Planning and Zoning Meeting - Regular Meeting

You're more diplomatic. Try to move this as quickly as possible.

waiting on um we have quorum with the five of you but Mr. Rolando Mr. Reload. Okay. So, we're out three. Yeah. You're out three. Okay. All right. So, everybody's here. When I leave, it'll be five. When Peggy gets here. No, you leave. Wait, there's one more coming. When When Peggy shows up, I will have my Peggy should be coming, right? So, we should be at five. That one's not coming. Peggy's coming. Yeah. So, there's one more coming. Yeah. Peggy's coming.

That's what we hear. Yes, she she is available for One of the things that we'd like to do today, we're going to have a brief discussion uh here at the board first on on an item that we can't meet at afterwards. So, we're going to do that just for a few minutes and then we'll

take our first cases uh according to the agenda. If you would please uh you're making presentation today. We're going to ask that you keep it succinct and tight um because you know some of the board members are going to have to leave at a certain time and therefore we would really appreciate you know just coming to the point of whatever it is that you're doing if you don't mind. Um we're not asking you to cut anything short Mr. Maxwell brief as you can. The microphones aren't on yet and no one can hear.

I don't know if any of you so that you know We have a tight quum today. We may have members that have to leave early. We're going to take up a quick discussion item and then we just need everybody to kind of be as concise as they can so we can get through as many items as we can because this is a big agenda, heavy agenda and I know you all want to get your stuff heard. And I also can you let there's only five of us and they need five, right? And as of right now there's only five members. Five members constitutes a quorum. You're required to have five votes in favor. So you have the option also, what is our tagline to?

So two things. One, we're still waiting on our court reporter. So we can't hear any items until our court reporter appears that are quasi judicial in nature. So we can have our discussion items. So apologies if it seems like we're doing internal business first, but we're going to be waiting. We have one more minute till it starts anyways, but we have one uh we're waiting for our court reporter. And yes, so you are required to have um five members of the board present for a quorum and an affirmative vote of five members is needed for any decision. So that today would be shortly a unanimous decision of the board. Because of that, because it's five instead of what are we regularly nine?

Nine members. Um you are allowed if if you would like to defer the item to a date certain, we will announce that date here. You will need to repost the property. You will not need to rem. Just to be clear, um you are more than welcome to proceed. Um and there's no um impediment to doing so. It's just at um each member's of the public's choice, each applicant's choice, excuse me. So, I think it's um 4 o'clock now. Mr. Maxwell, if you want to begin once, um we have our Zoom recording ready. Well, thank you very much. I'm going to turn this on and we'll get we'll get everything. All right. Well, good afternoon everybody.

Am I on? Now we're on. Okay, good. Well, good afternoon everyone. Welcome and we're happy you're here. Um, are we on? Okay. And just for the record before we begin, the court reporter will be here shortly so we can take everybody's items uh in just a minute.

Oh, very good. Okay. Well, welcome again. Welcome to the regularly scheduled meeting of the city of Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board. We are residents of Coral Gables and are charged with the preservation and protection of historic or architecturally worthy buildings, structures, sites, neighborhoods, and artifacts which impart a distinct historical heritage to our city. The board is comprised of nine members, seven of whom are appointed by the commission, one by the city manager. The ninth uh is selected by the board and confirmed by the commission. Five members of the board constitute a quorum and five affirmative votes are necessary for the adoption of any motion. Any person who acts as a lobbyist pursuant to the city of Coral Gable's Ordinance 2006-11 must register with the city clerk prior to engaging in lobbying activities or presentations before city staff, boards, committees, and/or the city commission. A copy of the ordinance is available in the office of the city clerk. Failure to register and provide proof of registration shall prohibit your ability to present to the historic preservation board on applications under consideration this afternoon. A lobbyist is defined as an individual, corporation, partnership, or other legal entity employed or retained, whether paid or not, by a principle who seeks to encourage the approval, disapproval, adoption, repeal, passage, defeat, or modification of any ordinance, resolution, action, or decision of any city commissioner. Any action, decision, recommendation of the city manager, any city board or committee including but not limited to quasi judicial ad advisory board, trust authority or council or any action decision or recommendation of city personnel during the time period of the entire decision-making process on the action decision or recommendation which foreseeably will be heard or reviewed by the city commission or a city board or committee including but not limited to

quasi judicial advisory board, trust authority or council. Presentations made to this board are subject to the city's false claim ordinance chapter 39 of the city of Coral Gable city code. I now officially call the city of Coral Gable's Historic Preservation Board meeting of let's see what is today the 23rd of April at 4 at 4:05 p.m. Today are Mr. Shield on my left, Miss Jana, myself, Mr. Maxwell, Mr. Garcia Ponds, Miss Spain, and Mrs. Rondo. Today we're missing Miss Eert and Mrs. Alvarez. And Mr. Silva

and Mr. Okay, we have a distinguished member here today. Uh we have the son of the one of the city attorneys who's here. He's taken the day off and come to be with his mom. So, thank you. It's take your children to work day today. So, um the city's given the employees the full experience, tour of the firehouse, get to meet the police dog, get to do the fire the fire hose, which I think was was a favorite part. So, uh, thanks to the city for, uh, allowing our our deputy council here today.

We're we're very thrilled to have him. We also have with us, so that you will know, Miss Anna Paris. She is the the preservation officer for the city and Miss Cara Calf, who is also in the preservation office. So, um, those are the staff members and the people that are present today. And we welcome all of you members of our community. Next, I'd like to have an approval for the uh, for the minute motion for the minutes, please. I'd like to defer that motion to the next meeting. The It needs a little bit of work. One of the items is Okay, then we'll Okay, we'll have a deferral on the minutes then. Yes, we received comments. We'll work on those and bring them back next month.

Thank you. Thank you very much. Okay, so we're going to move on now to the exparte communications for the board. Please be advised that this board is a quasi judicial board and the items on the agenda are quasi judicial in nature which requires board members to disclose all exparte communications. An exparte communication is defined as any contact, communication, conversation, correspondence, memorandum, or other written or verbal communication that takes place outside a public hearing between a member of the public and a member of the of a quasi judicial board regarding matters to be heard by that quasi judicial board. If anyone has made any contact with the board member, when the issue comes before the board, the member must state on the record the existence of the exparte communication. the party who originated the communication and whether the communication will affect a board member's ability to impartially consider the evidence to be presented regarding the matter.

Okay. Do we have any deferrals? No deferrals. No deferrals today. Mr. Chair, I believe the agenda item has the one local historic designation deferred to the May 21st, 2026 meeting. That's case file LHD 20261315 Genoa Street. Has been deferred to the May 21st meeting. Very good.

So, item one. Okay. We're going to have the we're going to do the swearing in now. If any persons in the audience will be testifying today, Mr. Chair, I'm sorry to interrupt. We have to wait for our court reporter's appearance or the court reporter will be swearing in the members of the public. He's not here. Yeah. Okay. No. If we could just um So, we're we're going to move on then to to to our other business. Okay. She's not here yet. All right.

Traffic. Okay. Let's just open this. We're going to May is historic preservation month and um we're going the board at its previous meeting has decided to make a statement to the city commission on the state of historic preser preservation in Coral Gables. U Miss Shield has written a an outline for that and so let me open it up to you please. Um, I also received the annual report for the historic preservation office and I think we could incorporate some of the information from that report into the presentation and um it could be PowerPoint or what whatever they call it now. Do they still call it PowerPoint, Canva or whatever? So, um, and I'm told we can't have another meeting to discuss any of the details. Is that correct?

We can certainly have a a an additional meeting if we need to, but it would need to be an in-person meeting with a quorum present and be um sunshined or it could be a workshop, but no votes could be taken. We wouldn't need um a quorum present, but no no votes. It has to be in person. It has to be in person. A quorum. Yes, it has to be in person. So I mean a workshop not necessarily but it would be very difficult to do without giving any direction. So

right I think it would be difficult to get another meeting between now and May. So I guess I'm asking the board if we could use this outline. I uh was recommended using the theme for National Historic Preservation Month from the National Trust which is all people are created equal and it relates to the 250 year anniversary and uh the historic trust has good ways to communicate the theme and that's what I used. I used some of their prompts to communicate the theme to the community or communities. I also felt was im important to highlight the historic districts and villages, not villagers but villages and also the value of historic preservation versus investment in the community more than just a building. I'm wondering if um perhaps we could designate um Miss Shield to meet and coordinate with providing the final presentation in addition to the annual report information. Do we need to make a motion to do that?

If you're going to designate somebody um on behalf of the board, I think that a motion would be appropriate. Okay. I'd like to make a a motion to designate Michelle to move forward with that. I'd like to second that motion. We have a motion and a second to desicate Miss Shield to head this up. Okay. Do we have it from the board? I All in favor? All in favor? I passes unanimously. Thank you. Okay, Miss Shield, I'm happy to work with you in any way on that as well. I can also provide a little technical assistance on PowerPoint if you wish. Do we do we know any I do we have any idea of what the date may or may not be?

It will be the May 5th meeting which I believe the villagers has their item as well. Yes. So there's the proclamation May 5th. That's not very long. Okay. Wow. It would be nice to have as many board members present. Is would it be possible to get a time certain? Uh it'll be in the pro presentation and protocol items at the beginning of the meeting. Okay. So, it's being related to the proclamation that's going to be um issued for Historic Preservation Month. Okay. So, it should be at that first hour, hour and a half, right? Well, it would be nice to have the board me as many board members as possible, but I realize it's difficult for those that work through the chair. U Miss Shield, I think it's great. Thank you so much. Great idea and great execution. Um

maybe a couple things that we might add or you might talk to Miss Benos about in the final version of it. I think there's two things that we talk about um often up here. One is to reach a hundred years, it requires that you survive the first 50 years, right? So I think it could be we need to continue to think about what we want our legacy to be in 100 years. Um and I

I think that might be something you can add on to the discussion. Um and as we also do here every month, we talk about a a living history. This is not something that is in the past. it is today. So our COAs and SEOAS and everything we do here every day is about keeping it current. So those are two things I I think the commission would appreciate. I think the other also Kelly and like I said I'm happy to work with you on this and and we can exchange some communications and have the next part communication um that we can declare uh is not only what does it matter but why do we invest in it and and what will that get us and then what are the tools that we have that we need to continue to deploy because Without those tools, we're not going to have these things in the future given economic pressures.

Okay. It would also be good to talk about urban design if we can about how the continuity of our city you know moves to shape and that one of the reactions that we had to the that helped create the preservation ordinance was the loss of major major you know elements in the late 19 in the 1970s which brought large box very nondescript office buildings into play. We've done some wonderful things and we have wonderful things to do in the future. I'll also talk to Mr. Slesnik about the landmarks board and see if maybe they'll they'll they'll make a presentation as well. Good idea.

Board, how about how about any comments, feedback, uh assistance?

So, this this is going to be presented to the city commission, right? I I I really think the most important thing for the elected officials to understand about preservation is that it is an ongoing it's ongo it's it's a it's an on it's an ongoing it doesn't stop in the 1920s you know we're not charged with pre preserving only the 1920s that as every year progresses that 50-year mark is moving with it and a lot of times times they don't understand that. So they look at a more modern even than the 1950s and say well you know if this was the 1920s home I I get it but you know not this and and that fabric of the city is not just the 1920s

right uh buildings and so somehow I think that should be part of it because we only get one shot at talking to them so you know good point. And Miss Bane, that's a very good point because within a fourb block radius of my house, there are 15 demolitions. 15. It's amazing. It really in mine also and it's and it's accelerated. Mine also. Yeah. Maybe we live in the same neighborhood. Well, one thing they all of those do have to go through uh the department. So that's discuss. Yes. Yes. Thank you, Miss Rolando.

Yeah. I I think too it's it's part of our city heritage. um a commitment to architecture and planning. I mean, it's really part of the DNA in this city. We just haven't allowed like from the beginning was locked into and focused on city planning, great architecture, aesthetics,

aesthetics, you know, the gardening, the landscape, just not popping the building down. So I I think it's critical that we continue to have that emphasis whether it's new construction or um pre preservation or modification of existing buildings.

That's a very good point. I mean we sell ourselves as a as a beautiful city. I mean our our tagline is the city beautiful. We come from the city beautiful movement from the late from the late 1900s you know which really began at the Chicago World's Fair moved in with the garden city movement and you know the history of this community is that every home underwent architectural scrutiny and was was made to fit in and we even had a color specialist you know which uh I think was Phineas Pace for a long time that was his designation and so you know the things that that make the city what it is are the things that we should be trying to continue on and maintain and to restore accurately. Okay, we have a motion. We we've got our our our agenda down and and Miss Shield and I and others will will all contribute as best as we can and so is there anything else that we'd like to do at this time?

We'll just May 5th.

Thank you very much for taking this on. By the way, Miss Shields was a former president. You're you're not the president now, are you? of the Villagers, which is a historic preservation association here for Date County. Okay. So, we're going to go on our court reporter. Are we just about ready? We're ready. All right. She's ready. So, we're ready. Okay. So, we're going to then have our swearing in. Okay. So, if you're ready, uh any persons if any persons in the audience will be testifying today, that is speaking. In other words, if you'd like to speak about an item, you have to be sworn in. So, if you'll be speaking today, please rise and be sworn in. very much. Okay,

Mr. Chair, just to verify that is there anybody on Zoom who will be testifying? If so, please raise your hand when it's the time so we can swear you in. Thank you. Okay. Okay, got it. There we go. Great. Oh, it's even on there.

Okay, so we're going to open up with special certificates of appropriateness. We're going to go in order of the agenda today. Um, some of these may take a little longer, some may may be a little quicker. So, please bear with us. Uh, we offer opportunity for everyone to speak. Okay, we're going to open up here with um case file COA SP 2026-00005, an application for the issuance of a special certificate of appropriateness for the property at 1144 Milan Avenue, a local historic DNA landmark legally described as lot three in the east 10 ft of lot 2, block 26, Coral Gables, Granada section, platbook 8, page 113, Miami Dade County. The application requests uh to to demolish the existing detached garage and for design approval for additions and alterations in site work. Staff,

good afternoon. Anna Peris, preservation officer.

