Board designates 2716 Cordova Street and approves related design work, variance

The City of Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board designated 2716 Cordova Street a local historic landmark Thursday and approved a concurrent accelerated special certificate of appropriateness for planned additions and site work, including a variance for a reduced rear setback.

The designation was presented by consultants from the Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables and architectural historian Dr. Brett Gilles, who argued the 1938 minimal‑traditional house by William Shanklin Jr. has the integrity and significance required by the zoning code. Board members noted Shanklin’s local importance and the house’s retention of character‑defining features.

The property’s historic‑significance determination had been issued by staff as “not significant” and was appealed by a third party; the board considered the appeal, received the designation report and voted to designate. The owner concurrently submitted an accelerated certificate of appropriateness application for a two‑story addition, a two‑story accessory structure and site work; the board approved the COA with conditions and granted a variance to allow a 5‑foot rear setback where the code requires 10 feet, citing the lot orientation and built context.

Board discussion focused on preserving the front facade and limiting impacts from new additions. The motion to approve included conditions requiring staff review of final details, changes to window and door configurations where necessary, and that the applicant work with the city architect on detailing. The board recorded a unanimous vote on the designation and separate affirmative votes on the COA and variance.

Staff will file the designation and the COA conditions; the variance is effective with the motion to approve. The applicant and historic consultants said they will continue design coordination with staff for final permitting.