Historic board approves designation for 1139 Venetia Avenue in Granada section

The Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board voted unanimously March 13 to designate the one‑story residence at 1139 Venetia Avenue as a local historic landmark.

Staff presentation said the house was permitted in September 1925 and represents a Coral Gables ‘‘Cottage’’ in the Granada section developed under George Merrick’s Garden City–inspired plan. Staff found the property eligible under multiple Coral Gables zoning code criteria for local designation, citing its Mediterranean‑inspired masonry construction, original textured stucco, tiled roof elements and a distinctive bell‑tower chimney.

The application to designate the property was referred to historic preservation by the Board of Architects, staff said. Board members asked whether the property is nonconforming in some respects (noting a missing porte‑cochere and garage access) and were told the applicant is pursuing renovation drawings that could reinstate historic elements such as the garage and original windows; staff said some of those items were before the Board of Architects for renovation review prior to historic designation.

Staff recommended approval. A board member moved to approve the local historic designation "based upon the finding that it meets 3 of the criteria stipulated in article 8 section 103, specifically criterion 4 1 and 2"; the motion was seconded and passed by unanimous roll call among members present.

The board’s approval recognizes 1139 Venetia Avenue’s contribution to Coral Gables’ early 1920s development patterns and brings future exterior work within the city’s review process for designated properties.