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Board reclassifies 1506 Collins Avenue as contributing to local historic district
Summary
The Historic Preservation Board voted to change the local classification of 1506 Collins Avenue from non‑contributing to contributing, finding it retains Miami Modern (MiMo) elements and fits the district’s context. The vote was unanimous.
The Historic Preservation Board voted unanimously to reclassify 1506 Collins Avenue from non‑contributing to contributing within the Ocean Drive‑Collins Avenue local historic district.
Staff told the board the building, constructed in 1962 by Don Reif and Associates, contains character‑defining Miami Modern (MiMo) features — a curved Ground‑Floor overhang, wraparound balconies and exposed catwalks — and sits well within the district’s scale and character. Staff recommended reclassification based on those preserved features and the city’s expanded period of significance for the National Register district.
Emily Balter, counsel for the applicant, said the owner intends to continue operating the building as a hotel and that the reclassification aligns with the applicant’s brand of rehabilitating boutique historic hotels. Historic consultant Steven Advakoff (Heritage Architectural Associates) told the board his team concluded the property retains sufficient character to be contributing.
Board members expressed support for the reclassification, noting its consistency with the district context and potential to encourage preservation‑sensitive reinvestment. The board approved the change by roll call.
