is based upon their historic significance to the development of the City of South Miami. The attached designation report describes the significance of the properties (pp.3,4,5) and the unique architectural style of each building (pp. 5,6). STAFF OBSERVATIONS (1) The designation report and the procedures followed by the Historic Preservation Board are in accordance with the current LDC regulations governing historic site /district designations. (2) The Historic Preservation Board determined that the formal designation name should be the Amster Properties, the surname of the current property owner. A letter from the property owner is attached. (3) The designation of historic sites is compatible with several of the Future Land Use Element goals and objectives contained in the Comprehensive Plan: • Objective 1.2 Preserve historic resources by experiencing no demolition or reconfiguration of specified resources ........." (4) An historic designation will require approval in the form of a "certificate of appropriateness" (COA) for any alteration, renovation, remodeling, or landscape changes affecting the exterior of the building (includes demolition). This approval requires a public hearing and review by the Historic Preservation Board and final approval by the City Commission. The Designation Report contains a section (p.7) entitled Design Review Guidelines which establishes architectural guidelines for the review of future certificates of appropriateness. (5) The proposed designation will not require changes to any of the dimensional standards or permitted uses currently applicable to the area's SR (HD -OV) Specialty Retail, Hometown District Overlay zoning district. PLANNING BOARD ACTION The Planning Board, at its March 29, 2005 meeting, adopted a motion by a vote of 5 ayes 0 nays recommending approval of the proposed historic designation. LDC HP -OV Rezoning Amster Properties August 16 2005 RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the historic designation and the placement of an "HP -OV" district over the existing zoning district for the properties at 5900 -5904 Sunset Drive (Amster Properties aka Dorn Brothers' Buildings) be approved. Attachments: Proposed ordinance Designation Report- Amster Properties Letter from property owner Minutes excerpt, Planning Board, 3 -29 -05 Minutes Historic Preservation Board 2 -28 -05 Public notices MD/DOD/SAY &f °VO- EAComm Items\2 05 \8- I6- 05\Amster roperties HP -OV Report.doc Designation Report Prepared by: Ellen J. Uguccioni, Cultural Resource Consultant City of South Miami Planning Department February, 2005 City of South A/hami Historic Site Designation - Amster Properties (Dorn Brothers' Buildings) 5900 -5904 Sunset Drive 5950 6740 0 6120 71 6100 6141 6129 0 6101 5950 928 5920 0 89 0 87 0 6811 .5907 5897 5875 6845 SW 69 5780 5750 0 5711 5764 5752 5760 - -_ - - -- -.. - _ _- - - - - -- S770 1 5679 5820 6763 5885 5850 6940 5927 5887 SB64 5 0 5890 5868 5801 5821 SW. 70TH ST - 0 7000 6140 7020 7040 H U Tom 5996 5959 000 7010 5995 090 0 0 5� J 5870 5715 nos a Bozo 7oso SW 71ST ST In 7110 0 7141 0 s1o1 � 830 PROPER UROP g P � N ER I 5840 58285818 0 N 5857 w E 5795 $075 585 5837 5825 5801 $ 893 SW 72ND ST SW 72ND ST SUNSET. DR u 6710 5950 - Fs898 5860 SB50 6750 6000 BWG 20 �." an 960 0 5930 922 (~j 0 0 5750 93 0 7230 7211 D 5885 5859 0 7220 6130. 0 5948 0 0 0 0 5629 U 0000 0 5795 SW 73RD ST s' 7340 U 5940 7331 5824 5818 5800 0 5950 370 311 0 7311 7321 0 0 0 7320 � 5850 $966 0 6022 5970 0 5901 0 0 991 n 6040 W 74TH ST 6054 400 0 0 0 5950 U 5907 5875 5839 5801 5791 5730 6100 7435 7410 rn 7420 SW 74TH TE 13 7430 74TH TE 8144 7500 73? 5890 5864 5800 7440 7447 N 7500 5786 7 5 6 577 6770 4 4 0 100 200 300 600 900 1,200 1,500 Feet City of South Miami Historic Site (Designation - Amster Properties (Horn Brothers' Buildings) 5900 -5904 Sunset Drive �I Dom -MarBu Drug Store (1925) 5900 Sunset Drive Banlc Buildings (1926) 5900 Sunset Drive South Miami Post Office (1926) 5904 Sunset Drive n ky y r�. to b M Boundary (Description Lot 4 and the southwesterly 2.02 feet of Lot 3, less the highway; Lots 1,2 and Lot .3 less the southwesterly 2.02 feet, less the highway, Lot 34 and Lot 33 less the south 7.5 feet, all in Dorn's Subdivision, Plat Book 3 page 199 of the public records of Dade County Florida. TABLE OF CONTENTS General Information ................... ..............................2 Statement of Significance ........... ..............................3 The Dorn Family History ............... ..............................3 Architectural Distinction .............. ..............................5 Eligibility Criteria ......................... ..............................7 Design Review Guidelines ........... ..............................7 