[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6707919,"mediaKeyId","5587027-2fc3f24d1b28894a28a0b4455d8b658c","parentId",5587027,"title","Historic Preservation Board designates 1005 S. Alhambra Circle as local historic landmark","audioSeconds",3048,"startMs",3485000,"endMs",6533000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5587027-2fc3f24d1b28894a28a0b4455d8b658c&start=3485&end=6533","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5587027-2fc3f24d1b28894a28a0b4455d8b658c/thumbnail_3485000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6707919/Coral-Gables/Miami-Dade-County/Florida/Historic-Preservation-Board-designates-1005-S-Alhambra-Circle-as-local-historic-landmark","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6707919-8fae49451f666b389024f60080f569d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1776361219&Signature=DyIEjsEHxkCR5P5Lq4SQH6mc3a9v2ldSPeWkrK-tmIqNgORAb27NoPLymCXicoSgZM654A5t-C-j9ii5igY-SpMIna4mCgxu8SW5KSzp--0UIxATkM9pbUjlqxLxM--DCnJsShSUWhuMByJTKROHiG3~mmy1yh7oZHGJspCMyxEmQ~~cRCuZDdGKRuasHXoudYmy9xUgmC00MZ9SFBCMT16S~yvBbDMOz-8vaJMW960EtN7uQDGpi8eZz7LEtocKrcXJAGGfv0jPTgP1HJttoTd2d9bYy0BDYZZWtrRrOaw3KJgsAFtb2kiPLGRKRqcitUbZSLX~087iDXshQP0cqg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Coral Gables","date","2025-08-14T19:08:49Z","article","The Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board voted unanimously to designate the single‑family residence at 1005 South Alhambra Circle as a local historic landmark, finding the property meets multiple local designation criteria for architectural and historical significance.

What the board decided: After a public hearing that included a designation report, sworn expert testimony, and arguments from the property owner and the owner’s architect, the board voted 7–0 to approve local historic designation for the property. The board motion referenced the designation report’s findings about the residence’s neoclassical/colonial revival design, its 1953 construction, and its representation of post‑World War II development in the Riviera section of Coral Gables.

Case background and evidence: The designation packet supplied to the board included a formal local designation report prepared for the Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables and an expert letter from architectural historian Dr. David McKinney. Dr. Brett Gillis (sworn testimony) summarized the report for the board, describing the house’s symmetrical two‑story entry porch, Ionic‑inspired columns, stucco finish, and other character‑defining features that the report argued are significant within the Riviera section’s mid‑century building stock.

Owner opposition and rebuttal: Owner Julio Acosta and his retained architect, Hamed Rodriguez, testified in opposition. Rodriguez argued the house reads as an applied or “faux” neoclassical motif on a low‑slung, ranch‑like plan and that proportions and fenestration do not demonstrate the high architectural integrity typically required for designation. Owner Acosta noted he bought the lot for its trees and said he did not intend to remove mature landscaping.

Board’s view and legal standard: City staff reminded the board this is a quasi‑judicial appeal and the board’s decision must be supported by substantial competent evidence presented at the hearing. Board members discussed period context, the house’s character‑defining elements, and comparable examples (the staff packet included previously designated local properties for reference). Several board members said the property’s neoclassical elements signify an important post‑war building trend in Coral Gables and that the house retains enough integrity to warrant local designation.

Outcome and implications: The motion to designate passed unanimously. Board members and staff noted the designation covers exterior character‑defining features cited in the report; the owner retains normal permit rights for interior work not covered by the landmark designation. The board also discussed incentives for designated property owners, including the city’s ad valorem tax benefit program for qualified rehabilitation work.