Um as mentioned, this is an application that requests design approval for the demolition of the original uh detached garage additions and alterations to the residence. Um, this property, I apologize. Um, let me go through here, was designed by Martin L. Hampton. Um, this home is proposing a 1,255 square foot, two-story addition to include a library, living room, kitchen, primary bedroom, suite on the ground floor, and two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a family room on the second floor. They're proposing a new carport on the east side elevation and demolition of the detached garage for a new gazebo um structure. Really quickly, I do want to go over that um you know, demolition is of a designated property has to be uh reviewed under the criteria of section 8-107D and these are eight criteria. Um if the degree of the building of which of the the degree of which the building has been um significantly altered, the structure is original to the construction of the house and has been minimally altered. This contributing structure is considered to be an ar character defining feature of the site. The detached garage structures were common in the original development of the city of Coral Gables, but many have been altered or demolished. Uh number three, whether the loss of the building or structure improvement or site would adversely affect the historic or architectural integrity of the historic site or district. The removal of original historic fabric is considered drastic action. Whether the retention of the building structure improvement or site would promote the general welfare of the city by providing an opportunity for study or local history, architecture and design. The detached auxiliary structures were common in the original development of the city and there are other opportunities for this type of study. Uh number five is whether the architectural plans have been presented to the board for the reuse of the property if the prop the proposed demolition were to be carried out and

the appropriateness of said plans to the character of the historic site or district if applicable and demonstrations as well of the posting of a bond requirement if there are sufficient funds to place carry out such plans. Um the proposed redevelopment plans have been presented and comply with the Secretary of Interior standards for rehabilitation. The applicant proposes to restore the original wood details that have been removed and reinstall casement windows that are appropriate to the original configuration of the house. The new two-story addition and carport are located at the rear of the property as an attempt to not overwhelm the original one-story modest house. Um, no bond has been presented at the time at this time. Um, whether the building or structure improvement or site possesses any im imminent threat to the public health or safety. Um, the structure is in stable condition. There is some deterioration due to the lack of maintenance in adjacent trees. An arborist report was submitted with a limited description of how the adjacent trees may be causing foundation damage and uplifting of the structure and driveway. The trees are proposed to be removed and whether the applicant has demonstrated a retention of the building. Um there has been no presentation to staff to retain the building. And uh number eight is whether there is a compelling public interest requiring the demolition which there are none presented to staff. Uh this application was reviewed by the board of architects and recommended for approval on January 9th, 2025. Um as mentioned, staff believes that the one and twotory edition and the carport addition are appropriate to the existing main residents, but has concerns with approving demolition of the original detached garage. And so our recommendation would be for approval with the conditions as noted, number one being that to work with staff to restore and repurpose the detached garage for future use. Uh I will allow the applicant to come up now to make their presentation and give them the opportunity to go through their slides.

Thank you. Good afternoon. Please state your name for the record. Good afternoon. My name Leo Beon architect, principal of Bayon Architecture.

Thank you. We um we've been working on on this uh project for quite a while. Uh we understand and it has been very pleasant working with the historic board and every member and uh as a matter of fact we also went to the board of architects. We got everyone approved the plans and we submitted the plan for building permitting. All the plans have been approved. We are in compliance or in agreement with everything that the uh department has recommended on the on the repairs and addition of the house. However, we disagree on the on the board the board of architects the same thing on the condition of the detached garage. We understand that the detached garage was something that you know some architect did back in 1925 something uh like that. And we also understand that at the time, you know, cars were smaller. Uh, you know, the the the existing structure has several problems. Number one is too small to fit a car. It's only 10 ft wide by 18 ft long. Number two, there were three uh poinsiana trees planted right next to the west side uh um wall of the garage that the roots have penetrated inside the structure, lift the footings and we have uh you know we hire a structure engineer to give us a report and his uh report is the garage has to be rebuilt. There's no way to save it. Now, instead of the garage, in the same location where the garage is, we placed a gazebo. So, the existing house sits in front and then a gazebo sits in the back basically in the same

area where the garage was. So, we keep that detached building, the one building and the detached building on the other side intact. Uh, we would have loved to keep the garage, you know, if it would have been a uh something feasible. But at this point, like I said, it doesn't act as a garage. We have to put a carport instead of the garage because you can't fit a car in there. And number two, the structural condition of these I mean the the the structural envelope of the garage has been compromised. So we have to you know it has to be rebuilt. The last thing I want to say is we went through the trouble of, you know, going to the front of the board of architects. Uh, Anna Pern was there too. You know, we got everything approved through several times like always. I think we did a a a good job in trying to keep the uh streetscape the same way that was back in 1925. I think that the addition is all the way in the back. is a two-story addition, but when you walking on the sidewalk, you don't see the addition doesn't become eminent. It's it's it's all the way in the back. We did add the carport, but the carport is also recess all the way through the back. So, in all, I think we saving the character of the uh that the architect uh designed at the you know back in 1925. I don't think we changing this rescape. I think the house uh you know it's going to be also restored with the you know right now the the the detail around the front window the the one window in front has been completely uh gone.

We are planning to restore that. We also trying to keep the uh the porch and the steps the same way that they had before. So in a way it's you know we we understand it's a small house. Uh things have changed, the families are bigger, uh you know, we need more space and and this is a you know, fantastic example of how we can take a house from the past and and convert it into a modern house with me. He's also my client that uh is dying to get it done. Uh and and you know, we willing to cooperate in whatever way we can to to preserve the integrity of of the house, but at the same time, Uh you know we we prefer that the garage be completely demolished and um also the house has been empty for 5 years. So it's in really complete

uh structural problem. So we we we correcting all that. We keeping the raised floor uh with rafters the same way that it was built back in 1925. And um you know I I don't think there's more that we can have done to make this into uh you know a work that we all can be proud of. All right. So I'm open to questions. Uh again we we in agreement with all the condition except the keeping of the garage and I'm also transmitting that the board of architects also agree that the garage has no part of it. It's all the way in the back and you don't even see it from the front.

Thank you very much. Okay, board questions. Um, Mr. Garcia, so a couple questions. The one you haven't addressed that I think is interesting to me is the elevations is really the roof lines. So on the second floor you have the sort of I'm going to say attached um barrel tile fronts that are up against and one of the condition is that we use the roof to be true two-piece barrel tile and we we agree with that.

So it's not it's not really a question of material it's a question of the drawings themselves. It doesn't look like those the barrel tile roofs that are on the second floor. The drawings aren't quite um the two-dimensional drawings don't portray the threedimensional reality. So, I don't know how you can blow it up, but the top left hand one, the new front elevation is right. So, the barrel tiles since they're um the parapit

the Well, the parapit's fine. I I mean I understand the parit it's the the length. I think the drawings that we're looking at are slightly different in plan than what I'm seeing on this. It was hard to hard to follow. But my question was really those two the top two barrel tile roofs. Um is that something that you really wanted to do because it just looks like you added them on. They don't seem very consistent. Front elevation was something that the board of architects really But what do you want? We're not the board of architects. So, what did you want to do? By the way, we can

I you know the you have to understand the the house had two type of uh roof basically was a flat roof house with a little roof over the porch and something that so the house have to remain like a somehow a flat roof with some areas that we repeat the same uh not the same detail basically the same concept of the of the roof tiles. I think that, you know, having it that, you know, the way that it was approved, I think, you know, it relates a little bit the old with the new. So the even though the the new one is going to have a different uh, you know, stock maybe,

right? I we trust me, we do this all the time. Um, so the difference being with the original house is that porch with the with the barrel tower roofs was specific to a unique feature of the house, which is the porch. the rest of it was flat, which is typical of many of these houses. So to add that sort of tile to these sort of appendages on the top that don't even line up, they just sort of they feel like they were penetrations that you just added some tiles on top of. It doesn't seem like it has the the same intention or purpose that the original ones do. So, in my opinion, it's detracting from the importance of the original porch. It looks like it's just applied, which is why I'm asking if it's something that you did with intention or if it's something that you just felt you needed to do for approvals or something because it doesn't seem as thought through as the rest of the house.

It was intentionally done and and also as part of the review by the whole board of architect that they didn't want to see a whole plain wall on the back. the the the existing house on the rear had a porch to that had tile. So they wanted to repeat some of that uh you know deal. But again that's exactly what I'm saying is the tiles were attached to an architectural feature of a porch. There was a reason for them not just thrown on and these just feel like it was applied as opposed to purposeful.

I get that. I mean I I think it particularly if you go back to just the elevation not any kind of a view. Wait that stop on the right hand side you have those um vents uh in thank you in in the wall. So that is it's obvious that the parapit is lower than that. You have a certain height of parapit. There's a minimum height that you have to have in coral gables. There's no minimum height anymore. No, we found that out recently actually.

Oh, well that that's a problem for me. But anyway, um but you're So you have the parapit and then you have the roof on the other side and then you have this right at the edge of the parapit. It seems very odd. And normally, isn't it isn't it down at where the the parapit hits the floor? It is, but looking at the detail of the existing one, it's it's unique. Like that's weird.

I've But I've never seen that. It does look odd to me only because of that detailing. You know, it doesn't doesn't it doesn't that tile roof regardless of whether there's a function to it or not, it doesn't tend to spring from the very top of the parapit. It's normally lower where the where the the roof hits the parapit bottom of the parapit. Am I wrong? I I mean, honestly, I'm construction is not my So that's the original. If you go to this is so that is original. They're mimicking this repeat. I see what the board the board the board wanted to repeat the same detail.

Yeah, I I think the same detail as as was used. They were using the same detail as it was originally. I think the intention was to provide like a combination roof because when there was a big parapit condition at the rear, it felt more massive. So that was their way of kind of creating a combination of roofs and also doing the pushing and pulling of the mass too. So that it kind of related with this and that's in the this is all in the report. So I'm I'm not presenting for them but explaining more within my report that that shape of the mass also kind of was a way to move with the building so that it didn't feel like a big box behind it. Um having that all be one parapit.

I'm not sure. I don't know if it needs to be more. Maybe there could be a little bit of a recess of the I mean, sorry, if it's mimicking the original. Yeah. Um, it just seems odd. It seems odd to me that it does that and the other the original doesn't seem odd. Um, right. Because it's a porch porch. It's a porch and the other is an is a mass. And usually if you had like an awning like that, the awning would also have a reveal from the parap. So that's what you're used to it protecting the window, right? Which is what's happening at the side elevation. So, they do have a little awning like that um at a new side entry and it's set down. It's, you know, sits lower than the height of the parapit.

We're obviously picking at tiny little details and an otherwise very nice design. So, it's not a tiny detail. Mr. N, you have anything? Miss Shield,

I have a question. Um, has there been any discussion about what the garage could be repurposed as if it stayed? If have you did have you looked at maybe um options of how to repurpose it if if it wasn't demolished? no discussion but you know the we went in front of the board of architect like three times and they you know everyone had a different opinion on on how to you know how to skin the cat okay how are we going to get to that uh one of the things that I think was important for Anna was also you know keeping that detail of the front you know front window that was during the years it was lost somebody you took it out or uh clean it up. And in order to, you know, re revive the the house to to today's standards, we created the same detail that we had before into that window. So, you know, there there are some of the items that we incorporated in design is based on the architecture of the times and we didn't want this house to be that um different in the front elevation. So we we kept everything in the back so when people walk by they they have the same feeling that they had before.

Okay. Um yeah there's a lot of details but this was a very simple house. I think this house was designed to with a twobedroom uh and it had a rear porch that was using the summer to sleep uh with some fresh air. Uh the rest, you know, it's just a very simple basic house that I think uh Mary wanted to attract some different people uh to come and live in Corables at the time. Yeah. You know, a lot of these houses were simply winter residences. That's really all they were. People would come down for the for the winter season. Um, Mr. Nay, do you have any questions? Okay.

I have a question for for staff. Uh, has this been designated as a Coral Gable's cottage? No. Okay. It was identified to be a need for meeting the criteria but um the applicant has not I was concerned if it was designated and and in the past someone had use that for incentives.

Uh okay. And the garage could could be some type of accessory building for the pool. Um I mean I've seen that done in the past. So, it's a uh doesn't necessarily on the side that's facing the pool need to to stay as a complete wall. Uh and so it could be a more substantial structure than the gazebo that you're thinking about, I believe. Okay. Thank you. I'm going to add in here as well, you know, from a design perspective. I know what you've gone through with the board of architects and it could be grueling. Um,

I'm I'm going to echo echo uh Mr. Garcia Pon's and uh Miss Spain's comments about the shed roofs on the second floor, the building would look much better with with a flat roof and the interior spaces would probably work better too. And then in in place of the shed roofs that are applied and basically it's a pastiche, you know, that's being applied to that, you know, just put wall vents and it would look it would look like it fit in actually much better. You have the back porch at which you've done replicates what was there previously in in manner and style. And so you really kept with that. Uh I'm going to echo also Miss Spain, is there anything that you can do with the existing garage? I know it's the the pool pavilions about where that garage was. It appears to be from the survey.

Yeah, I missed that whole thing. I don't know. The the problem with the garage is, you know, we and and again, we went over this with the with the board of architects. uh everybody was trying to incorporate and to see what was the best solution and they we all agreed that having the gazebo the way we have designed it in the back will help us with the um same concept that the original architect had where it has an structure in the back and the main house in front. The only thing we were adding is the carport to for the car to one thing to replace the other. Well, yeah. But but the

I understand what Miss Bain is saying about the garage. We've done that in Mraa's house, in other houses where we kept that, but the the fact is this garage is has to be completely demolished. I mean, the roots uh I know you see in the report for the instruction, the roots have gone inside the the um the garage and the footings have all been altered. So, it has to be turned down and rebuilt. So instead of rebuilding the square box there, we we just said, "Okay, let's put the gazebo there, which is more attractive to and more useful to the to the uh people here." And it doesn't really distract from the street uh sidewalk elevation when you're walking by still, you know, there. I think it it it will serve much better use for many years. Uh and I you know and again we we put a lot of thoughts into this house. We went through you know not every member of the board was very u articulate and and and and and made us change a lot of things that makes a lot of sense. But uh you know it comes to a point now that if we could changing things I don't know what's going to you know what's what are we going to end up with. We're ready to pull a permit. All we need is your blessing. Well, you know, this board also

finish approved everything. Well, what you also you you can't speak unless you introduce yourself and I I would just a moment this this this board supersedes the the the board of architects. And so the recommendations that you're going to come out of here, if you accept them and it moves forward with a positive vote, that's what it's going to be. So, um and that will supersede and you won't have to go back to the board of architects, you know, for your permit. So, so there's that discussion. Okay. Yes, ma'am. You want to introduce yourself, please? I'm Jazelle. I'm the owner of the property. Okay. Please state your full name. Jazelle Viadores. Thank you.