Bibliography.............................. ..............................9 Photographs............................. .............................10 I. GENERAL INFORMATION Historic Names: Dorn - Martin Drug Store (5900 Sunset Drive) Bank (5900 Sunset Drive) Post Office (5904 Sunset Drive) Current Name: The complete list of addresses contained within this designation report is: 5904 Sunset Drive 5900 Sunset Drive 5910 Sunset Drive 7204 SW 591h Avenue 7206 SW 50th Avenue Location: Southwest corner of US 1 and Sunset Drive Present Owner: Harvey and Ellen Amster 7206 SW 59th Avenue South Miami, Florida 33143 -5208 Present Use: Retail (Stores) Zoning District: SR (HD -OV) Specialty Retail (Hometown District Overlay) Tax Folio Number 5904 Sunset Drive: 09- 4036 - 024 -0030 (Lot 4, Dorn's Subdivision) 5900 Sunset Drive: 09- 4036- 024 -0010 (Lots 1,2 and 3; part Lots 33,34) Parking Lot: 09- 4036- 024 -0210 (Part of Lot 34) Parking Lot: 09- 40367024 -0200 (Part of Lot 33) Boundary Description Lot 4 and the southwesterly 2.02 feet of Lot 3, less the highway; Lots 1,2 and Lot 3 less the southwesterly 2.02 feet, less the highway, Lot 34 and Lot Amster Properties ( Dorn Brothers' Buildings) Local Historic Designation Report City of South Miami Page 2 33 less the south 7.5 feet, all in Dorn's Subdivision, Plat Book 3 page 199 of the public records of Dade County Florida. II. SIGNIFICANCE Specific Dates: 1925, 1926 Architect: Attributed to Robert Dorn Builder/ Contractor: Unknown Statement of Significance The buildings that are prominently located at the junction of US Highway 1, Sunset Drive (SW 72nd Street) and SW 591h Street are rare surviving examples of an architecture that belonged to the Florida Real Estate Boom of the 1920s, and are associated with a community that was just beginning to develop. This pioneering community started as the Town of Larkins, and grew largely from the efforts of a relatively small group of early settlers. The Dorn Family would, through successive generations, make significant contributions to the growth and character of the City of South Miami. The buildings that Robert and Harold built at the corner of State Highway (US 1) and Sunset Drive survive as distinctive examples of the greatest growth period in the area's history. The Dorn Family During the late 1880s, South Miami was little more than a pioneer enclave of settlers who established homesteads in the area. When Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railway built an extension from Miami to Homestead in 1904, with South Miami (then known as The Town of Larkins) as a stop along the way, the community was poised for its development. The Dorn family was one of South Miami's "first families," whose influence on the young community would earn them a lasting place in its history. Peter Wesley and Mary Elizabeth Dorn were to establish the "Dorn Dynasty." Peter came to Dade County from the Midwest, and had two sons Harold Wesley and Robert W.. Dorn. Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Dorn earned the affectionate title of "Mother Dorn," and was one of the six founding members of the Coco Plum Thimble Club (which would later become Coco Plum Woman's Club.) When the Dorn's arrived the area was little more than a pioneer outpost, with no paved roads and very few automobiles. Distances between homesteads were Amster Properties I Dorn Brothers' Buildings) Local Historic Designation Report City of South Miami Page 3 so great that it added to a sense of isolation that these extraordinary settlers endured. Much of the land in the area was owned by Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railway's subsidiary "The Model Land Company." The value of land in those days just prior to the First World War was modest. Consider that in 1913 Mother Dorn purchased five acres of land in the vicinity of what is now Sunset Drive and Nervia Street (Coral Gables) on which to build the Woman's Club of Larkins Clubhouse for one hundred dollars. Peter and Mary Elizabeth Dorn invested heavily in the area which they also farmed. Dorn's Subdivision was platted in 1915. The Dorn's had two sons, Harold and Robert. Both were educated in Chicago before joining their parents around 1910. Harold Dorn married Mabel White in 1913; Robert Dorn married Mary Wheeler in 1914. By 1917 the population of the town had reached approximately 350. By July 1918 nine plats had been filed, four of them east of the railroad and five of them to the west. Much of the land remained in agricultural use. The decade of the 1920s would bring a boom and bust cycle to South Florida that had no precedent. All of South Florida was caught up in the explosive growth, when millions could be made