Ending: The designation becomes part of the city’s register of local historic places and will be reflected in staff procedures for any future permit reviews at the property.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Historic Preservation Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","After staff appeal material and expert testimony in support, the Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board unanimously approved local designation for 1005 South Alhambra Circle, citing architectural and cultural significance from the post‑war neoclassical/colonial revival period.","taxTitle","Coral Gables, Miami-Dade County, Florida","taxId",51824,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6707924,"Coral Gables preservation board approves after‑the‑fact COA for 405 Vizcaya after heated debate",3607,1198000,4805000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5587027-2fc3f24d1b28894a28a0b4455d8b658c&start=1198&end=4805","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5587027-2fc3f24d1b28894a28a0b4455d8b658c/thumbnail_1198000.jpg","/articles/6707924/Coral-Gables/Miami-Dade-County/Florida/Coral-Gables-preservation-board-approves-afterthefact-COA-for-405-Vizcaya-after-heated-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6707924-990c51445229a0868af44b40402d66ee/orig.mp4?Expires=1776361219&Signature=VIs6zrlVZDvjRTS1ulUdWglbrFSWuWR~EtN7BhlpRP4ztiuvsY-OJQYdU5HdgKKYnz00lfCxwfMjWjiK0qE3ENDD9jYS8bc6qR5XGSfBDGe8wJfjOdb2H8un4LK10wDXudumCLaMZ9hpxY3cnNaoAbSI24as8cd-2b2HhSGnKqN5LnuMgqdLDbM6U0qm-SZ1ScUZ9ZEw-s020LC9GDAhMxVNZqRlhiWMBCgcnf6EjLtCdJSqIHJbh~ScGLNhQUCF1X6SFY4tu3biqNGTY5J2auRGjQbD7OpKPPfFe3fNQ5bASAnKFokJPFoJRS0chq8~SWA981ZRGSAjOvMKUI5lMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board voted to approve an after‑the‑fact special certificate of appropriateness (COA) for impact‑resistant windows at 405 Vizcaya Avenue after a lengthy discussion about glass reflectivity, enforcement gaps, and contractor responsibility.

The vote followed two formal motions. An initial motion to deny the COA based on staff recommendations failed on a 3–5 vote. A later motion to approve issuance of the special COA passed (see action record below).

Why it mattered: Board members and staff framed the dispute as two separate problems: whether the installed glass’s reflectivity matched the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards as interpreted locally, and whether the property owner or the contractor bore responsibility for ordering and installing nonconforming windows before final permit sign‑off. The applicant said a state grant program (My Safe Florida Home) required a tight schedule and that denying the COA would cost the family roughly $10,000 in lost state funds and force expensive litigation.

Staff and preservation officer view: Preservation staff recommended denial because of the glass’s reflectivity and tint, which staff said does not match the visual character appropriate for this 1920s contributing resource in the French Normandy Village Historic District. Preservation officer Anna Pernis told the board the standards are interpreted case‑by‑case but that, “the glazing does not match the style of the house,” and noted the office has not adopted numeric reflectivity thresholds for the district.

Applicant and neighbors: Homeowner Harris Levine said his family bought the house in 2021, applied for impact windows under the My Safe Florida Home program, and hired a state‑approved vendor. Levine said the vendor ordered and installed the wrong glass before final coordination with staff and that the owner has paid roughly $22,000 so far; the state refund they seek is about $10,000. Neighbors who testified (including Nancy O’Loughlin of 401 Vizcaya Avenue) said several nearby homes have tinted/low‑E impact glass and supported approval.

Board discussion and rationale: Several board members called the contractor’s actions “egregious” and faulted the vendor for ordering product before permit approval. Some members emphasized fairness and the existing pattern of tinted/low‑E windows on the block, arguing consistency favored approval. Others focused on the visual effect and on adhering to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards; those members favored denial because they found the installed glass too reflective for a 1920s contributing structure.

Outcome and next steps: The board approved the after‑the‑fact COA for 405 Vizcaya Avenue. The approval is limited to the application before the board (muntin pattern corrected per staff inspection; the remaining issue was glazing reflectivity). Staff and the applicant discussed potential next steps with the vendor for remedying workmanship issues; the owner said he may pursue legal action against the vendor if the vendor does not replace nonconforming components. The board also reiterated interest in developing clearer district guidelines for glazing and window replacements to reduce similar disputes.

Votes at a glance (from transcript roll calls):
- Motion to deny after‑the‑fact COA (mover: Miss Denae; second: Miss Shield): motion failed 3 yes, 5 no (Yes: Miss Denae; Miss Shield; Mister Maxwell. No: Miss Alvarez; Mister Garcia Ponce; Miss Spain; Mister Silva). The board recorded the motion as failing 3–5.
- Motion to approve after‑the‑fact COA (mover: Mr. Castiglipon; second: unnamed in transcript): motion passed (roll call recorded: Yes — Miss Alvarez; Miss Denae; Miss Spain; Mister Garcia Ponce; Miss Everett; Mister Silva; No — Kelly Shield; Mister Maxwell). The transcript records passage and the issuance of the special certificate of appropriateness.

