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Historic preservation board designates 645 Majorca Avenue a local landmark
Summary
The Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board voted unanimously March 13 to locally designate the 1925 Mediterranean‑style home at 645 Majorca Avenue, citing its architecture, association with architect Phineas Pace and connection to city founder George Merrick's original plan.
The City of Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board voted unanimously March 13 to designate the single‑family residence at 645 Majorca Avenue as a local historic landmark.
Staff told the board the house, built in 1925 and designed by architect Phineas Pace, meets three criteria in the Coral Gables zoning code for local designation — historical/cultural significance and architectural significance — and ‘‘retains its historic integrity and is part of the collection of quality buildings that serves as a visible reminder of the history and the cultural heritage of the city,’’ staff said.
The property sits in Coral Gables Section B and was constructed during the city’s initial development period under founder George Merrick’s Mediterranean‑inspired plan. Staff described hallmark features that remain on the property, including a rectangular corner tower with a stylized battlement parapet, arched entry surround, recessed casement windows with masonry sills and textured stucco walls.
Homeowner Bruce Katz spoke in support of the designation. ‘‘Our home is a hundred years old, and, this designation, I'm sure will be, well deserved,’’ Katz said at the hearing, and told the board that an already‑underway detached‑garage renovation had city approvals and he hoped staff would be lenient with any minor approvals that might arise during construction.
Board members asked procedural and design questions during the review. One member noted the property’s rear additions from 2013–2015 are proportionally compatible and, in staff’s view, do not adversely affect the house’s historic integrity.
After discussion, a board member moved to approve the local historic designation "based upon its historical, cultural, and architectural significance" as described in the staff report; the motion was seconded and passed by roll call with all members present voting yes.
The board’s action makes the property subject to local design review provisions for future exterior work and establishes the designation record in Coral Gables’ local inventory.
The owner and staff were advised that ordinary administrative procedures remain available for minor construction approvals and that any substantial future changes to character‑defining features would return to the board for review.