Um, so I purchased this property over two years ago. Um, it was in it's it is in distress. Um, when I purchased the property, it was abandoned for eight years. the four royal poniana trees were one of the branches were going over the the the roof and the house was pretty much destroyed with ter termites. It ate all the the roofing and the kitchen. There's a whole the house is literally decomposing as we speak

for the two and a half years has been completely abandoned. Doesn't have bo water, nothing. No electricity or anything like that. I went ahead and I removed the trees because I didn't want to cause any more damage to the the property to the house. You know, I am honored to have a historical home. Okay? So, I just want you to know that this is important for me to preserve the the history of this house, but I also am looking at the safety of my family. And there was the if you look at the picture there's actually a picture in the report that and not only in the um arborist report that I hired an arborist to you know give recommendations to the city to remove these they're beautiful but they were causing so much damage. Um I guess there the the trees were planted right next to the garage which was lifting the foundation. The the garage is sideways. the my neighbors um concrete fence fell over and they've already had to repair it because of these roots. You can physically see the roots in the in the um actual reports. I don't think this is a matter of convenience. This is a matter of safety for my family at this point. We have to remove this garage and rebuild it because it's a foundation situation going on here.

Thank you. Okay. Is anything else? Anything else, sir? If not, we'll go back to the board here. We need Okay. Any any further questions, ladies and gentlemen, of the applicant? I have one question. Was the structural report submitted? I didn't see it in the package. We we received it two days ago and I it was already past the deadline that for me to submit with the materials.

And what did it say? Um the engineers report said that the building was in poor condition and that it did need to be rebuilt in certain areas, but yeah, we we were not supposed to I can't make my I can't make my um report off of evidences provided later. So, we have to have that submitted in there. Okay. Thank you. Any other questions? We did have the tree report in there, so I did include that. And there's photos, I think, of the interior. This building has been through the process with us for two and a half years. The building was designated with this property owner on board and has been working with us through these steps. So you know that is

okay. All right. Well, thank you very much. Are are there any members of the audience that wish to speak for or against this? If you'd like to come up, please sit down. Thank you. Is there anyone on Zoom? We have no one on Zoom. Okay. And uh no one in the audience that wishes to speak for or against us. So we'll close the public hearing and we'll come back to the board. Okay. Board discussion.

Yeah. So for me it's it's the same point is I think the understanding what the applicant has been through. Um I believe that the shed roof on the second floor um is detracting from the porch architecture. Um, and I would suggest to for us to consider and have the applicant work with staff on revising that detail so it does not mimic the existing porch frontage, whether it's a um a flat roof or a parapit or even some a different kind of shed roof. I think that might be more appropriate than what is being shown now. Um, and I would I would ask the board to give me your opinions on something like that. I think the rest of the porch, the rest of the sheds are fine. Those are the two in the front. The one in the back you could replace as well, but the one in the two in the front are the most obvious ones.

Thank you. I have to get back to the elevations. Okay.

While you're getting there, I'll miss Rolando. Anything? Um, I have to say I don't have as a problem with the garage. I I'm okay with um something in its footprint. Uh but I I do understand the um concern about the um uh those shed roofs on the second floor not being tied with not having an apparent function. But I'm not I don't object to the gazebo in lie of the garage.

All right. Thank Thank you very much. Yeah, I I I would I tend to agree with you, Mr. N comments. I think in in general, I'm not in favor of of destroying or or demolishing a detached garage. However, in this circumstance, I think it's quite unique, and if I'm looking at everything as a totality, I think I'd be okay with it. Okay. Thank you. I agree with that. Miss Shield that um uh speak a little louder. Sorry, I didn't hear I'm I'm hard of hearing obviously. Okay. She didn't hear you. I didn't hear what you said. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

I said that um as a general rule, I am not in favor of these detached garages being demolished. I believe that there are generally opportunities to repurpose, but in this circumstance, looking at everything that's going on with the property, I think I would agree with Miss Rolando that I'm I'm okay in this unique circumstance. Miss Shield, anything? Okay, Miss Spain, we'll get back to you if you found the page that you're looking for.

I was looking at the side elevation. um with the roofs. Um and I when I first looked at this, I didn't realize that they were mimicking the existing roof. Although I understand the the whole situation where there was a purpose for that the existing roofs and it doesn't seem as if there's a purpose. Uh I I I don't know how it would look without those roofs up there. I I have an an issue with it being just one large parapit. I think it's a little bit more too massive. Um the pitch is different.

Well, that's what I was trying to see with the side. Yeah, the pitch is different. Are are the pitches different from on the roofs upside up upstairs compared to the one on the front? I know. It's hard to say. Seems to be more shallower. TV, could we have the presentation back up? Oh, yeah. They are right. They're different. Certainly. Yeah. Well done. So, I don't know. I think that that bothers me since they're so plain. So, but it But I don't know how to fix it. So, so the

Oh, so that you're talking about the pitch of the front porch and the pitch of the the new the new roofs. They're much That one looks like it's like a 512. So from the facade, it's going to read differently. Yeah. Yeah. I think if you tried to match the porch um slope, it would be very steep, right? Yeah, I agree. I have one comment. Yes, please.

The The gazebo has the barrel tile roof. I mean, I would if we going to do something in the footprint to mimic it. I don't know if maybe you know a similar roof to what was there before, which is just a flat roof. Mhm. Right. Doesn't take on the same importance. Right. So, I mean, it's like you remove the walls, which you wouldn't do, you know, like if you took the detached garage and kept it in the footprint, which it is already pretty close. Yeah. Um, but didn't change the roof. So, just

and just removed, I guess, three of the walls is what it looks like. I don't have any we had a the board of architect changes to

my my concern at this point will be since this board takes president over the since this board takes precedence over the the archive review board uh do we have to go back to them? No. Did we change something or something? They're a recommending board to us. They they recommend their they give their opinions to us, but we're the final determination. The final I do like the carport a lot. Yeah. You know, I don't I don't really have more practical in today's living. It's good.

I don't have the same problem about the garage. You know, I understand what you're doing. I think the footprint is is good. uh if it was a flat roof, you know, it it probably wouldn't fit in so well with with the the rear porch, which is I think what the board of architects was telling you. I think what you're going to find here is the the majority of the board has expressed opinions about the the two overhangs on the second floor. and bringing those up just so they're flat and then with wall vents in there would actually be very much in keeping with the design of that time where you see lots and lots of that and uh and I think it would those spaces would read better and they would have a better interior height as well. So

So we're talking about the three uh shared roof on the second floor. I think we're talking about the two on the second one the two only in the front and third one could be done you just make them all consistent if you'd like to is a simple change it doesn't affect structure but um the the gazebo is the only thing that we have to you know whether you we want a flat roof or we want to keep it into a more of a of a geo I think that's, you know, let's see what kind of motion we come. Isn't it weird? So,

you know, you're you're absolutely right and it's something if it if the structural engineer says, "Look, it really can't be saved and I understand how these things are made. You know, there's really no structural I mean, they're just blocks that are stacked up really. I mean, there's no wall ties or anything in them. So, you know, so they do move with trees and and they'll and and unfortunately they do have to come out. Our mission, as you know, is to preserve as much as we can, you know, of that past if it's if it's preservable. So, I think you made a case, you know, with the structural engineer. So, uh, if there's no other questions or anything, let's, you know, we can begin to move this to a vote. Is that okay? We can we'll close that part of the hearing. So, all right. I can Do you have any other questions? No.

Okay. Thank you very much. And we're we'll begin to take a motion now. Mr. Garcia's a motion. All right. All right, I'm going to try one uh see if this works. Um a motion to approve with the conditions to be mentioned. Uh in a second, um the design proposal in addition to the alterations to the residence of site work on the property located 1144 Milan Avenue.

Um and approve the issuance of an SEOA with the conditions about to be discussed. So the conditions are uh the staff as as notified as noticed in the staff report conditions 2 through eight removing condition number one with regards to repurposing the garage and then adding two conditions. Condition number nine to work with staff regarding the second floor shed roofs preferably to be uh to be flat roofs or parapit roofs. Um but again work with staff Uh and then condition number 10 to replace the proposed barrel tower roof on the gazebo to also propose to be a flat roof and they're both to be work with staff with the preference of a flat roof. Those that's the motion. Happy to take any friendly amendments.

I'll second it. We have a We have a motion by Mr. Garcia, a second by Miss Spain. Happy to take any friendly amendments. Any friendly amendments? Hearing none. Good job. Please call the question. Miss Shield? Yes. Miss Rando? Yes. Mr. Garcia Pon? Yes. Miss Spain? Yes. Miss Jane? Yes. And Mr. Maxwell?

Yes. Motion passes unanimously. Thank you very much. Certainly appreciate it. And uh good luck working with the staff. Okay, ladies and gentlemen, we're going to go on to the next item, which is case file COA SP 2025-019, an application for the issuance of a special certificate of appropriateness for the property at 547 Alcasar Avenue, a contributing resource within the Alcasar Avenue Historic District, legally described as lock 24, block 23, Coral Gable, section B, Platbook 5, page 11, Miami Dade County. The application The applicant requests design approval for the enclosure of the open front porch with impact resistant windows and doors. Staff,

good afternoon. Thank you. Again, this proposal was heard before the board on September 18th, 2025. Uh the board reviewed an application to install windows with a wood grain finish and glass selection that was gray. After a thorough discussion uh and two failed motions, the item was continued at that same hearing. In the staff report, staff had um had provided comments of consideration if the property was going if the recommendation was going to be for approval, which are items 1 through six. And the staff report, the applicant has taken those items into consideration and revised their plan to come up with a new configuration that mimics more the look of a screened in porch with a black frame product with clear glass. um they're here before you today and I will let them um make their presentation. Um and our staff recommendation at final has not changed. Uh we still do believe that the enclosure of the rear of the front open porches are inappropriate to these original features of the building and would recommend denial but again they um made those changes so they present behav.

All right. Thank you. Please introduce yourself.

Thank you. I represent the company of windows and doors. Uh we are uh proposing the enclosing of the porch uh with maintaining the architectural openings. Okay. The intention is to fully contain the arches. uh no changes on the structure or any of the building primary features. Okay. Uh we propose like you said the same color of the screens that were before. We know of the historic evolution, but we al also know that we have to preserve the whole structure of the building. So, we're not changing any of that. Everything will be the same. Everything will remain the same. We're going to respect the character, the building, everything. Uh but we want to enclose the porch. The proposed plan shows the only part that is going to be changed is the the front only the arches. Nothing else is going to change. And we've done the research, the due diligence of uh doing what the board has told us to do. And there's a couple of properties that have done the same. We saw them. We're pretty much doing the same thing. not changes to the building to the structure or the character of the building.

All right.

Hi, my name is Karina Lorenzen. I am one of the owners of the home along with my husband. Um, thanks for your time.

Welcome. Um, we did take a lot of your advice to heart and both my husband and I p, excuse me, personally met with Anna um, in late 2025 to see if we'd come up with a design that would be more appropriate for the style of the home. I absolutely wanted an an old Spanish home. I grew up in one in the Gables on Navare. This has been a dream of ours. Our family has been expanding. The portion itself is very difficult to utilize. Um the screens are in disrepair and despite trial for repair, our lovely neighborhood cats keep making their way in. Um and we have taken the comments that um Anna has recommended um to heart. So the previous things that we had had discussions of were spec specified ways of opening those windows, we've allowed them to be casement. They model the same style as the front door currently and um they are black in color. The glasses to match the rest of the style of the home. It allows us to use the functionality of an existing porch. So this is something that if a future owner of the home, which to be very blunt, we're never leaving um decides that they don't like it and they'd rather have a porch that can be easily removed. But the functionality of the porch remains the same with the same aesthetic of the hopeful design as well. Uh my name is Javier Diaz, um the other owner of the house. I also want to point out when we looking at the frames, we wanted to continue it with black, but on top of that, we looked at a material that continues with a wood grain as you can see here. So, it even continues with what you currently see today. So, it's we're we're trying to add to that fact. Um I also understand that in speaking to Anna every uh enclosure is looked at as a separate instance right uh and in previous

instances uh what has been mentioned to us is noise complaint how close you are to lune or traffic I want to point out that the house is located yes it may be on the 500 block but it is one block away from and it's the corner lot next to Siggoia Segoia where you're seeing a lot of traffic. So whenever there's any emergency, you always see ambulance coming through and it it does get loud. But again, that was just one additional point. Uh these two other homes, 410 AlkaZar was approved in 2023 and the same with 434 Alcazar in 2023, just one block over. Um, the house when we got it luckily hasn't had many owners, at least to my knowledge, but we've we we did not do what a lot of people do today. They buy an old Spanish home and we've got it. As you can see, we kept the original walls, original floors. We want to maintain that uh on the porch. Another part that we want to preserve are the the last remaining original windows with the original cranks and the original That is very unique to 1925. You can't get that anywhere else. Unfortunately, these windows are warping. So, there has caused a gap even if you try to crank the windows closed. As part in an effort to enclosing, this will help preserve that. We want to restore this to its functioning condition as well. Uh, but with it being open with the moisture, it will continue. They're wooden. They're going to continue to get damaged. Um, and here is another image of inside our house just to prove that we are trying to maintain it. When we replace these windows to become hurricane impact, they

you know the they told us we don't know if we can preserve the architecture over the the molding above the windows. We fought with them to make sure that stay because it was a very unique feature of the house and that we love. We're not trying to change this house. We're just trying to preserve it and make it more functional for our family. Um, last point. I know this may sound very unconventional. Uh, reason why my wife brought up the screen for the cats. They continue to break and we try to patch them up. Fun fact, Coral Gables has bats. We did not know that when that happened. And there's a huge colony around our house. Unfortunately, we've had bats enter the house. Bats.