seemingly overnight. South Miami's immediate neighbor to the east was Coral Gables. The first lots in Coral Gables were sold in 1921, and under the leadership of George E. Merrick, continued to expand as more and more land could be acquired. Eventually, even the Larkin's Homestead, located in the vicinity of the current Cocoplum (Cartagena) Circle, was sold to Coral Gables, and the development of South Miami moved west. It was during these flamboyant times that the Dorn Brothers (Harold and Robert) built at one of the most prominent locations in South Miami with exposure to South Dixie Highway (US 1) and Sunset Drive. The building at 5904 Sunset Drive became a post office, while the corner building housed the Dorn - Martin Drugstore. A branch of the South Florida State Bank was planned for this building, but never opened. In March 1926, sixty -nine of the eighty -five qualified voters within the proposed corporate limits met to change the name of their town from Larkins to the Town of South Miami. At that time the boundaries, which cgvered approximately six square miles, were: Red Road on the east; Ludlum and Palmetto Road on the west; Bird Road and Miller Road on the north, and SW 104th Street and North Kendall Drive on the south. The first Mayor was Judge W.A. Foster and the president of the Board of Alderman was J. L. Paxson. The aldermen were J.L. Paxson, J.W. Barrs, John Meyers, W.G. Stang, R.L. Martin, J.B. Janes, and Harold Dorn. Amster Properties I Dorn Brothers' Buildings) Local Historic Designation Report City of South Miami Page 4 According to a 1994 interview given by Martha Dorn Timanus (the daughter of Robert Dorn, ) her father had actually designed the buildings at Sunset and US 1. She also related that during the September 1926 hurricane, the buildings were unfinished, but the safe had been installed at the bank. Her grandmother, she relates, actually" weathered the storm within the thick steel walls of the safe. The bank never opened, as following the storm the real estate boom abruptly ended, leaving many destitute. The Dorn Brothers were also responsible for the building of the Riviera Theater, a majestic Mediterranean Revival Theater constructed in 1926. The Dorn Brothers continued in the fruit and vegetable business started by their father. The Dorn Fruit and Vegetable Company became one of the largest shippers of the Hayden Mango (developed by Captain J. J. Hayden who settled in the South Miami area in 1896) in Florida, and an important shipper of avocadoes, Persian limes and winter vegetables. III: ARCHITECTURAL DISTINCTION Sequence of Construction Building A 5900 Sunset Drive, Dorn - Martin Drug Store: 1925 The first building to be constructed was actually the two -story building that fronted directly onto Sunset Drive. Early photographs show it as a free - standing building with single family residences to its south and vacant land to the north (the corner of Sunset and US 1.) The design of the building,is best described as a Mission Style as adapted to a commercial building. Hallmarks of the Mission style included the curvilinear center parapet, the broad expanses of stucco, the use of barrel tile coping at the parapet, the engaged pilasters that separate the window and entry bays, and the use of a glazed ceramic tile for accent. Alterations Overall, the building retains a remarkable degree of integrity. The only alteration of substance was the at the corner entrance. Originally these were arched openings, and the fixed glass storefront panels featured a curved edge at the corners. At some time the round arches were changed so that they are flat, and the aperture of the storefront panel was squared off. Building B 5900 Sunset Drive, Bank Building 1926 Of the three buildings that make up this ensemble, this building which must make a right -angle transition around a corner is the most interesting. Vintage photographs reveal that this building was appended directly to the original Dorn - Martin Drug Store. The designer had to integrate the two buildings. Amster Properties ( Dorn Brothers' Buildings( Local Historic Designation Report City of South Miami Page 5 Building "B" at the corner of US 1 and Sunset Drive is the equivalent of two stories, although it is articulated as a one -story volume. It derives more from a neoclassical tradition, with its triple round arched openings framed by a Gibbs surround (alternating large and small blocks of stone, quoinwise, named after the 18th c. British architect James Gibbs ;) and the prominent cornice reminiscent of the entablatures of Classical buildings. The building makes the corner transition with a curved section that contains the principal entrance fronting onto Sunset Drive. The building