DRB approves redesigned façade for 1140 Alton Road synagogue with materials condition

The Miami Beach Design Review Board on Nov. 20 approved a revised façade for a religious institution at 1140 Alton Road after hearing from an applicant representative who said the design is an important expression of the congregation’s identity. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions including final material samples and colors.

The rabbi representing the institution asked the board to accept a façade modeled on the Chabad world headquarters, saying the design is both culturally significant and appropriate for the neighborhood. He referenced federal protections for religious exercise in urging the board to avoid imposing changes that would substantially burden that expression. The transcript records the applicant’s argument that staff’s recommended changes were incorporated where possible and that the revised plans respond to earlier board comments.

Project architect presented multiple options and brought physical brick and cast‑stone samples at the hearing. The revised submittal added a brick veneer on the chamfered corner and expanded banding so the corner integrates with adjacent elevations; the updated plans also call for a slate roof in place of previously noted asphalt shingles. Board members asked clarifying questions about the brick veneer banding and confirmed the design version depicted on page A9.6 of the presentation was the one they intended to approve.

A board member made a motion to approve the design as presented, with a friendly amendment that the materials and colors shown at the hearing be incorporated into the approval and that final material samples be submitted to staff consistent with the board’s direction. The motion was seconded and passed as recorded in the transcript.

Next steps: Staff will receive and review the final material and color samples consistent with the motion and conditions in the board’s draft order; the project will proceed to permit review and final plan check.