Bats with a bats. Bats. B A Ts and you and you don't have a belfie. Uh in in in several occasions they have entered the house. We thought they were coming in through the chimney. They were not. We later found out they were flying in through the screened in porch, getting to the porch, climbing up and crawling through the actual windows that are warped. Um what happened here? We didn't see when they entered. We woke up. the bats. I'll let my wife speak to this because she's more of a physician. She is a physician, but

I'm very sorry to announce that unfortunately, if you follow the protocol for what happens when you have bad exposures, that means you get rabies series, which meant that when I was first year in residency after we had just purchased this house, uh we were spending our entire furniture budget on rabies shots. Um and we now have a young son now. I have a dog who is imunompromised. I you know there this is just another level and area excuse me area to Yeah. These are palm bats too. Yeah. And there are a lot of bats and coral girdles. And there's a lot of

house on Ela that they had to stop construction and the repair of the roof because the wraps the bats were an endangered species. I know more than I ever wanted to know about bats. Un unfortunately I do agree because of this instance we found out this these are Florida bonneted bats. Oh, which are less than 500 in the world. Those are the protected ones. Those are the bats.

So, we we called the health department to come and take them and the health department told us we don't want to risk the life the safety of our employees. So, please cover it up and figure it out. So, if that's what they're telling us that we don't want to try to figure it out with a two and a half year old. Um and that and and ultimately, yes, we're trying to protect the front of the house. we're trying to preserve. But this also adds a a, you know, safety feature and makes us feel more comfortable when our son goes out to the porch to play with his toys, his sandbox that we got him, which can be seen in And so you're you're trying to stop from going baddy. Exactly.

Okay. All right. Well, thank you very much. We appreciate that. U All right. Very good. But is there anything else that you'd like to add? If not, you know, we'll we'll go ahead and just move forward with this. I have a couple couple questions. Okay, just one second here. You you have a question for them? Yeah. Okay, great. Yeah, I have a couple questions. Uh, first of all, gorgeous house. Thank you for your feelings about historic preservation. The interior of the house is gorgeous. I have two questions. One, my first question is um did you ever consider with the issue with the windows of replacing the actual windows on the structure with impact resistant windows?

If we were to do that, which is that would take away the current existing 1925 cranks that we still have. So, those are the those are the only original windows we have left in the home. Okay. Super cool. But nobody I I'm imagining that the windows uh would be historically correct. Any replacement windows would be from the outside of the house historically correct. You could match them with impact resistant, right? It's only the interior cranks. Well, it would be the interior wooden window. The cranks and the original molding hand molding that the window has they're very they're very different. They're very pretty. I just don't

I'm not very familiar with windows and if that's possible to be replicated, but I wasn't looking to make them modern. So, you didn't cons Okay. So, you didn't consider that for any sort of water intrusion or other problems. Okay. they would have to rip out all the because we did repeat that we did uh replace the ones in the kitchen that also had the original moldings and we asked could we save it and the answer was no to to properly put the windows in the original moldings have to be

destroyed that's unfortunate in most of our historic homes but so I'm sorry my my second question I want to give you some context and some background so that you can address it and and maybe make me be more comfortable and other members of the board. So, you pointed out some other houses. Well, the last house that we considered for an enclosure on a porch with the same ideas that you have was about a year ago. Same age, same beautiful archways, but it didn't cover the whole front facade like your gorgeous home does. It was only a part. And in that case, we actually denied the request. And some of the comments of my colleagues I found were very helpful to me. I think Miss Spain commented that she's done a lot had a lot of experience in this area and the space just like never feels the same. And Mr. Garcia Ponds pointed out how important it is to our architectural history and and to to following our guidelines and maintaining historic integrity. Um in that case not to approve Mr. Maxwell similarly talked about the history of why it's important and the and the secretary of standard interiors basically say this would be a major alteration to to allow um I guess impact windows to enclose an existing front uh porch. And I think the most important comment that struck me was once you do this, what you're doing is you're converting what was supposed to be an exterior space, a a major feature of your home into an interior space. So that to me is just a problem and a violation. So I wanted you to have that in your mind to try to tell the board and myself what is so different or or distinguishing where we should make an exception in this case. I I'm not I'm not convinced by the the windows. Is there something else you can give me?

So I I do want to point out that the original door still remains. This is not a habitable space. This is more of a space that when conditions are not right appropriate outside. Let's say it's raining. It is an area that can still be used to enjoy as a family like with outdoor seating there. There's no AC running through it. We're not doing that. This is merely just uh the windows there which was done and approved by the historic portrait 4 tech has very similar design go here. So on the top you see the front of the house three main arches on the side there's two arches it has impact windows on the inside and this was approved uh by the about getting to the board.

Okay. We we do take cases on an individual basis and I don't sorry I'm sorry. I I believe Miss C was saying that this went to the board but

um may I ask staff a question? Please go ahead. Um, so am I correct that if they do uh this proposal that um that would now be considered an interior space and there would be nothing to prevent them or subsequent owners from installing an air conditioning unit andor that that there would then be nothing um to govern what happens to those interior windows because they've been considered interior no longer exterior. Right. That's right.

Okay. So that's a that's a problem for me too. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. I love the interior windows. They're not going to go anywhere. Um the original tile is a Spanish tile on the porch. It's very pretty. We have original hardwood floors in the rest of the home. And oh my goodness, do I not want to change anything about them. They are so cool. And all of our friends and colleagues and such have modernized their local homes. And it's heartbreaking to me. And I feel like this change is more aesthetic and will allow it to be a more functional space weather pending. Right? So, it's still going to give the same aesthetic of a porch with the same aesthetic of the screens. I'm happy to take more suggestions if you have other suggestions that would be worthwhile. I'll we would try to integrate them, but I think that we've really taken most of your comments previously to to extreme heart. Um, and I I really hope that you give us consideration.

Thank you very much. I think you've also said something very important that this is removable,

right? That's the most compelling argument. That that's that's very important to understand because you know one of the key tenants of of preservation is that if you're going to make a modification that's that's sort of a little out that it's removable and and I think that that I'm so glad you brought that up and that you realize that as well u because it can be changed in the future and and we do let a lot of things like that happen you know for functionality. This is the 21st century and um I've lived in lots of historic houses and one of the things I do is the kitchen and the bathrooms. So u but I do keep the moldings and the windows and and I really applaud you because you can't take those windows out and and because they come in a whole frame and casement and you can see them here in this building and uh we had pretty extensive discussions about that for this building too. So thank you very much for your presentation. Is there anyone from the audience that would wish to speak for against this um item? Is there anyone on Zoom? No. Hearing none, we're going to close the public hearing and pull this back to the board for a motion. Okay. Board discussion.

Yeah. I just feel that um if you think about it, even though they're removable, still once you enclose that space, it's no longer exterior and they and and they would rightfully be able to change things on the interior as would a subsequent owner. And I feel like it's a character defining feature um that really conveys the historical and architectural significance and that it's it's a very significant porch because it covers the entire front facade. So, I just would like everybody to think about that. Um, I think well, if that were to happen, hopefully it would go uh to this through the historic department.

Absolutely. The windows uh if they're going to do anything, it has to go through the historic department. Not um I think staff just said not if they doesn't matter. And even interior, let's hear that again. Goes goes through the historic department. the historic the the system right now the permit system requires that um the way that it's flagged is that it's a GIS map that's flagged so the property right now is designated historic any applications that come before that are would flag historic for what's required so if they pull an interioron permit there might be a possibility that it does not come to us because not in the 25 years I worked for the city we unfortunately had to look at everything right

and maybe that's because you were physically getting them into your hand. That's right. And someone was saying this 547 isn't is is historic. Here it is. But now because the system and and it's the way that we like check it off and who gets what. So we're not tagged on every single project because if not we'd be getting, you know, the the littlest thing to the biggest thing and everything requires a permit and it would just inundate staff. But so there is a chance, but maybe there is a way that I was just asking the city attorney if there was a way because it was it would we could make an argument that is the original exterior wall. So modifications to that original exterior wall would require HP review if it's no longer the exterior wall because now when you enclose a port

well that's why I say it's the original exterior wall. That's why I'm argu I could argue that it's the original exterior wall that's being found out about it. If you could put that in the system, right? We could add the flag. We could add the note um so that that will trigger us for interior renovations in case something maybe not this owner but future owners um and it could be maybe a part of the conditions of approve something that that we have kind of recorded and in our file. I don't we hear from the city attorney.

Sure, Mr. Chair. Um but we don't have a vice chair today. Oh, yes we do. Vice chair. Um, yes. I think that it would be it would be appropriate as a condition of approval, especially if agreed to by the property owners that the system note that those are original exterior windows and doors. I don't I think the door is still exterior. Correct me if I'm wrong, but door. Oh, door two. Okay. That those are original exteriors and doors and that um any changes would be subject to historic preservation staff andor board review as um as they would be today. If that if that's acceptable as a as a condition of approval, I think we could note that in the system. That would be very clear. Air conditioning and electrical things like that on the porch. What how would how would that be impactful?

That could also be included. We could also include um not to air condition that space. Yeah, I think the air conditioning part would probably be the least impactful unless you're going to be putting like a mini split at the front elevation, which wouldn't be allowed anyways. Okay. That's So, but if they were just going to punch an event through, that could easily be done and reversed, too. Yes. I owned a home that we did that to an exterior. An original porch. We retain the openings, but the but we air conditioned it. I think it's so much nicer than it was the uh the first time he came. Uh it's it's night and day. They they followed exactly what the staff had had recommended previously.

I really appreciate the work you put into Okay, Donna, would you like to make a motion?

Uh, okay. Wait a minute. I'd like to make uh a motion to approve with Do you have a Thank you. Like to make a motion to approve the design proposal for the enclosure enclosure of the open front porch with impact resistant windows and doors on the property located at 547 Alkazar Avenue. um and uh approve the issuance of a special certificate of appropriateness with uh the following condition. Uh and that is the the existing exterior wall. Uh that will be the rear wall of the new porch. uh require any alterations to go to the historic preservation staff and or board in the future.

Is that appropriate? Add windows and doors to that, please. That was what Miss Yes, that's that's how I understand your motion to mean all all features of that wall of that of that wall. Understood. Okay, that's acceptable to the present owners. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Okay, we have a motion on the floor. Do we have a second? Do you have a friendly amendment to that one yet? I'll second. Okay, we have a motion and a second. We have a motion by Miss Spain and a second by Mr. Garcia Ponds. And we have a friendly amendment pending.

I have a question uh for the applicant. Are any of those windows that you're proposing to install operative? All of them. I'm sorry. If for the record, could we speak into the microphone just for the um transcript? It's a fixed bottom with casement windows on top. Would you show her the picture again, please? Uh with screens. No screens. Well, that means you're not going to use them because of the back problem.

I mean, unless you have screens, you're you're not fixing your problem. if you want to use them other than having my I'll tell you my concern is with that size of a space and um that much glass unless that's air conditioned you're not going to use it. It's too hot and unless you have and you can't you're not going to open the windows when you can have them open if you don't have screens based upon the bat issue. So um

but they can open up the uh existing windows and doors that go into the living room and and the AC would then circulate and circulate the air. You're not getting good AC circulation. It works amazingly well. I will tell you that. Yeah. Is there a question? Ask them a specific question. Yeah. Well, I asked the question. So, Peggy, do you have a question for She's asking if she could address the question since the question. Yes, please come up.

I know there's a policy. Um, so the bats traditionally are more active in the evenings. So we're talking dusk to night time. That's when we've ever had issues first and foremost. Secondly, your question about the air flow not being sufficient. Um, my parents have similar style, not arched, but similar style windows, sands screens, and it's lovely to have them open and we do it often at their house. Um, the idea of having the casement windows that are operable allow this to be a, excuse me, functional, safe porch aesthetic during good weather time hours. Um, that is still a safe place for our family to utilize as a, you know, as as a porch space. Does that answer your question or no?

Any other questions? Okay. Any other questions? Okay, we have a motion and a second. And Mr. Garcia, you mentioned a friendly amendment. I anticipating one, but maybe there isn't one. Okay, is there a friendly amendment to any of the board? All right, let's please call the question. Miss Rando, yes. Miss Shield, no. Okay, Mr. Garcia Puns. Yes. Miss Bain, yes. Miss Dane, no. Mr. Maxwell,

yes. Fails for two. The motion fails. If there's an alternative motion to um I I would suggest that if these people would like to proceed with an appeal, a deni or or it would No, they have to vote. Yeah, it would either be there's no motion. So, it's a failed motion. So, if there's an alternative motion to be made, there could be a denial made which could then be appealed or it would be continued to the next meeting until a motion is um achieved with a fuller board. I would defer to the uh Mr. Chair, I would defer to the applicants if they have a preference. I have no preference. Um I'm not sure that there would be a passing mo motion on the other side.

Is there a mo is there another motion to be had? And it's not if there isn't then it's up to them. So the answer is no. Board I I don't believe that there's another motion. Do you is there another motion that someone would like to make? I mean it's a pretty cut and dry situation. Okay. And and we fail by by one. So okay item city attorney. Should we do the denial motion or not? Okay.

Yeah. So given that the code provides as you as you know that the item is continued until the next meeting and until a majority vote is achieved um at that point in time um hopefully we have a full board and and you can um receive a motion of approval or denial. If it's approved great if it's denied that would go to the city commission as an appeal if you'd like to continue that. Can I make a comment? Yes, please.

I I just would like to make one comment. Um, the home is beautiful. The interior that you've done is beautiful. Your porch is gorgeous. It really is. Um, I would encourage you to embrace it with the turned columns and the and it's large and it wraps around and um, it's a sequence from the outside to the inside. That's how it was designed and it's a beautiful feature of your home and it's a big part of what makes your home what it is. So, um I know you're disappointed, but I embrace the beauty of it.

