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HomeMy WebLinkAboutM-85-0342' 84-1139 27/84 ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE NO. 9500, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, BY APPLYING THE HC-1: GENERAL USE HERITAGE CONSERVATION I OVERLAY DISTRICT TO THE "OLD U.S. POST OFFICE & COURTHOUSE," LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 100 ORTHEAST 1ST AVENUE, (MORE PARTICULARLY D SCRIBED HEREIN) ; MAKING FINDINGS; AND BY MA ING ALL THE NECESSARY CHANGES ON PAGE NO. 36 OF SAID ZONING ATLAS; CONTAINING A REP LER PROVISION AND A SEVERABILITY CLAU i 1 WHEREAS, the Miami Planning Advisory Board at its meeting of I November 14, 1984, tem No. 4, following an advertised hearing, adopted Resolution No. AB 117-84 by a 6 to 2 vote, RECOMMENDING APPROVAL of applying th HC-1: GENERAL USE HERITAGE CONSERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICT to the ubject property, as hereinafter set forth; and WHEREAS, the City Commi ion after careful consideration of this matter deems it advisable nd in the best interest of the general welfare of the City of Mi mi and its inhabitants to grant this application as hereinafter set forth; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA: Section 1. The Zoning Atlas of Ordinance No. 9500, the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Miami, Flo ida, is hereby amended by applying the HC-1: GENERAL USE HERITAG CONSERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICT to the "OLD U.S. POST OFFICE & COUR OUSE," located at approximately 100 Northeast 1st Avenue, m re particularly described as the easterly 33.3' of the southerly 112' of Lot 19 and the southerly 112' of Lot 20, Block 105N, M AMI NORTH as recorded in Plat Book B, Page 41, of the public rec rds of Dade County, Florida; further, finding the subject property exemplifies the historical cultural, political, economic, and V 0 so ial trends of the community to warrant the herein action; fur er, Page No. 36 of the Zoning Atlas incorporated in said Ordin nce by reference and description in Article 3, Section 300 thereat is hereby amended to reflect the herein DISTRICT. Section 2. All ordinances, code sections or parts thereof in onflict herewith are hereby repealed insofar as they are in confli t. Section 3. Should any part or provision of this ordi- nance be declar d by a Court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the same shall not affect the validity of the ordinance as a whole. PASSED ON FIRST READING BY TITLE ONLY this _ day of 1984. PASSED AND ADOPTED 0 SECOND AND FINAL READING BY TITLE ONLY this , day of , 1984. ATTEST: RALPH G. ONGIE City Clerk PREPARED AND APPROVED BY: A ... istant Cij_.4ttorney APPR0VPdA�0,,V6RM A0 CORRECTNESS: LJU%"_ -- ____ City Attorney JEm/wpc/pb/360 2 MAURICE A. FERRE, Mayor 1W - Howard V. Gary :ATE November 15, 1984 CIS= City Manager - j su7JECT ORDINANCE - RECOMMEND APPROVAL APPLY HC-1 TO THE OLD U.S. POST OFFICE E COURTHOUSE Director COMMISSION AGENDA - DECEMBER 20, 19 Planning and Zoning Boards PLANNING AND ZONING ITEMS Administration Department 5 It is recommended by the Planning Advisory Board that an amendment to the Official Zoning Atlas of Zoning Ordinance 9500, as amended, by applying Section 1610 HC-1: General Use Heritage Conservation Overlay District to the Old U.S. Post Office and Courthouse located at 100 NE 1 Avenue be approved. The Planning Advisory Board, at its meeting of November 14, 1984, Item 4, following an advertised hearing, adopted Resolution; PAB 117-84 by a 6 to 2 vote, recommending approval of an amendment to the Official Zoning Atlas of Zoning Ordinance 9500, as amended, by applying Section 1610 HC-1: General Use Heritage Conservation Overlay District, pursuant to Article 16 of Ordinance 9500, as amended, to the Old U.S. Post Office and Courthouse located at 100 NE 1 Avenue, also described as the easterly 33.3' of the southerly 112' of Lot 19 and the southerly 112' of Lot 20, Block 105N, MIAMI NORTH (8-41). Two replies in favor received in the mail.' Backup information is included for your review. An ORDINANCE to provide for the above has been prepared by the City Attorney's Office and submitted for consideration of the City Commissicn. AEPL:111 cc: Law Department NOTE: Planning Department recommends: APPROVAL I _ ' _ . - .. ..., ... . �..w'.:ko�riv:/.'