is particularly distinctive in the juxtaposition of smooth stucco areas with simulated coursed block. At the corner, the coursing extends across the fagade from the base through to the second floor, where only a small portion of the bay is left as unornamented stucco. The building terminates with a broad cornice ornamented with cast floral medallions and a relief band that features a scallop motif. Alterations Again, this building possesses a remarkable degree of integrity. The only non - substantive alteration to the exterior was the replacement of the previously mullioned windows with fixed glass panels. Building C 5904 Sunset Drive, Originally South Miami Post Office: 1926 This one story building occupies only twenty -five feet of frontage along US 1. The style of the building is best described as Mediterranean Revival. The building achieves a strict symmetry as it is divided into a center bay that terminates above the roof line in a pediment form, and is flanked by two bays of equal dimensions that feature blind, round arches above the square storefront windows. Alterations The building retains a high degree of its original integrity with the most obvious change, the alteration of the type of windows installed in the storefronts. Amster Properties ( Dorn Brothers' Buildings) Local Historic Designation Report City of South Miami Page 6 Eligibility for Desi nq ation The proposed designation of The Dorn Brothers' Buildings (aka Amster Properties) meets the following criterion contained in the South Miami Land Development Code, Section, 20.4.9 entitled "Historic Preservation Standards:" (a) Districts, sites, structures and objects of national, state and local importance are of historic significance if they possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association and: (b) Are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history, and: (c) Are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past, and: (d) Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type period, method of construction or work of a master, or that possess high artistic value, or that represent a distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction Therefore, "The Amster Properties" (aka Dorn Brothers' Buildings) are recommended for local historic designation. Design Review Guidelines In accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 20.5.19 of the City's Land Development Code, any building permit for exterior alteration, renovation or demolition of an existing structure which is designated historic, or is within a designated historic district shall first require the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA.) The COA is issued after a review by the Historic Preservation Board and City Commission. The Historic Preservation Board shall adopt and may, from time to time, amend the standards by which applications for a Certificate of Appropriateness may be evaluated. IN adopting these guidelines, it shall be the intent of the Board to promote maintenance, restoration, adaptive uses appropriate to the property, and compatible contemporary designs that are harmonious with the exterior architectural and landscape features of neighboring buildings, sites and streetscapes. In order to assist in the review process for the Dorn Brothers' Buildings, the following design guidelines should be consulted. Amster Properties ( Dorn Brothers' Buildings) Local Historic Designation Report City of South Miami Page 7 General: The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic Preservation Projects with Guidelines for Applying the Standards (1979) as may be amended. Specific: Building "A" 5900 Sunset Drive ® Two story height ® Flat roof ® Glazed, barrel file coping; portions of the parapet wall ® Projecting band course, separating first from second stories ® Series of circular file vents piercing parapet wall ® Vertical pilasters defining bays, ornamented with glazed ceramic file accents a Curvilinear shaped parapet wall ( Sunset Drive elevation) Building "B" 5900 Sunset Drive o Two story height ® Flat roof ® Prominent cornice with ornamental relief band across the face of the building a Prominent corner entrance bay, with simulated block/ stucco facing, recessed doorway set into round arch that spans one and a half stories ® Triple monumental arches featuring a quoined surround, US 1 elevation ® Cast shields in high relief, at either end of the window group, US 1 elevation Building "C ", 5904 Sunset Drive ® One story height ® Projecting center bay terminating in a pediment shape a Three, regularly spaced blind arches above the entrance and square storefront windows. 