Yeah. Now, we're done. Continued. It's continued right now. To be continued. Okay, we're going to move on. I'm sorry, Miss Pinis. Other comments? Yes, please. Yes,

happy to do. agree with you. It is a very beautiful part of the home and it does extend uh and and we're trying to continue that, right? Uh living in South Florida, as you know, this weather is very very hot. Uh and having this porch, while you have, let's say, on a hot day, you do open up the interior windows. It'll provide an additional coolness that you can continue to enjoy that space even more during the hot summer days. And that's what we're trying to do. But I I I I do agree it is a beautiful part of the house and we appreciate all of you for all the recommendations you have given us and we're doing everything possible to try to continue with that you know looking for uniqueness right as you saw in our presentation even the the the frame of the windows have that wood grain that original wood grain that is very difficult to find. This is not a, you know, we've gone above and beyond to try to continue everything the same way and finding unique and unique vendors to actually make something like this, right? And it has not been an easy task. We've been trying with this since

when we first applied for our original uh windows for the rest of the house. I remember from last year 21. So it we've been at it for a while. We're working with the board and we we appreciate and we'll continue to work with you on

Thank you very much. Please please think about coming back and and when we have our full board and I think that you know it it may be different. If not, you know, you're free to appeal and uh and move forward whichever whichever you wish, we're happy to have you do that. So, I'm sorry for your disappointment and thank you very much, you know, for your application. Okay, we're going to go on the next item, please. which is case file COA SP 2026-010 an application for the issuance of a special certificate of appropriateness for the property at 1138 Venicia Avenue historic landmark legally described as lot 5 block 36 Coral Gable Granada section uh according to the plat thereof recorded in platbook 8 page 113 Miami Dade County application request design approval for addition alterations and site work. A variance has also been requested from article 2 section 2-101D 10 C of the city of Coral Gable's zoning code to allow for a driveway that does not provide access to a garage andor carport and article 2 section 2-101D6A to allow three feet separation between the main building and accessory structure where five feet is required. staff. Miss Paris.

Good afternoon. Um, this property is a permitted in 1925. Um, there have been multiple alterations to the home over the last century and it is still but it is still easily rec recognizable as a small 1920s Mediterranean Revival style home designed in accordance with Merrick's vision. Um the property owner is requesting uh two one-story additions um in an internal courtyard and at the rear of the structure that are going to be minimally if at all visible from the public right ofway. Um, this property is unique that it faces has street frontage on Venicia Terrace and Venicia Avenue, but this these two additions are still set in a in a location that will not um create a a big impact from the street perspective. I think the two bigger asks here would be for the um the grant the variance for the new driveway or curbcut that does not provide access to a garage, carport or port kosher as required by the code. Um, this property, as mentioned, has had alterations. The original carport was infilled sometime before 1976. Um, and the front door was relocated around the same time as well. The property owner is looking to install new windows and doors at all of these locations. Um my recommendation for the the grant the variance for the carport would be to um either bring back some sort of differentiated arched opening that gives nod to the original carport uh opening

to allow for some connection to the original carport rather than um having the the driveway be um as proposed today which just kind of drives into the middle of the front yard. Um, I would also like to request that the width of the of the driveway is minimized to, you know, allow for a onecar setting similar to what was originally there, but still grant the variance given the condition of the site and um not having any other location at the front elevation for um your typical parking spot. Um and then the second variance is for uh minimum separation of between the existing garage and the um original residence and the new addition. I apologize. Um they're requesting a three-foot separation rather than a 5-ft separation. Again, this is a a very tight lot where they're maintaining all of the additions at one story, which is something that we do appreciate because it has the minimal impact to the site. Um the original condition well the existing condition I apologize was that an addition was added to connect the two structures and that is being removed to restore the two prop the two building structures separated. Um we believe that the 3-foot gives enough space for um uh the access that's required to get back into the garage and then that garage facing Venisa terrace is being restored. So we do recommend for the um

all right the the variance for the separation. Um, I'll allow the applicant to come present his plans. Oh, shoot. I think. All right. Do you have Good afternoon and welcome. Okay. Let me Okay. Please state your name for the record. Hi, Habib Fidel. Habib Fidel. Okay. I'm one of the owners. Um, we're we're in agreement with all the the requirements and recommendations by staff. Okay. Um, I really have don't have much to say. Um, yeah, they have all the plans. I'm going to try to get them up. Um, but the plans are submitted to them in advance, so we could work on those conditions if that's what's in agreement.

Yeah, my my architect was a little bit under the weather today, couldn't make it last minute, so he asked me to come and speak on his behalf. The only thing is that uh the the windows in the master bedroom that um Miss Bernos referenced um and and requested to keep original are do not meet egress because they're at 48 in seal height. So, um, speaking with my architect, we thought maybe leave the one facing Venisa Terrace, which is the north side of the property original, and then just changing the one facing the east side to meet Egress as as the ones in the in the proposed plans.

Thank you for clarifying. I was I wasn't quite sure because I couldn't tell the height, but that makes sense. And we could work with you on that, too. Okay, great. I had one other thing that that's not brought up. would would if you'll turn around to the picture and you you can see the the barrel tile over the the old carport which has been removed there. You know, I'd like to add that that be put back, you know, so that it mirrors much more of that. I mean, because what you're doing and what you've agreed to do is is is is really good at restoring the home and it's missing that and it sort of looks like a missing tooth, you know, with a broad smile. So, I agree with you on that. And the one on the on the top right hand side too,

is that missing as well? We can't see that. I can't see that in the picture. If you'd be willing to put those back, I we'll we'll put that in into the staff recommendation, you know, as you're renovating the home, it would make your home look much much, you know, much more historic in that sense. Also, this when you begin to paint the home and think about, you know, as you're redoing the front, remember that you see the wall vents up there. All of these things were different colors because they were different materials. The cast stone in the in the front was like the the the Dotto fountain. It was a kind of a brownish. You can't see that in these kinds of things. Your windows were a dark color always. And they were most of them were either creassodo or they were painted a dark color. So as as you're beginning to go through these, keep that in mind if you would. And I know that's your choice and and up to you, but you know, those are the things that really bring out, you know, the character of a property from the 20s. And sadly, these black and whites don't quite, you know, bring out all the colorfulness, you know, that that the homes did have. So, thank you.

Yeah, we're happy to incorporate that as a requirement. I have no problem with that. The the current roof has S tile, I think it's called SA. Um, so I don't know if um we would do like a barrel. Yeah. On the new ones, and they just wouldn't match, right, until somebody goes and does the roof. Yeah. This the staff will work with you on that. and they'll look good. So, that was going to be one of my questions is condition number eight is roof tile is to be a true two-piece barrel tile. The drawing show s tile. So, just clarification as to what tile and where are we talking about? The roof is already done. So, there's no scope of we're not touching the the ST.

So, this was recently designated. So, I think the roof happened before the designation happened. Um, so anywhere we're going to be adding new roof tile, we would request that it's the barrel tile and then future application will have to come. So, if I were to look at this photograph, all the tile except for the one that's missing is new S tile. Yeah. Everything the little guy the everything except for the left. It's just like the main the main roof there. Um the little on the on the center on the ridge of the the house on top of the door and the one on top of the existing door those is S tile. Yeah. Right. So my you know I mean

my comment to my colleague would be is I'd prefer not to have two-piece barrel over the garage and the rest S what you know I'm I'm there. I'm there but you know leave it out. Yeah. Well for the future. Yes. For sure. When you restore it when you have to redo the roof in 30 years. So leave it without the towels for now. It's currently not being requested. It would have to be part of the motion. It was just not part of the motion. Actually have problem adding additional work. If they've applied for something then yes, but do that also. I have a problem with the board with that. I know you all do it all the time, but for me it's adding to the scope of work which I don't think is appropriate for us.

Okay. Miss Shield, any comments, questions? Okay. Mr. Mondo, Miss Bane, you're done. And Mr. Garcia, you have one comment. I have two spec I agree with um Miss Benos's comments, the two comments specifically with the the where the garage door is now and the and the windows being proposed. I have a suggestion for that. And um that the driveway would be reduced. That isn't specifically stated in the conditions. I would like to make that. I would love to see it so that we could talk about it, but um I don't know if you have those things. I can talk to you about it now. You seem to know the project pretty well. Yeah.

Could could CGTV put my um shared screen up. Keep in mind there's a big oak. I got it. I don't know if you've seen the property, but it's not shown on those historic photograph. You want the site plan? Um so it's going to be the site plan with the driveway in the front and then the front elevation. So, whichever one you want to do first. You have to go back earlier in the driveway. There you go.

Yeah, that guy. So, there's um there's some photographs that you show as well that are pretty clear showing where the trees are and the fact that it's pretty tight. The the um right now you only have the walkway to the front door. So, the request is for a driveway. I agree with Miss Bnesus that the curb cut should be one car. It should be 11 ft that leads to what used to be the carport all the way to the wall.

All the way Oh, I mean some distance back. It could be all the way to the wall would be okay with me, but if you don't want to do that, that's okay with me, too. But what Miss Bennis is showing that the width of it is the appropriate width. And if you want to then have a separate walkway for the walkway, that would be great as well. So, there'll be a differentiation as opposed to one big fat driveway. and most particularly the asphalt approach be the correct the one size not the two sides because currently there's not one or it's it's paved over. So that would be one of the the recommendations or conditions and then um where the driveway used to meet the garage. Anna, can you go to the front elevation is I agree with the comment of something should be done to represent that the garage was there. I think Miss Bednau was thinking Miss Bennis was thinking about some sort of a relief on the wall to show where the original um opening would be, but my recommendation would be actually something slightly different. Um you're recommending a window that kind of repeats the other windows. Um it was never that originally. It was an opening. My suggestion would be is go to the next elevation

is to use one of the round one of those K elevate those K windows. So it would have that arch piece. So you have three of those and then the front that would mimic what potentially used to have been the garage yet it still is a window that I think would be more useful to that. So you'd actually drive into a thinner driveway and then a pronounced window instead of a a little window. What about the seal height for that? I think it So the um go back to the other side is that one lower that would copy that. Yeah, you could even do a recess panel under so that you could still read the full arch all the way through

and then you can have I think you'll be able to have the opening that was historically there without having to have it open andor completely glass. It would be the third window that in the front just sort of mimics the entire door. Okay. So, aesthetically it could it probably could be or it could go down to the end and then the the bottom part of it is um that's what Ann should read all the way through. Yeah, I think it would probably be you can't see this but that that part of the house is elevated. I don't know what you would see. It would just be it would be solid. Okay. But it's just like I think that you would still have the score of the full arch

and it would go down to the interior living space for Well, not on the I'm not worried not the inside. I'm talking about for the exterior. Okay. So that the glass could remain above the sill line and then if you want to put glass all the ground, great. If not, that could be solid. Yeah, I I think I got it.

I think so. The other thing on your driveway and and do consider this if you're not going to use it, you know, as a regular driveway to just really for guests and things like that, the original driveways were were just concrete ribbons and so they they really weren't they weren't full driveways completely paved because at that time materials were the most expensive thing and labor was cheap and so they didn't put a lot in and so it was just the two things and it and it's actually very appealing, you know, as a way to to get there and uh and to look at that. It gives you a little more grass area and then you would have your secondary drive your secondary walkway which would be you know what the original was. Do do consider that.

Yeah know I I appreciate the feedback though. My only thought on that is the strollers small kids and like anything with wheels essentially will be will be a roller coaster to get in and out of the house. But but thank you for that feedback. Well, well, thank you very much also for, you know, agreeing to the to this and and listening to our discussion. Uh, Miss Shield, do you have any questions or any comments you'd like to make? No, but there is a driveway on the other street, right? You're putting the new putting in a new garage on the back. It was supposed to be put in when they permitted the enclosure of the carport in in the 50s, was it 70s?

Um, but it's not it wasn't there when I bought the house. Currently, there's no driveway or approach on either side. So, that will be the new way that you'll come into the home. I doubt it because I don't think we'll be able to fit a car through the through the opening. I think it'll be like a storage. Okay. Garage. Okay. Unfortunately, Mr. D. No. Thank you,

Miss Rolando. Anything, Miss Spain? Anything further? Mr. Garcia. Okay, great. We're going to Thank you very much. We're going to close this part of the meeting and we're going to see if there's anybody in the audience or on Zoom that would like to, you know, either comment or positively or negative. And we don't have anybody. So, we're going to close the p public hearing and we're going to move to a vote. Okay. I'd like a motion, please.

Happy to make a motion. The going to see if I can capture them. So, a motion to approve with the conditions about to be stated the design of proposal for the addition and alterations to the residency site work on the property located at 1139 Venicia Avenue and approve the issuance of a special certificate of appropriateness with the conditions about to be stated. I'm going to do the conditions and then I'm going to do the other two motions. Uh condition number one, which is working with staff on the restoration of the garage opening as discussed. Uh which is the potentially um referencing the original carport opening. Um potentially inserting a window similar to the windows K or C which are already on your um window schedule. Um and Number condition condition number three um to work with staff based on what you'd mentioned. This is the the master bedroom windows um to meet make sure that at least one of them meet the appropriate code to work with staff to to figure that out. Uh number eight, the roof tile has to be a true two-piece barrel tile. And that's um for any renovation or future things that you do um a house. And then I have a condition on the driveway which I'll do here and then it'll be part of the next one as well. You can clarify it which is to have the front driveway to allow it to exist to be the width of one car which is 10 feet 11T you know.

Uh it could be eight feet. Okay. So working with staff to identify the appropriate width for a onecar garage. Um, yeah, in proportion with the Yeah, street to attached street and then you can have a separate walkway to the front of the house. Um, what about the um curb cut including the the Yeah, the 11 foot is including the approach is what we call the curb cut. And did you get the windows in the mountains, the glass? Yeah, Mr. Mr. Garcia, just to clarify, all the other uh staff recommendations are also included. All other conditions include except for again the specifics one and three um that I mentioned. You're okay having the rooftop be a true two piece?

It's existing. Yes. Future in but it's not going to be replaced. They're not choosing to replace any roof. And just to clarify, my understanding of Mr. Garcia's motion was that that barrel tile requirement is for any um future correct new installation. Any replacement of the S tiles would be that. Yeah. Um, so that's one motion. Do you want me to do the other two? Uh, you want Okay. Okay. Mr. Maxwell, continue. Yeah, we can. If you want to roll it, can can we roll all this into one?

