Historic-district advisory board approves material change for 335 Southeast Sixth Avenue

The Fort Lauderdale Historic Preservation Board on a voice vote approved an amendment to the certificate of appropriateness for 335 Southeast Sixth Avenue (case UDP HP 25018), allowing the project to replace the previously specified vertical wood siding and cedar shingles with stucco (smooth stucco finish) for walls and dimensional asphalt shingles for roofs.

The board voted after staff presented that the item had been deferred from the August meeting and that no updated materials had been submitted in advance; staff recommended approval because the amendment met the cited ULDR criteria. Michelle Logan, a planner with Waterman Planning, told the board the item had been deferred from the August meeting and that staff found the proposed amendment “meets the criteria” under the relevant ULDR sections (as read into the record).

Alec Bogdanoff, principal at Prozaca and the owner’s representative, explained the change stemmed from contractor cost estimates and the project team’s intent to make the new ancillary buildings visually subordinate to the historic Stranahan House. “What we’re trying to do is update the design of these buildings so that they fade into the background,” Bogdanoff said, adding that asphalt shingles have a longer expected life—about 30 years—compared with wood in South Florida (which he said typically weathers in 10–15 years). Jenny Belk, executive director of the Stranahan House (the historic site referenced in the presentation), confirmed the project team does not intend to change the white-and-green color scheme of the main historic structure.

Board discussion focused on color differentiation and on ensuring the new construction would read as new while not competing visually with the historic Stranahan House. A motion to approve the amendment was made and seconded; the maker referenced the staff report and testimony presented that evening and added a condition that all previously approved conditions in COA UDP-HP24002 and UDP-ADP21005 remain in effect. The motion carried and the board closed the item.

The board and staff noted the project team may return with additional design materials through the standard design-review process; staff said it expected updated drawings in a later submission and that the board might review further details at that time.

Votes at a glance: the board approved the amendment (case UDP HP 25018) by voice vote; a roll-call tally with individual names was not recorded in the transcript for this item.

Background: The amendment modifies a previously approved project at the Stranahan House site, where earlier approvals included a new welcome center, education spaces and site improvements. The applicant said the change is driven by material costs and by National Park Service guidance that new construction should be distinguishable from historic buildings.

Next steps: Staff will continue to process follow-up submittals and the applicant anticipates returning with more detailed drawings during the normal review process.