Board approves interior changes at Bancroft Hotel lobby, including bar and fire‑rated stair enclosure

The Historic Preservation Board voted to approve modifications to the previously issued certificate of appropriateness for the Bancroft Hotel lobby at 1501 Collins Avenue, including a re‑configured bar and a new fire‑rated partition around an interior stair, during the April 11 meeting.

Staff and the applicant presented revised designs that keep the lobby’s intact terrazzo compass‑rose visible. The applicant said the bar will sit on an elevated, removable platform so plumbing and other utilities can be run through the ceiling and the terrazzo will not be penetrated. The Miami Design Preservation League and multiple neighbors spoke in support at the public hearing.

Life‑safety concerns raised during building‑permit review prompted the applicant to propose a transparent fire‑rated wall around a stair that opens to the lobby. Fire and code officials recommended a fixed separation because the proposed repurposed building and proposed occupancy levels triggered stricter separation requirements. The board and staff discussed two fire‑rated glazing options; staff recommended the option that repeats the exterior window grid inside the lobby, and also recommended replacing a proposed single door with a double door aligned with the Collins Avenue entrance to improve circulation.

Board members asked about finish details, and the applicant agreed to remove a previously proposed walnut treatment for the wall and accept staff’s recommended glazing option and double door. With those conditions, the board approved the modification request by roll call.