Of course, that's perfectly fine. Um, am I to assume just for brevity's sake that this is also a motion to approve the variance for the driveway and curb cut that doesn't provide access to a garage and also to approve the variance to allow the new laundry room to have a separation to the existing facility of 3 ft versus 5t? It does. And those conditions apply to those variances as well to extent that the driveway um condition affects the variance. They do. Okay. So, we have a motion. All right. We have one motion that's consolidating everything. May I have a second, please? I'll second. Miss D is seconded. Okay. Please call the RO. Miss Shield. Yes. Miss Rolando. Yes.

Miss. Yes. Mr. Garcia Pants. Yes. Miss Den. Yes. And Mr. Max. Yes. Of course. Motion passes unanimously. Thank you, sir, for working with us and sincerely appreciate your efforts. Happy to do it. Thank you. Thank you. Enjoy your home.

You know, this this this is a one lot wide home, you know, and so if you go up there in Venicia, you know, George was trying to buy all this stuff and he already had a street in one of it. And then there was another street that was planned back and so he'd replanted all this stuff. And so rather than doing that, they just said, "We're going to do this." So we got some a little bit of craziness up there in the northern section, but that's what makes us unique. more bats.

Okay, we're coming here toward we've got uh three more here to go. So bear with us here, folks. Uh case file COA SP2026011 application for the issuance of a special certificate of appropriateness for the property at 1233 Anastasia Avenue. A local historic landmark legally described as lot 20 lot 21 less the north 38.57 feet of block 10 Coral Gable's country club section 1 platbook 8 page 108 uh Miami Dade County application requests design approval for additions alterations and site work varants have been requested from article 13 section 13303 of the Coral Gable zoning code to allow the expansion of an existing non-conforming structure and article 2 section 2-101D4 BI of the Coral Gable zoning code for the minimum interior setback of the new addition.

Good afternoon. Um uh the president at 9 uh 1233 Anastasia Avenue is a designated historic landmark. Uh, alterations to this building include a significant two-story addition that was approved by the historic preservation board in 2000 and that included a family game room, playroom, and primary suite with additional bedrooms. Um, the proposed design actually requests removal of a portion of this edition, this 2000 edition, and to construct a new two-story edition facing the rear yard. Um, alterations and site work that includes a new uh iron masonry wall with an iron fence. Uh again, um staff is in support of the location of the addition and it does not modify any of the historic fabric of the building. This addition is located and faces the rear um yard and is not visible from the public right of way. Um the biggest changes that will be seen from the street are going to be uh some config reconfiguration of the driveway and um the new uh fence at the at the corner of the property. Um the variances that are being requested again are of a non-conforming existing condition that um the property is currently has and they are maintaining. So they're not expanding it, but they're actually just using the existing um build two line to build the addition at the rear. Um and those two variances kind of go hand in hand for zoning's u request. Uh staff recommends approval as these are um do not um create a more intense condition but is maintaining an addition that was approved in 2000. Um believe that is it. I think my biggest issue here was going to just it may have come up kind of talked to applicant

about it, but just to work with staff on the configuration of the new driveway. There was a proposal for a new parking spot that kind of juts out out of the original um car uh driveway and thought there could be a better way to integrate it to the driveway um instead of having it stand alone on the side. Come on up. Yeah, please state your name for the record.

Mar Rodriguez and I'm representing CAD Studio Architecture today with Antonio Rodriguez who is the architect on record for this project. As the house stands today, we are not modifying any of the facade from the historic portion of the home, apart from these picture windows in the rear that you see on the bottom right photo on the screen. When we first uh sat down with our client, When we first sat down with our client early on in the design process, we noticed that what are now these picture windows were at one point French doors. You could see them here in the elevation of the original home. So, we're simply just proposing to restore the original design of the home by changing those existing picture windows back to the French doors. So, apart from that, everything on the front facade of the historic home will remain the same, including the driveway. We actually reverted back to the existing driveway, and we're not touching that anymore after we went to the building. Um, apart from that, we really just want to focus on the rear. Um, honing into those rear photos, the two bottom right photos on our slide here. Um, one thing that's important important to point out is that there was an addition in 2000. And that's the portion of the house in the photo on the right. Um, one thing that we studied closely was the connection between the historic home and that addition and we felt we could make it

stronger. Right now, as it stands, we feel that that facade is of the historic home is kind of just bleeding into that addition rather than creating some sort of distinction. So, if we look at the floor plan here, you could see that where that connection is, we actually have a line cutting through uh the floor plan that's labeled existing home and new addition. I mean, historic home and new addition. And that's that connection that we're referring to that we wanted to make stronger. Right now, it's just sort of bleeding and it's staying on the same wall or level. Um, so that you can point that out.

There is you should be able to at the screen itself very weird.

Oh yeah, this is connection and you can see that it's kind of um happening at the same plane as the historic portion of the home. So we studied that closely and the solution was actually um to reintroduce the original corner of the historic home. And by doing that we recess this addition back and we able to really emphasize the differentiation between historic and addition. Um, in doing this too, uh, we since we are not touching the original stuckco of the home, it gives it more of, um, seamless transition to where that original stucco can end and the new stuckco can begin. Apart from that, looking at this uh same floor plan that we are looking at here, um, we are reconfiguring the space that is there now. Uh and we are adding on both the ground and second floor a new covered terrace that you could see in these renderings here. We did go to the board of architects and worked closely with them to perfect this design. Um and this is where we landed. But in terms of modifications, that's really just what we wanted to point out to you today. Um we're happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you.

Okay. Do you agree to I mean has the owner or the whoever owns the property and agreed to the conditions of the staff that the staff has put forth? Yes. In fact, we we did revert back to the original driveway. Uh I really liked it. They had hired a landscape arch architect, a very good landscape architect, but I didn't like the driveway design either. So, uh we kind of abandoned that. I think it's much better. Uh same thing with the pool deck. The pool deck was being modified and it was a little bit more modern and I I think uh you know the the look of the pool deck now is fine. Yeah.

Yeah. I've been in the house. It's very interesting. And the the the the 2000 edition was very good. It really it looked like it was always there. Very compatible. the the 2000 edition for the in the main. It was it was good along the front. Yeah. Along the front, along the back, it kind of uh the way they connected the little funky

was a little funky. Yeah. It created some weird angles and and as my daughter uh spoke about the stuckle was a bit of a mess. It kind of the the old stuckle was there and then there was like a a mix and then the new stuckle began and it's just uh unfortunate. Also by setting back the uh the the modification to the the new addition, we were able to uh you know kind of visually lower that addition because the new addition also was higher than the the the story. So yeah, in the back.

Okay. So if if that's it, let's uh let's move this on. We try we're going to try to have a a hard stop here in an hour. So questions. have a question for staff Anna with regards to the comment that was just made. There was condition number one which talks about working with staff about the height of the addition. Can you clarify what you're meaning by that if it's already existing?

Yes, that's an error. I apologize. That's a big error because that would have changed your addition drastically. a good catch. No, I mean apologize. No, we're we're happy to see that the addition, like I said, addition is on the other side in the 2000, which actually Donna was the the reviewer and wrote the report for. Thank you. But she's unbiased and ready to vote on this today. Always. I'm always unbiased. Okay, other questions from staff. Miss Shield. Mr. D.

Um, I just wanted to note that all the criteria necessary for authorization of the variances apply. So, I would be in favor on all counts. Very good. Miss Rolando, I just want to clarify. Uh, Anna, you're retracting condition number one. Sounds like number two is obsolete because they're um they're removing the driveway scope from their work. Okay. One and two. One and two are out because two does not apply, right? They're no longer doing proposing, but it's in our drawing, so we should still drawings. Yeah.

Yes. So, I I think you would the the site plan if the site plan indicates which driveway. I'm not sure, but We could we can update number two to just be that the driveways to remain no changes um proposed per it's still appropriate work with staff on the configuration of correct I think it would be appropriate know that the latest drawings to uh have a note that says uh the existing driveway is to remain okay I think the presentation ones had the little thing but it's okay we'll get it we just leave it in now I made a note leave it leave it in we're just deleting Number one. Yes. Okay. And and it's solved though.

Yeah. Mr. Rolando. Further question. No. All right. Thank you, Miss Miss Spain. Anything? No comments. Mr. Garcia. Motion, please. Well, we're gonna

I'm sorry. I apologize. I got ahead of myself. Yes. Thank you very much, folks. You'll sit down. Public comment. Yes, sir. I'm I'm Jim Dockerty. I own the house at 1231 Catalonia. I adjacent to this property. Um I've been in that house since 1998. Um I I'm concerned about the addition. It it looks beautiful, but um the second floor open terrace, which will be lit at night, will be very bright. Uh and there's nothing like that right now. So if you look at the addition, it's a twostory open terrace edition, quite large, much larger than what's there. In fact, there's no outdoor terrace

on the property now. And it's being pushed further back into the backyard, encroaching sort of into my yard and my neighbor's yard, the people that live next to this house on Anastasia who have the same concerns as I do. So, I would hope that you would add since I see that you add all sorts of conditions here that you add a condition that they landscape heavily around that big white house looking uh addition in the back so that the light from those terraces don't sort of bleed into our gardens.

That's a that's a good point and thank you for bringing that up. um trying to get I don't know that landscaping is necessarily going to do that. I think they're probably going to have to have something else to prevent that.

If I may uh please there is an existing terrace there. You can see the picture very unattractive but uh we did uh work with the board of architects to actually if you could see on on this picture here you can see u that we actually recess the second floor terrace away from the neighbor quite a bit. The the part that's uh closest to the neighbor is a sund deck.

Sir, would you like to come up and look at what they're talking about? twotory portion is is set back quite a bit. I'm okay with that. This big thing in the middle of the back of the house is much larger. Much much larger. And the backyard is not that big. And I'm just saying that that second story covered portion that terrace lights in the ceiling that's going to be putting a lot of bright light into my backyard all the time. So I definitely object to that if I have any.

All right. Thank you very much. Are there any pictures of what's existing because it's hard for me to see this renovation. This is new addition. Yeah, this is the existing terrace right now. So, uh we actually I feel we softened the look because the side that faces the neighbor now is just a twotory wall. So, we did create a um a sund deck and then the the new terrace as as I pointed out in the new uh is actually set back quite a bit. Yeah. Go to the site plan if you would please. I think that would that would be a little more clear.

There you are. This is what I object to. So that addition to the most square that's pushed back into the property towards my property and you can see from the It's going to be a liter. And how far away is that from the property line? How far away is that section from the property line? No, no, no. Not that. Not. They're talking about

Yeah. It's like 20 ft away from the property. Something like that. Just for the record, Mr. Chair, I just want to clarify the variance request is for the side setback, not the rear setback is my understanding. Yeah, it has to do with the side setback, not the rear setback. Rear setback appears to be much further.

It's 36. I don't think that's a question. Nothing like I'm talking about from his property side set back. So right here,

but the the one I think that you're asking for is this right. This distance from the back of the new covered terrace to the edge of the beer property line. I believe that was the question. Yeah, that's at 36 36 ft. Where is in what direction is the Sorry the top. Sorry. Yeah. This corner here. The point. Yeah. Yeah. This is right. Which one? Right there. He's doing this. He's over here. You're back there. Okay. Yes. So, so this line is really the one that

over my backyard. Well, so this this has about 36. The setback is not an issue for me. And I even set aside that's not an issue. It's the upper level of that position that when you're going to be on the ground looking into their yard looking up, all you're going to see is lights on. Let me ask you, isn't As the architects, isn't this something that you deal with through the intensity of the light? And aren't there lights that don't spill over? These are are going to be

point it shouldn't be something that overwhelming and the existing uh Yeah, you're able to build 10 ft from his property line, right? Correct. Yeah. Yeah. Let me get Let me Yeah. And just to reiterate, the Google shot, the Google, would would you go please would you go I'm sorry. Can we can we please speak one at a time for the record? It's very unclear for the record. Would you please go to the location uh sketch page and pull up the aerial photo? Sir, you're located on Catalonia. Yes.

Okay. And you're the you're the you're the second house in, right? You're not on the corner. You're You you have a beige roof. Okay. All right. If you can blow that up, please. Right there.

Uhhuh. Can we blow that up somehow so we can see that? CGTV. Could you Yeah. Thank you. If you could zoom into that location map.

Yeah. The landscape issue. Yeah. Yeah. Thank you. To that right corner. Yeah. To the map. Yes. Thank you. Yeah. From there's a lot of there's a lot What you're saying is that there's good tree canopy, but there's not lower level landscaping to prove that. Okay. Okay. Yeah,

we hear you and and appreciate you. Thank you very much. Um, it's out of our purview to require you landscaping. However, you know, to make our to make your neighbors happy, you know, this is a city of neighbors 100%. Okay. So that's going to be covered in land. It it's difficult to make it a portion of our requirements, but we would ask you in good faith to do that to work with your neighbor to please do that. We can we can actually say to work with staff on Yeah. on doing that. Yeah. And and so we'll be happy to do that if you're happy to do that. Happy to do it. Yeah. And maybe lighting. Yeah. The lighting the lighting because that's what I'm hearing.

Yeah. We add it as a motion that they can work with staff to address the impact of the to the neighbors addition to be revered. Absolutely. Yeah. Okay. So, you we're good with everything. Okay. That's all that matters. Okay. So, we've got the public hearing. Is there anyone else that would wish to speak for against this? Do we have anyone on Zoom? Hearing none. We're going to close the public hearing and thank you. If we have any questions as we're we're coming up with this, we'll ask you. So, thank you very much.

We're going to move um discussion here to the board. I want to try to get you guys out of here. We got two more to do. I know Mrs. M Miss D has a hard stop and Mr. Garcia is not feeling well. Miss Shield, is there anything that you'd like to add, comment, anything? All right. Well, thank you, Miss D. Okay, Miss Rolando. Okay, Mrs. Spainber alert. When I was a kid, this was a nuclear bomb attack. Uh,

we have no fallout. We have no fallout shelters here. Okay, Miss Spain, were there any further questions that you had or anything you wish to add, Mr. Garcia Ponds? If not, I'd like to re obtain a motion, please, for approval as we discussed. I can try to make the motion. Mr. N.

