Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the National Hotel Mods topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves National Hotel cabana and terrace changes, finding minimal public‑realm impact
Summary
The Historic Preservation Board approved modifications to the National Hotel's east facade and cabana building, allowing doors at third level and private rooftop terraces for cabana units; staff and preservation advocates supported the limited changes.
The Historic Preservation Board on May 9 approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for modifications to the National Hotel (940 Ocean Drive) that add access doors at the third level of the tower's east facade and rooftop terraces atop the hotel's cabana building.
Staff recommended approval, noting the proposed modifications would be "virtually imperceptible" from the beach walk and would introduce modest amenity areas for guests without adverse impacts to the contributing building or district. "Staff has no objection to the modifications proposed as they will not have any adverse impact on the existing contributing building or the surrounding historic district," staff said in their recommendation.
The applicant's team presented a compact scope of work limited to the rear (east) elevations and cabana roof; the drawings show new elevated decks, trellis structures and spiral stair access that would serve fourth‑level cabana units. Ian Dimelo, counsel for the applicant, said neighbors reviewed the plans and provided letters of support.
The Miami Design Preservation League expressed support during public comment, noting plans do not include bar counters or entertainment uses on the new roof level. The board voted to approve the staff recommendation on a roll call; conditions require the applicant to comply with staff's terrazzo/finish and structural details noted in the staff report and to submit required shop drawings for review.
Board members who commented described the proposal as a modest, well‑designed addition that provides guest amenities without harming the historic appearance of the Ocean Drive streetscape.