.'�'':�........�-•..wr..... Via`.,. • K ._... _.'� �/►�fr'►.tiaL3'�� •_.. .. .. r. .Ya!: PLANNING FACT SHEET APPLICANT \ City of Miami Planning Department: October 23,1 984 PETITION #4. 100 N.E. 1st AVENUE Easterly 33.3 feet of the southerly 112 feet of lot 19 and the southerly 112 feet of lot 20 Block 105 N MIAMI NORTH (B-41) Recommendations concerning historic site designation of the Old U.S. Post Office and ourthouse and an amendment to the Official ning Atlas of Zoning Ordinance 9500, as a nded, by applying section 1610 4C-1: General Use Heritage Conservation Overlay District, purs ant to Article 16 of Ordinance 9500, Zoning Ordi n ce of the City of Miami, Florida, as amende - RECL'LST To apply t e uC-1 Overlay to this historic site as describe in the designation report. BACKGROUND The Old U.S. Post Office and Courthouse is significant in the history of architecture, government, econ ics, and community development in Miami. Built between 1912 and 1014, the building was the fi st major Federal Building to be constructed in Mi mi. Designed to house the post office, courts, d other Federal agencies, the building was toute as the most modern and .up-to-date Federal Building south, of Washington, D.C. The building me the needs of the governr.,ent until the fre ied development of Miami's boom years necessit ted the erection of a new structure in 1931. The old U.S. Post Office an Courthouse was purchased in 1937 by First Fede 1 Savings and Loan Association as its per,anent home. Organized by Dr. William H. Waik`er in 1933. First Federal was the first federal saving and loan association in the country to be granted a charter by the U.S. Government. The building is now a branch office and remains --the historic PAB 11/14/84 Item #4 Page 1 .Z 1 3 cii�A4.�.�4'i1!`!1rY�f1.r7MW.ii1..V�..'.�+A'i�4ti?�iRkk�ILly�. hi[Y'�!�!! .. ._ . - ... - ...--rMWrfG�Yrlrw��w y>�..K1.4'.;r�;�:.. ��;.Y�^"►". ANALYSIS 9 RECOM.iENDATIONS C building most closely associated with this important Miami institution (now Amerifirst Federal). The Old U.S. Post Office and Courthouse is also significant as an outstanding example of Neo- Classical style architecture. Particularly noteworthy for its restrained, classical composition, the building employs such features as monumental pilasters, arched openings, and an enriched entablature. The Old U.S. Post Office and Courthouse is eligible for designation under the following criteria: 3. Exemplifies the historical, cultural, political, economic, or social trends of the community. The Old U.S. Post Office and Courthouse was the first major Federal Building to be constructed in Miami and was said to be the \Embo dern government building in the South t time. The building later became o First Federal Savings and Loan tion (now AmeriFirst Federal), the hartered savings and loan association country. s those distinguishing eristics of an architectural style, d, or method of construction. The Old U;S. Post Office and Courthouse is an outsta 'ng example of Neo-Classical style archt ecture and demonstrates the adaptation of that style to the South Florida envi ro�ment. 7. Contains elemen s of designs, detail, materials or cra tsmanship of outstanding quality or which epresent a significant innovation or ada tation to the South Florida environment. This building is distin by its use of Indiana limestone andy,ished s finely crafted exterior detailing. PAB 11/14/84 I tem 4 Page 2 3 urJ.�iwe�w/?lrV�.,,�RC.,r "�W:.i�'•".a�Irler�awzT•cs+[.. HER GE CONSERVATION Approval 5 to 1 BOARD PLANNING EPT. Approval PLANNING A ISORY BOARD At its meeting of November 14, 1984, the Planning Advisory Board adopted Resolution PAB 117-84 by a 5 to 2 vote, reccmmending approval of the above. CITY COMMISSION At its meeting of December 20, 1984, the City Commission continued action on the above. At its meeting of January 24, 1985, the City Commission continued action on the above to its meeting of March 28, 1985. y PAB 11/14/84 Item #4 Page ? y .� '��' -'lr" �-. .. e'.