0 Series of circular tile vents along the parapet wall ® Tile coping Amster Properties ( Dorn Brothers' Buildings) Local Historic Designation Report City of South Miami Page 8 :r. • IVA Bramson, Ed. "South Miami Born Amid `Cane, Clashes" The Miami Herald, Neighbors Section, 24 January 1999, 29KB Dom Brothers Plat, Plat Book 3, page 99, Public Records of Miami -Dade County Florida. Hollingsworth, Tracy. History of Dade County Florida. Coral Gables: Glade House, 1949 Samuels, Christina A. "From These Roots South Miami May Honor City's Pioneers" The Miami Herald, Neighbors Section 3 April 1994, 3. South Miami Area Chamber of Commerce, "In and Around South Miami 1776 -1976) South Miami, 1976 Taylor, Jean. The Villages of South Dade.(St. Petersburg: Byron Kennedy and Company) Tevis, Paul U. The History of South Miami, unpublished manuscript (1971 ?,) Collection: Florida Room, Miami -Dade County Library Redding, Susan Perry. "South Miami" in Miami's Historic Neighborhoods, (San Antonio Historical Publishing Network: Dade Heritage Trust) 2001 1948 Intersection of US1 and Sunset Drive TELEPHONE (305) 662 -9504 City of South Miami Historic Preservation Board 6130 Sunset Drive South Miami, Florida 33143 PETER PREVITI, ESQ. NELSON TARACIDO, ESQ. A PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ATTORNEYS SUNSET BUSINESS PLAZA 5825 SUNSET DRIVE - SUITE 210 SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA 33143 March 3, 2005 Re: Historic Designation of Amster properties 5900 - 5904 Sunset Drive South Miami Florida FACSIMILE (305) 662 -6967 'y ALI YyFn i�.s d L {q tbti AUG 0 9 2LI03 U E i CF,t.ER K'S or- .peC.L Dear Honorable Mayor, Commissioners, Planning Board and Historic Preservation Board: Please be advised that the undersigned is the attorney for Harvey Amster, the owner of the properties referred to hereinabove. This letter is written on behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Amster. The purpose of this letter is to address the Planning Board's and Preservation Board's desire to designate portions of the Amster property as historic. This designation, though effecting only a few of the buildings on the Amster property, nevertheless effects the entire property. As we know, historic designations have a certain intention to provide a benefit to the property owner in order to allow the owner to maintain and renovate the property as a historic building. Nevertheless, the designations also tend to limit and restrict the ultimate use of a property and attempt to provide alternatives in the event of a desired change. Though this would normally only effect the property designated as historic, however in this particular case it would effect the overall parcel as a Unity of I itle has already been entered into for the entire site. Therefore, a limitation of any particular portion of the site limits the use of the entire property. In spite of this limitation, Mr. Amster will support the historic designation on two (2) simple conditions, including: 11 First and foremost would be the renaming of the street bordering the property and intersecting and running perpendicular to Sunset Drive. This street is presently known as Dorn Avenue and Mr. Amster would request that it be renamed "Amster -Dorn Avenue" or "Amster/Dorn Avenue ". 2. Placing a plaque on the corner of US 1 and Sunset Drive, in the pavement, which would read "The Amster Corner for Property)." These changes would make a true historic designation and provide some permanence to the historic nature of this property and the manner in which it has been preserved by Mr. City of South Miami Historic Preservation Board March 3, 2005 Page Two Amster. Those of you who have visited his office know that it contains many pictures of the original South Miami. This is not due to his acquiring them after- the -fact, but rather because he was here. Mr. Amster has had this property for fifty plus (50 +) years, which is longer than most of us have been on this earth. I am aware that there are concerns about naming streets after living people as those people will often do something after the designation which would then taint the same. There have been cities that have passed resolutions in this regard, but I believe anything that becomes absolute and does not leave roorn for exceptions are more harmful than helpful. Designating a street, as small as it might be, for Mr. and Mrs. Amster, during their lifetime is a true honor and recognition of people who have proven that they are deserving of the same. At this stage in Mr. Amster's life, I do not believe there is much chance of his robbing banks or becoming a drug dealer. Instead, he has been the Rock of Gibraltar, a base, foundation and example of what South Miami is and desires to be. These designations and honors would cost the city nothing, but