Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Board approves aluminum railing replacement at 301 Ocean Drive after design revisions
Loading...
Summary
After revisions requested at an April hearing, the Historic Preservation Board approved replacement of deteriorated precast guardrails and solid masonry balustrades at 301 Ocean Drive with custom white‑coated aluminum railings designed to mimic the original profiles and accommodate wind and structural limits.
The Historic Preservation Board approved replacement railings and guardwalls at 301 Ocean Drive on June 14 after the applicant revised the design to more closely match the original appearance and to respond to structural constraints.
Why the replacement: Staff and the applicant showed the board that the existing concrete precast and cast‑in‑place guardrails had deteriorated in places and the original balcony slab thickness (4 inches) limits options for in‑place concrete repairs or thicker replacement members. An engineered aluminum solution provides a lighter assembly that is surface‑mounted and can be maintained or replaced in the future without invasive slab work.
Design revisions: The applicant refined the earlier submittal so panels and perforation patterns render as a solid mass at typical viewing angles while providing the necessary perforations to avoid excessive wind loads. The architectural team matched proportions, introduced thicker profiles where needed and specified a matte white Kynar coating to match the building’s white finish.
Board action: Following public comment from the Miami Design Preservation League and a short staff presentation that noted a minor discrepancy the board approved the revised aluminum railings and recommended the applicant proceed to mock‑up fabrication under staff oversight. Approval was unanimous on recorded roll call.
Practical next steps: The applicant agreed to a mock‑up to confirm the visual effect and to coordinate final fabrication and coating with staff. The board’s approval is based on the line‑drawn plans and mock‑up results; the final railing shop drawings will be checked by staff during building permit review.
Who spoke: Jessica McCoy (engineer on project), Debbie Tackett (staff) and Daniel Serraldo (Miami Design Preservation League public comment).