-t-i�, _►. �c .y .�e� .-.. V;,.,ha. ,,, ..:�-.•..'1 �:�i.'at.'.:r��.�lC•.a�w•S:'-:r4=�J•-`a.V:: .-....ri..L... :. ��, -- It 1 { al r ..�..w•t�.r+w+►vr�.y c-rikKNY'h�t+r...�w?t:^�� �i t 1':Yka"i:`.'1'yt< e:rl�:.+.tii.iPa'f" `'�"•,%�j.=l�G;Ci'.t3SRi 33`s4�?.r�YL�^..:'.TfK� T COLLEGE TR GE NEW WORLD 4 T, ( - CTR ...E . M 111�� 3 ST. 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 7 18 19 20 21 22 t 2 - ST . 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 06 N 18 19 20 2 1 2 2 23 24 r; r I • �k. a > ! .a POST 10 9 8 7 G 11 12 13 14 OFFICE •7 10 8 5 4 3 2 1 4 5 I I 12 13 14 15 16 7 is , _ f•• .w is S T.-i 7 N. E. 0 6 5 4 3 2 1 15 It 12 13 14 13 16 7Ajmw 13 4 RISC% 2 t 23 18 19 20 2 1 22 23 24 i EAST 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 2 11 12 13 14 13 16 17 18 18 20 COLLEGE SQUARE SUBDIVISI )N NO. i • . TRACT ' I ' 3 ST. 1!9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 99 16 II 12 14 [I'S I5 1 7 18 19 20 �raw.�.w•��iwi S. E. - I ST. 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 N 11 12 13 14 112 6 IT 18L L ST, L E e N i7 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 I 1 I ST. • FLAGLE@ . .� 1 8 9 7 8 5 4 3 2 to . 121 10 It 12 13 K 15 16 I7 Ia 9� - 152 .. Own PaB November 14, 1984 100 NE 1 .avenue I'9J (a. I AS-36 AP Q- S• 7.- 31C; A Amb 2-4 Novembcr 14, 1984 100 NE 1 Avenlic- ............ AP Q-3 - .:iaFlsi: „ �..-6:...r•i:�'rat.i�. .. :Ra.a1•Gi"-.►-t.MK:':..:.Y V: �:10.i.� �.♦. .'tea-.i .. •. _,_ <�S .v! a:,?0 �2 . ���� _ �i .w`• �% ♦ ..�� '•�:: J.•�+ . ♦ .. . • .. . •�,:� .�. . ... �. �fC�.e:T ..��'..�:!!�11 F`+7�-e:. is ... �:+�'::��vli��' :':•!•: � , :f�Mi:..: :ilr ;'hfi'� 5.�ak Y ►: �•.• "A.. :��y' ��a.. i.•'"ti :S•�5�.��..�.f�t . '85 J�.1123 P 3 :32 January 18, 1985 �tMf !►rF ��. W -7s .c• rjNi' FLORIDA DEPARTMENT 0FSTATE George Firestone Secretary of State DIVISION OF ARCHIVES, HISTORY AND RECORDS MANAGEMENT The Capitol, Tallahassee, Florida 32301.8020 (904) 488.1480 Mr. Sergio Rodriguez, Director Planning Department City of Miami Post Office Box 330708 Miami, Florida 33233-0708 71 r :n A s RE: Old U.S. Post Office, 100 Northeast First Avenue, Miami, Dade County, Florida Dear Mr. Rodriguez: 4 a This letter is in response to your November 2, 1984 request for an evalua- tion of the effect of new construction above the Old U.S. Post Office and Courthouse building. We have reviewed the Designation Report for this property and the sight - line studies prepared by your staff and have the following observations: The scale, massing and distinctive roof form of this building contribute significantly to its architectural and historic integrity. In any future develop- ment of this property, it is important that these aspects of the original design be treated with the same sensitivity as the stone, wood and metal ornamental features on the street elevations. It is our opinion that any new construction above the Old U.S. Post Office and Courthouse building, even if designed so as to have no physical impact on the building, would have an adverse effect on the architectural and historic integrity of the property. Further, any "designation agreement" which relinquishes Heritage Conservation Board design review authority would provide no real protection for -the property and, therefore,would not reflect favorably on the credibility of what is presently considered an extremely effective local preservation program. Such a designation would, in our opinion, set a very unfortunate precedent that would likely lead others to ask for similar consideration and leave the Board bound to relinquish review authority in other cases. A designation procedure which lacks the means of controlling alterations to designated properties defeats :such of the purpose of a local preservation ordinance. FLORIDA-State of the Arts'!�`��'"L 4 r a .. •!a• :M• � .. � � � .� ... .. ., a c., r. � . , i .. . , .. '��:... : +i.y.�'ta:it'�SiL�s 'i•:�i�'r�a . —. _ .. .. .