would give the Amsters the recognition for what they've done for the past fifty (50) years, and that is to preserve South Miami, or at least significant bits and pieces of it, for all of us to remember and enjoy, even as we are surrounded by continual growth and improvement. Somehow, the Amsters have been able to preserve, improve and create landmarks by which South Miami has become identified and which it now, obviously, wishes to preserve for the future as well. For the cost of doing this, the Amsters have made the requests contained herein, which again, will cost the City nothing, but will reward the Amsters with honor and recognition, rather than a monetary remuneration. I would request that this be accomplished prior to any proposed amendments to our code limiting the designation of a street prior to someone passing away: If desired, I will assist with language which might be an acceptable compromise to such a code provision in order to allow for an appropriate designation during the lifetime of an individual entitled to the same. PETER PREVITI, ESQ.- NELSON TARACIDO, ESQ. -- A PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ATTORNEYS SUNSET BUSINESS PLAZA, 5625 SUNSET DRIVE - SUITE 210, SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA 33143, TELEPHONE (305) 662 -9504, FAX (305) 6626967 City of South Miami Historic Preservation Board March 3, 2005 Page Three 1 thank you in advance for your consideration and the opportunity to express my views and the desires of Mr. and Mrs. Amster as it pertains to this historic designation. Sincerely, Peter Previti PP /flc cc: Honorable Mary Scott Russell, Mayor Honorable Randy G. Wiscombe, Commissioner, Group I Honorable Marie Birts - Cooper, Commissioner, Group 11 Honorable Velma Palmer, Vice Mayor, Commissioner, Group III Honorable Craig Z. Sherar, Commissioner, Group IV Representative, Julio Robaina Dori O'Donniley, Planning Department PETER PREVITI, ESQ.- NELSON TARACLDO, ESQ.- A PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ATTORNEYS SUNSET BUSINESS PLAZA, 5825 SUNSET DRIVE - SUITE 210, SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA 33143, TELEPHONE (305) 662 -9504, FAX (305) 662 -6967 CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI PLANNING BOARD Regular Meeting Action Summary Minutes Tuesday, March 29, 2005 City Commission Chambers 7:30 P.M. I. Call to Order and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag Action: The meeting was called to order at 7:38 P.M. Action: The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison. II. Roll Call Action: Mr. Morton, Chairperson, requested a roll call. Board members present constituting a quorum: Mr. Morton, Ms. Yates, Mr. Liddy, Mr. Illas, and Mr. Comendeiro Board members absent: Ms. Gibson and Mr. Mann. City staff present: Don O'Donniley (Planning Director), Sanford A. Youkilis (Planning Consultant), Gremaf Reyes (Video Support), and Patricia E. Lauderman (Planning Board Secretary). III. Planning Board Applications / Public hearings Chairman Mr. Morton swore in speakers PH -04 -010 Applicant: City of South Miami Historic Preservation Board Location: 5900 -04 Sunset Dr. AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA, RELATING TO A REQUEST TO AMEND TEE Planning Board Meeting March 29, 2005 excerpt Page 2 of 3 OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE BY DESIGNATING THE AMSTER PROPERTIES (AKA DORN BROTHERS'BUILDINGS) LOCATED AT 5900 -5904 SUNSET DRIVE AS AN HISTORIC SITE AND BY PLACEMENT OF AN HISTORIC PRESERVATION OVERLAY ZONE (HP -OV) OVER THE EXISTING ZONING USE DISTRICT FOR THIS PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Action: Mr. Comendeiro read the item into the record. At this time, Mr. O'Donniley informed the Board that earlier in the day he had spoken with an attorney that was representing Mr. Harvey Amster. The attorney indicated he might be in attendance to represent Mr. Amster. Mr. O'Donniley advised the Board to take a ten minute break to give time for the attorney to arrive. The meeting resumed after a ten minute break. Mr. Amster nor his attorney were not at the meeting. Mr. O'Donniley presented the staff report. He indicated that the Historic Preservation Board at its February 28, 2005 meeting reviewed an historic designation report for a group of commercial building located at 5900 -5904 Sunset Drive. Following a public hearing, the Board adopted a motion recommending that this area be designated an historic site. In 2004 the Land Development Code was amended to create the "HP -OV" Historic Preservation Overlay zoning district and to require that designations become a zone map change. The procedures set forth in that amendment requires the Planning Board to hold