08-16-05 Item 10CITY 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
All•America City
2001
Date: August 16, 2005
ITEM No. 0
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. "
AMSTER PROPERTIES (DORN BROTHERS' BUILDINGS)
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 Report 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 V `-22 6
EAComm Items\2fi05 \8- 16- 05\Amster roperties HP -OV Report.doe
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ORDINANCE NO.
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 Dom'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
COMMISSION 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.
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(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
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
READ AND APPROVED AS TO FORM:
CITY ATTORNEY
day of 2005
APPROVED:
MAYOR
l st Reading —
2" d Reading —
COMMISSION VOTE:
Mayor Russell:
Vice Mayor Palmer:
Commissioner Wiscombe:
Commissioner: Birts- Cooper:
Commissioner Sherar:
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
AMSTER
PROPERTIES
(aka Dorn Brothers' Buildin
s
5900 SW 7
5904 SW 72ndStreet
SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA
Designation Report
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Prepared by: Ellen J. Uguccioni, Cultural Resource Consultant
City of South Miami Planning Department
February, 2005
City of South Miami
Historic Site Designation - Amster Properties (Dorn Brothers' Buildings)
5900 -5904 Sunset Drive
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City of South Miami
Historic Site Designation ® Amster Properties (Dorn Brothers' Buildings)
5900 -5904 Sunset Drive
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Dorn -Martin Drug Store (1925) 5900 Sunset Drive
Bank Buildings (192 67 5900 Sunset Drive
South Miami Post Office (1926) 5904 Sunset Drive
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Boundary Description
Lot 4 and the southwesterly 2.02 feet of tot 3, less the highway; Lots 1,2 and Lot.3 less the
southwesterly 2.02 feet, less the highway, tot 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 59th 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 -4036- 024 -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 ( Dom 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 ( 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 precedents 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 covered 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 1041h 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 ( 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.
lIL 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 Dom-
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 Designation
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 masteror 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 he 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 tile coping; portions of the parapet wall
® Projecting band course, :separating first from second stories -
Series of circular tile vents piercing parapet wall
• Vertical pilasters defining bays, ornamented with glazed ceramic
the accents
Curvilinear shaped parapet wall (Sunset Drive elevation)
Building "B" 5900 Sunset Drive
Two story height
Flat roof
Prominent cornice with ornamental relief band across the face of
the building
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
® Three, regularly spaced blind arches above the entrance and
square storefront windows.
a 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
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bramson, Ed. "South Miami Born Amid `Cane, Clashes" The Miami Herald, Neighbors
Section, 24 January 1999, 29KE
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 IJ. 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) 200E
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PETER PREVITI, ESQ.
NELSON TARACIDO, ESQ. ,
A PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ATTORNEYS
SUNSET BUSINESS PLAZA
5825 SUNSET DRIVE -SUITE 210
TELEPHONE (305) 662 -9504 SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA 33143 FACSIMILE (305) 662 -6967
March 3, 2005
r lS �P A
i
City of ,South Miami ,r kL I
Historic Preservation Board " "``
6130 Sunset Drive
South Miami, Florida 33143
Re, Historic Designation of Amster; properties
5900 5904 Sunset Drive South Miami Florida
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 Fille 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:
1. First and foremost would be the renaming of the street bordering the property
and intersecting and running perpendiculars 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 (or 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 room 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 at-(, deserving
of the same. At this stage in Mr. Amster's Life, I do not believe there is n11-01 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 Feast 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 1honor 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, l 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 PRMTI, ESQ.- NELSON TARACI DO, 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
Historic ,Preservation Board
March 3, 2005
Page Three
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 Ili
Honorable Craig Z. Sherar, Commissioner, Group IV
Representative Julio Robaina
Don O'Donniley, Planning Department
PETER PREVITI, ESQ.- NELSON TAP.ACIDO, 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
SUUT�l
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INCORPORATED
1927
o Rig
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
PB -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 CITI'
OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA, RELATING TO A REQUEST TO AMEND THE
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:
(l) 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 /pel
EOU7,
F* g
INCORPORATEp
1927
0 ERL I
CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI
HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD
REGULAR MEETING -SUMMARY MINUTES
MONDAY, 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). y
III. Approval of Minutes
Action: The Board duly voted on and approved the minutes of January31, 2005 as amended.
Vote: Ayes 5 Nays 0
IV. Certificate of Appropriateness Applications
None
V. Public Hearing 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.
Voter 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. FERBEYRE, who on oath says that he or she is the
SUPERVISOR, Legal Notices of the Miami Daily Business
Review f /k/a Miami Review, a daily (except Saturday, Sunday
and Legal Holidays) newspaper, published at Miami in Miami -Dade
County, Florida; that the attached copy of advertisement;
being a Legal Advertisement of Notice in the matter of
CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI
PUBLIC HEARING 8/16/2005
in the XXXX Court,
was published in said newspaper in the issues of
08/05/2005
Affiant further says that the said Miami Daily Business
Review is a newspaper published at Miami in said Miami -Dade
County, Florida and that the said newspaper has
heretofore been continuously published in said Miami -Dade County,
Florida, each day (except Saturday, Sunday and Legal Holidays)
and has been entered as second class mail matter at the post
office in Miami in said Miami -Dade County, Florida, for a
period of one year next preceding the first publication of the
attached copy of advertisement; and affiant further says that he or
she has neither paid nor promised any person, firm or corporation
any discount, rebate, commission or refund for the purpose
of securing thi tivertise r publication in the said
newspaper.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this
05 dayof AUGUST A.D. 2005
(SEAL)
O.V. FERBEYRE personally known to me
o Cheryl H Momw
INy C®mmsssien DD
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