� . r �.: Mr. Sergio Rodriguez January 18, 1985 Page Two Parenthetically, while new construction above the original Post Office buil- ding would not be considered appropriate, new construction above the 1948, ell -plan, addition would appear feasible. By stepping each level of the new ;cork back from the street elevations, it would appear that four to six stories (approximately 37,000 to 50,000 gsf) could be added without significant adverse impact to the addi- tion or the original building. Should you have any questions regarding the above comments, please feel free to contact our office at (904) 487-2333. We look forward to assisting you in any way possible. DEF:eb Sincerely, E. Ferro, R.A. Administrator Architectural Preservation Services r� h l+vk >. T tis � h FLORIDA-State of the Arts _ ,�s f .. iYA �{ a 10 OLD U.S. POST OFFICE AND COURTHOUSE 100 N.E. 1 AVENUE Designation Report n() c..0m.. 485"-W',44dv REPORT OF THE CITY OF MIAMI PLANNING DEPARTMENT TO THE HERITAGE CONSERVATION BOARD ON THE POTENTIAL DESIGNATION OF OLD U.S. POST OFFICE AND COURTHOUSE 100 N.E. 1ST AVENUE AS A HERITAGE CONSERVATION ZONING DISTRICT Prepared by 4 Historic reserva ion Date Consultant t Accepted by a r n, er Date Conservation Board Designated by the Miami City Commission Ordinance No. Date 55-342 0 CONTENTS Page 1 I. General Information 4 II. Significance 6 III. Historical Information 7 IV. Architectural Information 10 V. Planning Context 11 VI. HC Zoning Elements 12 VII. Bibliography 85-342- I. GENERAL INFORMATION Historic Name: Old U.S. Post Office and Courthouse w> Current Name: AmeriFirst Federal =q Location: 100 N.E. 1 Avenue Miami, Florida 33132 ;rA I Present Owner: Briginvest N.V. �- %Orion Investments 7100 N. Kendall Drive, Suite 203 Miami, Florida 33156 ;.` Present Occupant: AmeriFirst Federal Savings and Loan Association Present Use: Commercial Present Zoning District: CBD-1/9 HC Zoning Overlay District: HC-1 Tax Folio Number: 01-0110-50-1140 85-342, . Boundary Description of HC Zoning District: The easterly 33.3 feet of the southerly 112 feet of Lot 19, and the southerly 112 feet of Lot 20 of Block 105-N of the plat of MIAMI NORTH, as recorded in Plat Book B at Page 41, of the Public Records of Dade County, Florida. HC Zoning Classification: Historic Site Dade County Historic Survey Rating: Architectural Significance - Historical Significance - Contextural Significance - -2- 85-342- OLD U'.O. POST OFFICE AND COURTHOUSE 700 N.E. T AVENUE A FL 7- 1 F SAY FRONT A: PARK '•O' CHOPIMAtA `I 41 \ ' W I > :: I XX..- ST. N. E. I LLi z location site plan 85•-342, II. SIGNIFICANCE Statement of Significance: The Old U.S. Post Office and Courthouse is significant in the history of architecture, government, economics, and community development in Miami. Built between 1912 and 1914, the building was the first major Federal Building to be constructed in Miami. The City's growth and development in the first two decades of the twentieth century quickly overtaxed the existing facilities of the post office, and the U.S. Government acknowledged the need to construct a modern facility. Designed to house the post office, courts, and other Federal agencies, the building was touted as the most modern and up-to-date Federal Building south of Washington, D.C. The building met the needs of the government until the frenzied development of Miami's boom years A necessitated the erection of a new structure in 1931. The old U.S. Post Office and Courthouse was purchased in 1937 by First Federal Savings and Loan Association as its permanent home. Organized by Dr. William H. Walker in 1933, First Federal was the first federal saving and loan association in the country to be granted a charter by the U.S. Government. The headquarters of First Federal (now AmeriFirst Federal) until 1937, the building is now a branch office and remains the historic building most closely associated with this important Miami institution. The Old U.S. Post Office and Courthouse is also significant as an outstanding example of Neo-Classical style architecture. Particularly noteworthy for its restrained, classical composition, the building employs such features as monumental pilasters, arched openings, and an enriched entablature. The building's classical features, however, are adapted to the South Florida environment through the use of wide, overhanging eaves and a red tile roof. The building is therefore