Okay. Um, based upon the testimony provided and the evidence in the record, including the evidence on the variances, I make a motion to approve with the conditions noted above the design proposal for an addition alterations to the residence and site work on the property located at 1233 Anastasia Avenue and to approve the issuance of a special certificate of appropriateness with the conditions noted above, including the condition that the applicant will work with staff to address the lighting. Um, and the neighbors concerns. I would also include uh a motion to approve the variance to allow the proposed addition of a side setback of approximately 8 feet versus the required 15t. Do I have to go on or

No, you don't. And I'm happy to summarize, but Mr. J, just wanted to clarify. I think there had been discussion before that um condition number one was no longer relevant. I assume that your motion no longer includes condition one. That is correct. Thank you for reminding me. And then so yes to approve the side setback of of the side setback variance as well as the non-conforming structure to be altered or enlarged variance. Yes. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. We have a motion by Miss D. May I have a second please from the board? Second. Okay. Miss Rolando, we have a motion and a second. Would you please call the role? Miss Spain? Yes. Miss Shield? Yes. Miss Ronaldo? Yes, Mr. Garcia P.

Yes, Mr. D. Yes, and Mr. Maxwell.

Yes. Motion approved unanimously. Thank you very much and thank you, sir, for coming. That's a we always appreciate our neighbors participating and thank you all for your presentation. Okay, we're going to move forward here with the next um the next issue that we have, which is case file COA SP 2026-012, an application for the issuance of a special certificate of appropriateness for the property at 1015 Sevilla Avenue, a contributing resource within the Coral Rock Residences Thematic District, legally described as lots 14 and 15, block 14, Coral Gables, section A, according to the plat um platbook 5, page 102 Miami Dade County. Application requests design approval for the demolition of an existing auxiliary structure, the construction of a new detached garage, an addition and alterations to the residence and site work. A variance has also been requested from article 2 section 2-101D4C of the Coral Gable zoning code for a minimum rear setback for the porch at the new detached garage structure.

Miss Cal, good afternoon. Welcome. Thank you. Good to see you. Good to see you as well. Um, this is location map showing the existing uh the property. It is just west of the Dodto Fountain. It is one of the original uh 27 Coral Rock residences in the city. Constructed circa 1923 is permit number 50. Um, very early important house. It is. I look at this house every day. It's across the street from mine.

It is absolutely. I looked to buy this house before I bought the the home that I ended up with. It's a great house. So, the application um uh requests demolition of an approximately um 230 foot detached playroom structure at the northeast of the property. It was built in 1951. Um it was actually we think it was built as a smokehouse because it was attached to a barbecue, but it was called a playroom. Uh anyway, built in 1951. Um and the con the construction of an attached one-story garage structure in its place. uh the conversion of the existing original twocar garage to the rear of the house into living space. Um the demolition of an existing breezeway connecting the existing garage to the home uh and to reconstruct the breezeway and expanded manner. That um breezeway was connected circa 1949 1950. We have plans but they are undated. Um so that's that's what we think based on the details. um alterations to the existing residence, including interior remodeling to assemble three bedrooms, kitchen, and dining room into a nice master bedroom suite and a new kitchen. Um and the removal of uh metal gates and closing the front porch in the south elevation. These are not original to the home. We are fine with this. Site work includes the removal of the existing swimming pool, pool deck, paper driveway, and walkways. Installation of a new pool deck walkways um and a new driveway leading to the new detached garage structure. The driveway also includes a circular driveway component at the front of the existing residence that um staff is not in support of. Um there is a variance request um to allow the addition to the porch that exists at the new garage to uh have a rear setback of approximately 5T versus the required minimum setback being 10 feet. The garage itself is allowed um at 5T. So it's just for the porch portion of that structure. Um, so the application, uh, this is one

of only 27 remaining Coral Rock residences in the city, an invaluable historic resource. Uh, staff is supportive of the project. Um, go ahead.

Staff has concerns with the alterations to the exterior of the historic structures, namely the alterations to the window and door openings. Uh, it's very difficult to relocate coral uh, openings around windows and doors. So the removing um moving or enlarging of windows and door opening should be minimalized. U we also are requesting clarification on further details as to how the proposed breezeway intersects with the existing garage structure. It's not clear from the drawings. Lowering the height of the breezeway may help with the connection between the two. Um as I noted, we do not support the circular driveway proposal. I I spoke in the report about keeping the garage floor um of this converted living space at a at the level that it's at. uh spoke with the architect and to get it above crown abroad it does have to be raised but our concern is not with what happens inside that space it's what happens on the outside of the space so if that can be achieved with u maintaining the openings on the exterior then then I we have no issue

um there are a number of staff conditions to be uh addressed and I'll turn it over to the applicant here um I did want to tell him and I I said this personally but I'll say it on the record you five out of nine for a for an affirmative vote. So if at any point you want to defer the item, it is up to you all. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Uh let the record show that Mr. Garcia has um has departed. He's an excused absence and so we have five members. We still have a quorum. Okay. Please introduce yourself, sir.

Okay. I'd like to ask you one question here before we go forward. You've discussed this with staff and you you've talked to staff and you see the staff what the staff has said. Okay. Do do you all agree with what the staff is saying? Absolutely. Okay. So, okay. I just wanted to establish that makes it easy when we go forward. Not only by discussing with the staff, but I was just going to start out by Well, first of all, Patrick found architective record. Thank you.

Um we've been back and forth on this one for maybe a year and a half. Um the project started out in addition to the rear of the property because Kathy wanted a larger family room, larger kitchen, we pushed it out and after work, it was just discussed that we really didn't want to touch the integrity of the garage. So, we we really went to plan B. Plan B was to find another place to get the the expanded family room, everything that the second problem we have, as you can see from the business plan. It's a very difficult,

very difficult site to navigate. So, as you can see, getting back to the garage is nearly impossible. Once you're out of the garage, turning around and getting out is difficult to say the least, you know. So, that was where everything kind of came together after working with staff where we decided to actually get rid of the smokehouse, which served no purpose. It was an eyesore and it really wasn't original to the house. Had no, no features to it. Uh, by doing that, we it allowed us to do a straight shot to a new driveway and a carport. seemed natural to us and allowed us to expand the what now is the garage not being used into a more useful family breezeway. Uh as far as raising it or not raising it, we just wanted to expand it a little wider. Uh the columns are rotten and a little bit rusted, so they would need to be replaced anyway. It seemed natural. We don't want to raise the arch uh openings. We want to bring the the living space to 11 in above front of road required by code FEMA. Unfortunately, I can't do anything about that. 11 inches will allow us to get about three to four inches of more concrete in there. Therefore, not change the arches or the openings. So, work again, I can't, you know, compliment staff enough. We probably had four or five meetings on this to get to this point. The renderings uh at the very end of the presentation, show you what our finished product is going to look like. And we we're very proud of the fact that the rear of the house coming off of So right now inside of the master bedroom, they have a closet inside of that space right there that you see where the where the French doors are. It just didn't make sense to me to have a closet right off of a pool that a beautiful yard, which is was a shame. So by adding the French doors there, we changed the orientation of the family room. We put the closet back more toward the center of the house. Yeah, you got a little ahead of yourself here. Wrong one.

So, we were able to put the the closet back towards the uh the center of the house and allowing us to have the French doors out on the pool deck, which seemed like a natural way to enjoy the yard. It's a beautiful yard. Um, so you know that that's how we got to where we are today. We don't have any issue with the with the conditions. We don't have an issue keeping the arches. I will discuss the the circular driveway function. Um, since you live across the street, you probably appreciate this. When you drive into the driveway and the first car goes in, it doesn't go all the way back. It's very difficult to back out into the street. So, right now, as you probably know, that a lot of cars are actually parking in the parkway and actually in in sort of the the yard. need to put it that way. I know that's not the right way to put it. So, we're trying to find a way to to actually allow for the for the cars, the first car, the second car to be able to park in front of the house without having to go all the way back. I'm aware of the fact that it's not a a historic element. I I realize if you look at all the photos, it's not authentic to the nature. I'm looking more the practicality or the safety factor of it of backing out into that intersection. So, that's why we were we were trying for the circular driveway. Certainly something we would like to reconsider but we understand that we respect that

pretty much it question. So I have a question I'm sorry. Yeah would you'd like to speak please please introduce yourself Peter escar owner of the house. So, you know, at 8:00 and 5 o'lock rush hour down Sevilla to get from downtown Gables to Kendall is crazy. So, adding the addition of us being able to come out frontway as opposed to back out of the driveway. It's important. We've had accidents there before in the past. I grew up in the house next to it at 2716 Granada. My brother backed out on his way to Columbus and got t-boned by a car coming through the stop sign on Seilla.

The stop sign? You mean their stop sign? The stop sign that the police regularly monitor from Venetian pools to try to stop those people. It's not working. It's a nice it's a nice attempt, but um that's really our concern is those two times of the day, the amount of traffic that we get and I know they put in a speed bump there. It's it's massive and to back out at that time, it's very difficult.

It it it's more than it should be. Let let me ask you a question here so that we can because we really want to move to resolve this and and help you. Would you be amanable to working with staff on another solution other than that? Okay. Very good. Okay. So, so in so what we have right now the staff conditions are that you eliminate the circular driveway. So you maybe widen it or something like that. So it would give you a little more room there rather than having that circular. So if we put that in there as a motion to work with staff on the driveway that would that be acceptable to you? staff on every other condition.

Okay. Thank you very much. And and by the way, it's a great house. I've admired it forever, you know, and and take down the bars one day. That's part of It's part of this that's part of this application. Oh, okay. Yep. It's that was the very first thing we we put on. Yeah. The awnings would be good to come back. It It's just such a great house, you know, and we'd have so few of these Coral Rock houses left. Okay. Well, you got anything else? No, I really don't. Okay. Are we good? We we appreciate again any consideration. Thank you.

Okay. So, okay. Great. Uh All right. Staff, do you have any qu I mean staff? Uh board, do you guys have any uh comments? Miss Rolando, I'm going to start with you. I have an issue with that circular drive. I think this is the kind of house you shouldn't be parking in your front yard. Um I'm fine with a little key off of the main driveway. Probably a solution. Yeah. And ironically, you're going to find this ironic if you go there right now and you know that's what's there now. Hey, look. I I lived up the street at the house that's being renovated. I had to park in the medium. That's probably going to be the solution. I capable of that.

I live on Alhamra, so I totally get you know the price a day when you have pretty tense conditions backing out. That's a compromise. I think we can but I I think what you've done here is um a wonderful and respectful play with Miss Span. I have no question. Okay, Mr. De I think my question's been answered but so you are willing to accept all the conditions in the Thank you. And it is beautiful. Thank you. You've been through these conditions three, four times already. Yeah, we're trying to get you out of here.

Miss Shield.

Okay. All good. Okay. So, we're going to close this and we're going to go to the public hearing now. Is there anyone in the audience that wishes to speak for or against this? Is there anyone on Zoom hearing? None. We're going to close the public hearing and we're going to bring this back to the board for a motion. Okay. Board members, I'd like to have a motion, please. I'll move um I move uh that we approve with the conditions noted in the staff report the design proposal for the additions and alterations of the residents and site work at 10:15 Sevilla Avenue uh a contributing resource and that we approve the issuance of a special certificate appropriaten appropriateness uh with the again the conditions noted above.

So are you amending condition number one? Yes. To work with staff. I understand the motion to be to work with staff but to keep the in addition work with staff to eliminate uh the circular driveway and replace um something that's more compatible with the of the um existing home and a motion to approve a variance to allow the addition of the porch uh to the new detached garage structure.

Okay. As stated. Okay. Wonderful. Okay. So, we have a motion. I'd like to second, please. Okay. We have a second by Miss Shield. Motion by Miss Rolando. Would you please call the role? Mr. Garcia Pants is not here.

Miss Spain, yes. Miss Shield, yes. Miss Rando, yes. Miss Date, yes. Mr. Max,

yes. Motion passes unanimously. Thank you. And thank you for working with the with the board and the staff. We sincerely appreciate it. You know, you guys have one of the best houses in the city. Keep it up. Okay, we're going to move on to the next item, which is our last item, and we promise to try to get everybody out here by 7:00. So, we have um case file COA SP 2026-013, an application for the issuance of a special certificate of appropriateness for the property at uh 20 at 826 Medina Avenue, a local historic landmark legally described as lot 5, block 4, Coral Gables, Granada section, uh platbook 8, page 113, Miami Dade County. Application requests design approval for the demolition of a woodframe auxiliary structure. An addition and alterations to the residence and site work. A variance has also been requested from article 8 section 8-203C1 of the Coral Gable's zoning code for the elimination of off streetet covered parking. Staff,

thank you.

Location map of the property on Medina. This is a 1940s photo. Uh the property was uh designed by architect Martin Hampton. Uh it was designated as a local historic landmark in May of last year. Um the property also qualifies as a Coral Gables Cottage and we'll be applying um to designate as such after uh after this meeting to take advantage of the incentives in the zoning code. So I wanted to give you guys a little background on how this project got here because it's a bit uh it's a bit unusual. So the project um has gone through several iterations. Initially, it was presented to the board of architects with the removal of a detached garage structure, a second floor addition, and the addition of a cardboard to the west side of the home. The demolition of the garage necessitated a historic significance determination at the request of the board of architects, which then resulted in the local historic designation of the property. Working with the architect and the homeowner, staff became aware of the existing constraints on the site. um most specifically that the front setback is only 14t 9 in where usually 25 ft is required. So leaving the rear yard is the only location for the septic tank and drain field and it currently takes up most of that space. Uh staff required that the detached garage be retained and suggested utilizing it as a living space in lie of a second story addition to this early home. Staff also suggested cottage designation designation with a variance to wave the off- streetet parking requirement in order to leave the historic home at one story. Fast forward, it was discovered that the existing garage is actually a woodframe construction and pretty dilapidated. The walls are bowing out. So, the current request is to reconstruct the garage with the same footprint and setback and then utilize it as living space. So, from the street, you will still have the appearance of the one-story garage. it will just be uh attached to the main house with a one-story addition and be utilized as living space. So that is pretty much what they're

asking for. Um again, given the constraints of the site and the desire to retain the one-story cottage property, staff is supportive of granting the variance. Um that's yeah, that's what I have to say. There are conditions um uh and we can work with the applicant to wonder achieve those. Well, we've got you again. You're back. For the for the record, please again state your name. Yes. Let's go to the Patrick Valent. Thank you very much. 826 Medina. I'm back. So, this is your new So, so the previous pos black and white the new proposal. Yeah, this

Oh, okay. Um this was an interesting one. to say the least. Um, we came in front of the board of architects and in front of the historic uh uh staff with a two-story proposition uh with removing the rear um structure and doing a carport looked good to me. It looked looked appropriate. Unfortunately, it really changed the entire character of the house. It changed everything about the house and and I understood that and and just didn't get it. So, we ended up having to work backwards on this one in a very big way working with the septic. So, we we hired our septic engineer and we designed a septic system first, which normally is not done. I'm sorry.

