Historic-preservation board approves ad valorem tax relief for 4125 Santa Maria Street

The City of Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board on July 10 approved an application requesting ad valorem tax relief for 4125 Santa Maria Street, a contributing resource in the Santa Maria Street Historic District. The board voted to approve the minutes with a correction to a prior vote and then approved the tax-relief application. The property had previously received a related special certificate of appropriateness in 2017 and subsequent revisions in 2017, 2019 and 2020. The house was described at the hearing as built in 1947 and a substantial rehabilitation that removed unsympathetic additions and reinstated original features. Staff recommended approval. Board member Donna Spain moved to approve the tax-relief application; Peggy Rolando seconded. The board called the question and members voted in favor. The board noted that five affirmative votes are required for adoption of any motion and confirmed a quorum was present. The board’s public record on the item includes the property’s legal description (Lots 9 and 10, Block 96, Coral Gables Country Club section, plat book 23, page 55, Miami-Dade County). The board’s approval was limited to the tax-relief request and did not change previously approved design approvals. The applicant and architect were present and received board commendations for restoring character-defining features such as front-door surround, wood columns and original moldings. The board closed the item and moved on to subsequent cases.