unique on the downtown skyline. Relationship to Criteria for Designation: The Old U.S. Post Office and Courthouse is eligible for designation under the following criteria: 3. Exemplifies the historical, cultural, political, economic, or social trends of the community. The Old U.S. Post Office and Courthouse was the first major y; Federal building to be constructed in Miami and was said to be the most modern government building in the South at that time. The building later became home to First Federal Savings and Loan Association (now AmeriFirst Federal), the first chartered savings and loan association in the country. -4- 85-342. . 5. Embodies those distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style, or period, or method of construction. The Old U.S. Post Office and Courthouse is an outstanding example of Neo-Classical style architecture and demonstrates the adaptation of that style to the South Florida enviornment. 7. Contains elements of design, detail, materials or craftsmanship of outstanding quality or which represent a significant innovation or adaptation to the South Florida environment. This building is distinguished by its use of Indiana limestone and by its finely crafted exterior detailing. -5- 85-34s'., III. HISTORICAL INFORMATION Date of Erection: 1912-1914 Architect: The Old U.S. Post Office and Courthouse was designed by Oscar Wenderoth, supervising architect for the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The building was remodeled in 1937 by the well-known Miami firm of Kiehnel and Elliott. Builder/Contractor: The contractor for the Old U.S. Post Office and Courthouse was the F.G. Tarbell Company of St. Petersburg, Florida. Historical Context: e- .:. Prior to the construction of the Old U.S. Post Office and Courthouse, the Miami post office was located in a small building on S. Miami Avenue at S.W. 1 Street. Still a second class facility, the post office did not achieve first class status until 1911. When the new building opened in 1914, the post office occupied the first floor and <` the courts, the second floor. Other government agencies, including customs, the weather bureau, and the immigration inspector, were housed on the third floor. The Federal Government vacated the building in 1931 when a larger structure opened at 300 N.E. 1 Avenue. Between 1931 and 1937, the old post office was occupied by the Federal Arts project, as well as by other governmental units. The building's purchase in 1937 by the First Federal Savings and Loan Association (now AmeriFirst Federal) marked a major step in that institution's growth. Originally opened in 1933 in room 711 of the Ingraham Building, the association moved to larger quarters at 33 N.E. 1 Avenue in 1935 when assets reached $1 million. By 1937, First Federal had become Miami's largest savings and loan institution. Although criticized for his optimism in visualizing such growth that his association would utilize all the space of the large post office building, Dr. William H. Walker, AmeriFirst Federal's founder, soon proved his critics wrong. By 1947, the association had assets of $17 million and required a large addition to the old building. AmeriFirst moved to its new 32-story building in 1973 but continues to utilize the old post office as a downtown branch. -6- 85-34ti_, IV. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION Description of Building: The Old U.S. Post Office and Courthouse is a three story rectangular structure with seven bays across the east facade and four bays across the south facade. Constructed of reinforced concrete and brick, the building is faced with Indiana limestone and is topped with a truncated hipped roof covered with Spanish tiles. The building's classical composition features identical treatment on both facades. Two story, Ionic pilasters separate each bay and define the corners. Spaced between on the first story are monumental, round arched openings. The openings on the southeast corner contain the main entrances, while the other openings contain windows. When originally constructed, the building was approached by a series of six steps running the entire length of the east facade, and