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Commission approves after‑the‑fact turf installation at Lauderdale Beach Hotel despite historic‑preservation objections
Summary
The commission granted an after‑the‑fact certificate of appropriateness for artificial turf installed at the Lauderdale Beach Hotel’s front outdoor seating area. Broward Trust and preservation advocates expressed concern that cumulative alterations are altering the site's historic character; the applicant committed to consult with residents about certain turf areas.
The commission approved an after‑the‑fact certificate of appropriateness on March 3 allowing artificial turf to remain over pavers at the front outdoor seating area of the Lauderdale Beach Hotel (a designated historic site), following public testimony from preservation advocates and the applicant.
Mikayla Conca of the Broward Trust for Historic Preservation urged the commission to adhere to historic‑preservation design guidelines and cautioned that repeated, incremental changes are eroding the building’s historic character. ‘‘All modifications should respect the building’s original character by retaining significant architectural features, materials and spatial relationships,’’ she told commissioners.
The applicant’s counsel argued the turf is groundcover that does not touch the facade or alter the historic fabric and said prior approvals (awnings, outdoor dining) had been granted previously. The applicant agreed to discuss the northmost turf area (where no seating exists) and a transition zone near the hostess stand with adjacent unit owners to seek a compromise.
A commissioner acknowledged residents’ concerns and urged the applicant to follow through on the commitment to meet with unit owners; despite the objections, the commission approved the certificate of appropriateness by roll call.