Yeah. I hope you're going to vote for the new sew for sewer bonds when we have them.

So, you can actually see on this slide where the septic drain field is and where the tank is going to be. So, by doing this, we actually had the the owner still wanted to add some more square footage for another bedroom because it's a very small house and to add some some living space as you can see. um can't go up, can't go back because of the drain field. What are you going to do? So this when when I met with Cara and Anna, they came up with this solution which I thought was was genius and and actually the the structure of the garage was in such bad shape it was going to fall down anyway. So this just made sense to us. Um by doing this we were able to keep a storage in the front as Garrett mentioned. We were able to keep the same garage door look and we were able to keep the same ribboned driveway. So from the road and when you look at it it looks exactly the same from the road. not so you get to the rear of the property when you see the actual connector, the gallery connector where you can see we're connecting the living space and see where we're connecting the living space to the main house. So, it actually worked out very well because it has a almost a suite in the back for the master bedroom uh which is very comfortable uh with some doors going into the yard and then from there it has the gallery going into the main house. The front of the house would be used for living dining. Um it worked out very well for us. We're going to basically restore the the garage uh location and with the exception of a few inches on one side and one one or two feet on the other side. It's going to be the exact same location. We did this to align with the ribbons so that it would not look like it was off center from the uh driveway. The idea was to keep that ribbon driveway looking like it was centered on the garage door. We did have to come up a little bit on the overall facade. Uh that was because we were not not meeting flood plane. So, we had to come up about a foot and a half or so to be able to get the the finished floor elevation to uh above Crown of Road, similar to the other house we just talked about. Um, this is the solution we came up with. Um, and I think it to me it is appropriate for for that type of house. I hope you all agree because it's been two years of pain.

Patrick, how what what what's the square footage of the existing main structure? Uh, it's roughly about 900 ft like that. 13,500 something like that. I mean, as it exists now, it's about 14,500. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. When it's all said and done, it's going to be probably just under I think it's 1820 or something that for everything together. I mean, essentially, it's going to be a new two-bedroom house. It is with with everything you want, every amenity, and brand new. So, we already have a permit for the interior. It's already in place. We're getting ready to start that. We worked with staff on the window replacements and the wood floor, the rotten floors, etc. So, we're keeping the main structure identical right down to the last window. And so not till you get to the back. So the idea here was to come in and what they're going to end up doing is they're going to do the septic first.

Yeah. Then they're going to build the the guest house in the back second. And that's a weird way to look at it. Live there while they renovate the entire front house. So it's like a three-phase project. Yeah. I mean, that's the only way you can do it. Otherwise, you can't get equipment back there. Yeah. Uh I hope you approve it because I can't take another year of this. Okay. So, I will note that the site plan um this came up afterwards. I think after this was submitted, there are steps that will be leading to the rear yard. Um you can see in the site plan that's not in your set. Um we're we're okay with that. There was a reason why it wasn't shown before.

Yeah. And so the reason it wasn't shown before was because when we believe it or not, we submitted for HRS septic, we submitted them with a much larger um uh uh drain field. Yeah. They came back, believe it or not, and said we were too big, which I never hear. And they allowed us to shave off about three to four feet, which allowed us to put some steps in the rear. We just found this out of like three weeks ago. So, we're going to go ahead and take advantage of that to bring some steps off that gallery. Okay. And master. Okay. The applicant doesn't have any problems with the uh the conditions that staff has uh recommended. No, not at all.

Okay. Very good. Okay. Ladies and gentlemen, um Miss Shield, I'll start with you. Any questions? No questions. It's nice that the three arched windows are going to come back. I think it's going to be uh well worth the effort. And I'm glad you're doing the cottage. Um the three arched windows came back on the interior permit, believe it or not. So they they uh would not approve our interior permit without doing that. Oh, wonderful. Yeah. No, it looks good. Oh, I just wanted to note for the record that the special circumstances do exist and all the criteria have been met to authorize granting of variance. Appreciate that.

Okay, Miss Finn, I have no questions. It's very nice. It will change living in that house. It really will. It's It's going to make it more livable. Miss Rolando, um I just So the um garage doors. There's that will be a that room will be at grade and then the rest of the addition will be elevated, right? Okay. So, the finished floor elevation will be above the foot and foot and a half difference. Okay. And what are you using that room for? The garage storage. Storage. Storage. Lawn mowers.

Your lawn mower, all the things like that. Yeah. It's actually a perfect space. I know. Every house needs one. I wish I had that. I did a house like that in the shores. I do think it is very clever. Yeah. You never You'll never know. It could be a very small car. Motorcycle. Very, you know, they could be Shriners. Little smart cars, you know, like the Shriners. Yeah. So,

okay. Great. All right. Well, thank you very much. I I think that Any other questions by anybody? If not, you know, we're going to close that portion and we'll go to the public hearing. Is there anyone in the audience or on Zoom that would wish wish to speak for or against this hearing? None. We'll close the public hearing. Um, and we'll come back here to the board for a motion, which will be the last of the day. I can make a motion,

Miss D. Please. I make a motion to approve with the conditions noted by staff in their report the design proposal for an addition and alterations to the residence and site work on the property located at 26B Avenue and also to approve the issuance of a special certificate of appropriateness again with the conditions noted in the staff report and also a motion to approve a variance to allow the residents to not provide a carport or port corerary versus enclosed garages um which is the standard that enclosed garages may be converted to living space to storage space along as a carport or porter array is provided for the storage of an automobile pursuant to article 8 section 8-203C1 of the coral gable zoning code.

Okay, we have a motion uh may have a second please second. We have a second by Miss Rolando. Would you call the qu any friendly amendments? Anything else, ladies and gentlemen? If not, please call the question. Miss Shield. Yes. Miss Bane, yes. Miss Rando, yes. Miss Date, yes. Mr. Maxwell,

yes. Motion carries unanimously. All five votes. Okay. Thank you very much, Patrick. Really appreciate it. And um you know, give our best to the homeowner. Okay, ladies and gentlemen. Do we have any new business, Miss Paris? Um, I do want to let you all know we do have we've just gone through our budget processes on the staff side. We have put in a request for funding for historic um, guidelines and we hope to get that through the process. Um, we had our city manager meeting and he was in support of the request as well. Um,

will that be a book? It would be a book. Yes. So, we've talked to a couple consultants. Um, some formats that I was referencing to when I was trying to sell it was the ones that we did at the in New Orleans, and I'm happy to send you a link to all of those. Um, you know, they're available on Amazon. It's a big guide. It's kind of like this, but every homeowner could get one. Well, will I think ours will be better than that one, though. Yes. That one needed some work.

Will this have Will this have, you know, restoration tips and I mean, this is what this looked like originally and these kinds of things. So I I mean it's based off Secretary of Interior standards. So it's can't get into specifics because every case is going to be different, but it gives you a guide of what to do um and what your building if your building is, you know, significant individually designated um in a district. Kind of gives those parameters, too. I hope it'll have paint and other things like that in it as well. We'll do our best to include everything that we possibly can. Let's get the money first. Yeah, get the money first. include a section on Coral Gable's cottage and the incentives.

Yes, it would include that. It includes and then it would go into the specifics of the different uh districts and also the villages. Yes, that's what I provided the consultants before we met was going off of that but building it out so that it Well, that's 800 years old. Not so long. I know because I I worked on that way before my time. Yeah, I know. I like I said I I wow helped contribute. Um but those were the bones it would come from. Nice. And you you had talked previously about addition additional staff.

Um yes. So we did have interviews for assistant preservation officer uh and we are requesting well there's it's in process. We may have uh some new members hopefully soon. Okay good. I mean I think that will really help you and allow you to get in the field a little more as well.

Yes. So thank you very much. I think city commission wise we talked about the presentation. So that's coming up May 5th. Um the Pinewood Cemetery Board is hosting their first Pioneer Day since 2019. So they're are very excited to bring it back. Evalise just confirmed a bugler um who will be coming. The Boy Scouts will be there. We may have some people in costume. I don't know. But we would appreciate you all's um attendance. There'll be coffee and donuts. Well, thank you very much. I have a question for you. And Thompson is speaking, right? And Oh, yes. I should have started there. Not the bugler. The former mayor Thompson is speaking.

Got a question. Uh, has the city manager asked the uh staff to look at a property at the intersection of Galliano and Salo? No, he is not. Thank you very much. I appreciate that. Okay, that's all from me. Yeah. Okay. Well, that just tell that says a lot. Okay, ladies and gentlemen, is there any other old business?

Mr. Chair, I just wanted to mention, I know I mentioned briefly um before we officially started the meeting, but I provided you all with some um code sections that I think are um uh helpful in understanding the the role and procedures of this board. I know we've had some some discussions about um rules of procedure, time limits, etc. So, provided this to you all to review so you can see our existing rules. I think since we always get to this at the end of the meeting, perhaps it's something that um as we enter um you know uh enter the summer months, maybe we can spend a little bit more time on and designate some time for rather than putting at the end of a meeting. But I wanted to make sure you all had that. I think there's a lot of um tools in there that this board can use to um manage meetings as as you all see fit. I also wanted to say I think you all are the last board or committee or commission to use these chambers as they exist today. Um the next time we'll be back we'll be facing the other way. So

it will be reasonably restored. Yes. So I think you all are the final one. So uh here to to give it a boom voyage. Madame city attorney, um do do we we began these quasi judicial procedures questions with about setting times and things like that. So where where have we ended up with this to refresh my memory? I'm sorry. Second times remember yes where we would set times for or

Oh yes. So, we we generally do not have um set time limits for this sort of trial level of hearings in the city at planning and zoning board, historic preservation board, board of adjustment. We don't necessarily have time limits. We have had time limits when we're in an appellet posture at the city commission because that's based on the record below, right? And here is where we're establishing the record. Um I think it's something that we can discuss and look at. I know um Miss Un provided some examples of other cities. one or two of them do have time limits. I think what we've discussed in the past is that it's it's very difficult if you set that time limit. If you have an applicant in front of you who is asking to explain more, I would suggest that we should always let them at the trial court level. Um, so it may be helpful to give a guideline to say please, you know, attempt to have your presentation be less than 25 minutes, but I I would say that it would not be best practice for us to cut somebody off at 30 minutes and 1 second if that's something we want to set. It also as we've discussed is you especially attorneys you fill the time you're allotted right so if we um say everybody has 30 minutes to present we may end up with 30 minutes of presentation when it could have been 10 so just something to consider as we go forward I think we can have a robust discussion about that perhaps in a workshop setting or um you know we don't have to be sitting in a line like this um but yeah I think there's a lot of uh the chair and the board generally have a lot of control over the rules of the meeting um we do have an order. I know we we're trying to get out, but I just wanted to point out we do have an order of business and especially for our quasi judicial boards. You all do a wonderful job of making sure and staff does that we do a brief overview from the um city. Then it's really the applicants presentation and then sort of back and forth and public comment, but we do sort of have a flow of the meetings. We have a flow of the agenda. To the extent that there's things you want to change with that, we can certainly discuss them. If they're not in the code, you all can establish some rules of procedure. Um, we just need to come together and and discuss those, I think.

Well, thank you very much. You know, can I ask you a question about that? I'm sorry. Oh, go ahead, please. Um, those those other municipalities that had boards that that did limit the time, were they recommending boards or were they the the final determination at at the historic? I don't know that I looked that that closely at that. I can look. They were sort of general quasi judicial procedures. I don't know that they were all um they were general quasi judicial procedures. quasi judicial. Yeah. Okay.

So, this board is unique in that um this along with with board of adjustment and board of architects are really the only final deciding boards planning and zoning board is a recommending board to the commission. And so with that in mind, I think that's why we'd like to be very mindful of the time that um uh applicants get here in front of you all to build a record um if and when they choose to appeal. Let me ask a question about moving off topic. So if if let's say we have a presentation it really begins to veer the chair could certainly redirect to the issue at hand and if the if the if the veering comes from this board that's more something more than well I mean if it comes from the applicant I mean if it

yeah I think you could re readress them with a question or or ask the presentation to focus back on a on an item that's certainly fine if that's an item they really feel like is necessary for your understanding of the application I would let them proceed but I I certainly don't think it's out of line to ask someone to focus on an area or redirect their presentation. Okay. So, so I guess the summary is that that we can we should and continue to discuss this and move it into a more formal proceeding uh when we have our annual workshop this year. Okay, which hopefully will be

maybe June or sometime um when we set that up. We usually try to do that kind of in a low peak. So we can do that and um and I think we can move to you know establish some a little more direct procedures just to make it flow. The flow is wonderful. I think we all stick to that very well. But just limiting things, you know, particularly when someone decides that they're going to go compare a local building to the Empire State Building. So understood. Yeah. And that's what I mean about redirect. Okay. Okay, understood. Okay. I'm having a hard time hearing you. Yeah, I have a hard time hearing me, too.

They change this room. I I apologize. I apologize. I think the acoustics are going to be so much better in this. Oh, they will be. They're going to be absolutely better. H this is the worst. And I have two hearing aids. Mhm. And and just for the record, I do think our next meeting we will be back at the public s police and fire headquarters. Um so like I said, last meeting here and sometime during the renovation, the board would like to have a tour, a hard hat tour, of course. Yes, absolutely. You will have some of us may not need helmets.

Okay. Is there anything else before the board? If not, hearing none, I'm going to ask for a motion for dismissal or just say we're done. Motion for dismissal. So moved. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. It's a pleasure. All unfortunately, I can't be here.