the arched openings here led into a six foot wide loggia. The openings were enclosed, and all but the corner steps were removed in 1937 when the building was converted to bank use. On the second story, directly above the arched windows, are rectangular openings containing double doors. These doors open onto circular balconets with twisted iron railings. A full entablature separates the second story from the third story, which features paired casement windows. These windows are surrounded by engaged Doric columns and are flanked by plain pilasters corresponding with the ones below. Other decorative features of the building include polychromed brackets under the wide, overhanging eaves and a cartouche on each end bay on the east facade. Except for the enclosure of the loggia in 1937, the building has been virtually unaltered on the exterior. Changes to the building have respected its architectural integrity. i Description of Site: The Old U.S. Post Office and Courthouse downtown Miami and is situated on the Avenue and N.E. 1 Street. The building line and is landscaped on both facades. -7- is located in the heart of northwest corner of N.E. 1 is set back from the property '-AL- ik 1� /"'� V. PLANNING CONTEXT Present Trends and Conditions: The Old U.S. Post Office and Courthouse has been well preserved since its purchase by First Federal Savings and Loan (now AmeriFirst Federal) in 1937. Few alterations have been made to the exterior of the building, and it continues to be well maintained. Although still occupied by AmeriFirst, the building was sold in 1983 to a group of investors abroad. The building is locally managed. Conservation Objectives: Because this building is one of downtown Miami's major landmarks, its continued preservation should be a top priority. Any future changes to the building should respect its architectural integrity. These conservation objectives can best be achieved by maintaining the present zoning of the property. An HC-1 zoning overlay district will maintain the present zoning, requiring only the review of physical changes to the property. -10- 1'-1 /d"'N VI. HC ZONING ELEMENTS Boundaries: The boundaries of the HC zoning district have been drawn to include the entire tract of land under single ownership. This includes only the original U.S. Post Office and Courthouse building. Not included within the boundaries is the L-shaped addition to the building which is owned by a separate individual. Constructed in 1948, this addition is not a part of the original historic building but could be included within the HC zoning district at a later date, if desired. Major Exterior Surfaces Subject to Review: The south and east facades shall be considered major exterior surfaces subject to review. Major Landscape Features Subject to Review: The major landscape features subject to review shall include all features which are subject to requirements for tree removal permits, as set forth in Chapter 17 of the City Code. -11- ". ,. VII. BIBLIOGRAPHY AmeriFirst Federal Savings and Loan Association, Miami. Scrapbooks and photographs. Ash, Agnes. "Why Will Took an Interest in Interest." The Miami News, { (date unknown). Cangahuala, Conrad. "First Federal Savings and Loan Association nw; Building." Unpublished Research Paper. University of Miami, . Coral Gables, Florida, 1978. Dade County, Florida. Community and Economic Development, Historic Preservation Division. Dade County Historic Survey, Site Inventory File for 100 N.E. 1 Avenue, Miami, Florida. Federal Building Opened to Inspection of the Public." The Miami Herald, July 18, 1914. First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Miami. "It's Not Our Building - It's Yours." Brochure. Miami, 1948. "Former Federal Building Is Soon to House Buyer." The Miami Daily = News, November 21, 1937. =' "Miami's New Federal Building." The Miami Herald, June 28, 1914. Parks, Arva. Miami: The Magic City. Tulsa, Oklahoma: Continental Heritage Press, 19917 Peters, Thelma. "In the Days of the Two -Cent Stamp." Update. Vol. -4; 4, No. 3, February, 1977, p.4. "To Complete Government Building by November 15 Next." The Mi ami Herald, September 13, 1912. -12- 8-57 -342_