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Historic preservation board unanimously designates 320 Romano Avenue as local landmark
Summary
The Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board voted unanimously to designate the 1925 residence at 320 Romano Avenue a local historic landmark, citing its Mediterranean Revival architecture and role in George Merrick’s Coconut Grove development.
The Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board on April 10 unanimously approved local historic designation for the property at 320 Romano Avenue, a single‑family residence constructed in 1925.
Staff presentation: Elizabeth B. Guin, historic preservation coordinator for the city, presented a summary of the designation report and recommended approval based on the Coral Gables zoning code criteria, citing historical/cultural significance and architectural significance. “The property at 320 Romano Avenue was before you for consideration for designation as a local historic landmark,” Guin said during the hearing.
Why it matters: Board staff wrote that the house is an intact example of Mediterranean Revival architecture from the city’s initial development phase and was built to serve working families as part of founder George Merrick’s Garden City vision. The report notes the house retains character‑defining features such as textured stucco, barrel‑tile roofs, a squat entry tower, and a bell tower–inspired chimney. Staff concluded the property meets Article 8, Section 8‑103 of the Coral Gables zoning code and recommended approval.
Board discussion and vote: Board member Alejandro Silva moved to approve designation “based on its historical, cultural, and architectural significance as listed in the staff report, specifically historical cultural significance criterion 4 and architectural significance criteria 1 and 2.” The motion was seconded by a board member (recorded as “Miss Durano” in the transcript). A roll call recorded affirmative votes from all present members; the motion passed unanimously 9–0.
Background details: The staff report traces the property’s 1925 construction in the Coconut Grove section and identifies architect H. George Fink as the designer. The report documents the home’s original features and changes over time (for example, window alterations in 2008 and porch enclosures by mid‑20th century) and states the property “has retained its historic integrity and context for 100 years.”
Next steps: With the board’s action, staff recommended approval of local historic designation, which the board adopted. The board did not identify any additional follow‑up tasks during the hearing.