a public hearing on all designations recommended by the Historic Preservation Board. Mr. O'Donniley also pointed out to the Board that attached to the staff report is the designation report which was approved by the Historic Preservation Board . The report contains a detailed history of the three buildings on the site and includes photographs. The designation of the properties is based upon their historic significance to the development of the City of South Miami. The report describes the significance of the properties (pp.3,4,5) and the unique architectural style of each building (pp.5,6). Mr. O'Donniley provided a summary of staff's observation. The observations are listed below: (1) The designation report and the procedures followed by the Historic Preservation Board are in accordance with the current LDC regulations governing historic site /district designations. (2) The Historic Preservation Board determined that the formal designation name should be the Amster Properties, the surname of the current property owner. Planning Board Meeting March 29, 2005 excerpt Page 3 of 3 (3) The designation of historic sites is compatible several of the Future Land Use Element goals and objectives contained in the Comprehensive Plan. (4) An historic designation will require that special approval in the form of a "certificate of appropriateness" (COA) is required for any alteration, renovation, remodeling, or landscape changes affecting the exterior of the building (includes demolition). The Designation Report contains a section (p.7) entitled Design Review Guidelines which establishes architectural guidelines for the review of future certificates of appropriateness. (5) The proposed designation will not require changes to any of the dimensional standards or permitted uses currently applicable to the area's SR (HD -OV) Specialty Retail, Hometown District Overlay ) zoning district. Mr. Morton then opened the Public Hearing. Speakers: NAME ADDRESS SUPPORT /OPPOSE David Tucker, Sr. 6556 SW 78 Terr. Neutral Mr. Tucker stated he would have preferred that the owners be present so they can support or oppose the designation of their property. Motion: Ms. Yates moved for approval. Mr. Comendeiro seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes 5 Nays 0 DOD /SAY /pet CITY OF SOUTH[ MIAMI HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING - SUMMARY MINUTES m®NDAY' FEBRUARY 28, 2005 City Commission Chambers 4:00 PM EXCERPT I. Call to order Action: Ms. Redding called the meeting to order at 4:15 p.m. II. Roll call Roll call was performed. Board members present constituting a quorum: Ms. Redding, Ms. Lahiff, Ms. Clyatt, Ms. Dison, Mr. Deen, and Ms. Chael. Board members absent: Mr. Kurtzman City staff present: R. Don O'Donniley (Planning Director), Sanford A. Youkilis (Planning Consultant), and Patricia E. Lauderman (Board Secretary). I III. Approval of minutes Action: The Board duly voted on and approved the minutes of January 31, 2005 as amended. Vote: Ayes 5 Nays 0 IV. Certificate of Appropriateness Applications None V> Public Bearing on Designations (HPB -05 -001) Amster Properties, 5900 -04 Sunset Drive. (A) Review of Historic Site Designation Report: Amster Properties (aka Dorn Brothers' Buildings) The Board, staff, and Ellen Uguccioni (Cultural Resource Consultant) discussed the February 2005 Designation Report. Ms. Uguccioni indicated the proposed designation of the Amster Properties met. the criterion contained in the South Miami land development Code, Section 20.4.9 entitled Historic Preservation Standards." HPB Minutes February 28, 2005 Page 2 of 2 Board member Mr. Deen questioned the boundary description and expressed concern that lots 33 and 34 need to be shaded in the boundary maps. He indicated that parking lots (Lot 34 & Lot 33) have folio numbers but need to be described in the boundary description. Motion: Mr. Deen moved to amend both map 1 and map 2 by shading in the lots that corresponds to Lots 33 and 34 and amend the boundary description so that the description of Lot 34 and Lot 33 are expanded. Ms. Clyatt seconded the motion. Vote: Approved 5 Opposed 0 (B) Public Comment Ms. Redding opened the public hearing. No speakers present Ms. Redding closed the public hearing. (C) Designation of Amster Properties as an Historic Site Motion: Mr. Deen moved to approve the designation report as amended. Ms. Lahiff seconded the motion. Vote: Approved 5 Opposed 0 MIAMI DAILY BUSINESS REVIEW Published Daily except Saturday, Sunday and Legal Holidays Miami, Miami -Dade County, Florida STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF MIAMI -DADE: Before the undersigned authority personally appeared O.V. 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