Clarifying note: The board’s transcript contains some inconsistent shorthand and minute transcriptions (for example, different roll‑call reconstructions across the record). The article reports the motions and the roll‑call tallies as recorded in the official meeting transcript.

Ending: Multiple board members urged staff to develop district‑specific guidance so homeowners and vendors can better anticipate which glazing and low‑E products are acceptable for contributing structures in French Normandy Village. The board did not adopt such guidelines at the meeting; it asked staff to return with options in a future agenda item.","After extended discussion about reflectivity and process failures, the Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board approved an after‑the‑fact special certificate of appropriateness for impact‑resistant windows at 405 Vizcaya Avenue. The board split first on a motion to deny, then approved the COA on a subsequent motion.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6707914,"Board urges commission to include prior COA in gondola relocation discussion; asks staff to propose French Normandy Village guidelines",2753,3717000,6470000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5587027-2fc3f24d1b28894a28a0b4455d8b658c&start=3717&end=6470","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5587027-2fc3f24d1b28894a28a0b4455d8b658c/thumbnail_3717000.jpg","/articles/6707914/Coral-Gables/Miami-Dade-County/Florida/Board-urges-commission-to-include-prior-COA-in-gondola-relocation-discussion-asks-staff-to-propose-French-Normandy-Village-guidelines","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6707914-1be844c9e4b9f2a9f3bae2de0263b558/orig.mp4?Expires=1776361219&Signature=FnpGPORjNaClwYcvwM89Ak9zYdsJsdJGMbZx0cywn6pIU6sPsWvwS-eYrT9ox6W4PVgYaDLvY~OxUAGYRVAPKVJmubT4C8YKb5XN2buW6M~14G4hRQ4gTchwHmrhNWNar5xjUitWacSuiAMAGKdrsV6yoAkhn6o4WeEAtCKLe0jcgFmiV1xTGrqqk3soM7WktwN1WFBCYXhmMWWnXbfkztoMLROnxoPLPNiXzzBHj5pIqlilpu71eVx8w0UsThXfgFT-EH0YKb7VnZdib8hNJ69WBWu-OHAT9wgEh6JT99qi9Rdn6156-8OMGgpmTLGr3NxJxzBp66UWemltKb2Vpw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff briefed the Historic Preservation Board on plans to relocate and reconstruct the historic Gondola Building associated with the Biltmore/Country Club complex. Staff described a preferred relocation site near Burr Road and asked the board to note the impending appearance of the item before the City Commission.

Board request to commission: Board members voted unanimously to ask the City Commission to include the Historic Preservation Board’s previously issued certificate of appropriateness and the board’s background materials in the commission packet for the forthcoming zoning‑exemption item. The board’s motion instructs staff to provide the COA and related supporting documents so the commission will have the board’s findings and rationale on record when it considers whether to authorize the alternative location.

Why it matters: The Gondola Building was an original accessory structure to the historic Biltmore/Hotel complex; portions collapsed years ago. Staff said the proposed relocation site is closer to Burr Road, would reduce potential disruption to golf operations during construction, and would be more accessible for construction equipment. Staff also said the grantor that funds restoration work raised no objection to the proposed relocation site. Board members reiterated that the original waterfront location has historic value and expressed concern about placing the reconstructed structure in a vehicle/equipment yard that offers limited public access.

Other board direction: The board unanimously passed an additional motion asking staff to begin preparing design criteria/guidelines for the French Normandy Village (the board instructed staff to start with that village as a pilot). The board said stronger, district‑specific guidance (for example, on windows and other visible materials) would reduce recurring COA disputes.

Next steps: Staff expects to present the relocation request to the City Commission at the next commission meeting; the board requested that the commission receive the board’s COA and background materials as part of the commission packet. Board members designated a volunteer to appear on behalf of the board before the commission and asked staff to prepare the requested materials in advance.

Ending: The board did not change the previously issued COA but sought to ensure the commission has the board’s record when it considers an administrative zoning exemption for relocation; the board also directed staff to begin drafting French Normandy Village design guidance.","City staff presented plans to relocate and reconstruct the collapsed gondola building near the Biltmore; the board asked that the previously issued COA and background materials be provided to the City Commission and directed staff to begin design guidelines for French Normandy Village.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Historic Preservation Board designates 1005 S. Alhambra Circle as local historic landmark

Coral Gables preservation board approves after‑the‑fact COA for 405 Vizcaya after heated debate

Board urges commission to include prior COA in gondola relocation discussion; asks staff to propose French Normandy Village guidelines