HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-84-0321J-84-205
3/"6/84 84-321
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION CONCURRING WITH THE PLANNING
ADVISORY BOARD'S DECISION TO DEFER ITS
HEARING ON THE APPLICATION OF THE HC-1:
GENERAL USE HERITAGE CONSERVATION OVERLAY
DISTRICT TO THE LYRIC THEATER LOCATED AT
APPPROXIMATELY 819 NORTHWEST 2ND AVENUE,
MIAMI, FLORIDA (MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED
HEREIN), FOR A PERIOD OF NINETY (90) DAYS.
WHEREAS? the Miami Planning Advisory Board at its meeting of
February 15, 1984, Item No. 7, following an advertised hearing
adopted Resolution No. PAB 11-84 by a 5 to 2 vote, seeking
concurrence of the City Commission in deferring for ninety (90)
days the Planning Advisory Board's hearings on the application of
the HC-1: GENERAL USE HERITAGE CONSERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICT to
the subject property, as hereinafter set forth; and
WHEREAS, Section 3508.2 of Zoning Ordinance No. 9500, as
amended, the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Miami, Florida,
requires the Planning Advisory Board to file its recommendations
no later than forty-five (45) days after the public hearing when
an item has been scheduled before it, unless a longer time is
mutually agreed upon by the Planning Advisory Board and City
Commission; and
WHEREAS, the affected property owner and advocates for this
rezoning have agreed to the time extension; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission, after careful consideration of
this matter, deems it advisable and in the best interest of the
general welfare of the City of Miami and its inhabitants to deter
this rezoning application, as hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA:
i
Section 1. The Commission concurs with the Planning
Advisory Board's decision to defer the public hearings on the
application of the HC-1: GENERAL USE HERITAGE CONSERVATION
OVERLAY DISTRICT to the Lyric Theater located at approximately
819 Northwest 2nd Avenue, more particularly described as Lot 29
CITY COMMISSION
MEETING OF
MAR 29 19K
AETOLW IUIs no. 84--321
NORTH, Plat Book B, Page 32, of the Public Records of Dade
County, Florida, for a period of ninety (90) days.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 29th day of March , 1984.
TTEST:
Q
O IE
City Clerk
PREPARED AND APPROVED BY:
I a r. - ;�-'% �6�
6 L E. MAXWELL
istant City Attorney
JEM/Wpc/ab/258
Maurice A. Ferre
MAURICE A. FERRE, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS:
t
OSE GARCIA-PEDROSA
City Attorney
2 84--32JL
,.h
1
s
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO Howard V. Gary GATE February 22, 1984 PILE
City Manager ;
sua�=_cr RESOLUTION - RECOMMEND DEFERRAL
(A(: APPLICATION OF HC-1
ioE. ,4 ' gre3'�`� F��f.,.."ES. 819 NW 2 AVENUE
/ do
Director E. COMMISSION AGENDA - MARCH 29, 1984
Planning and Zoning Boards r.NcLcsU 1,�5 PLANNING AND ZONING ITEMS
Administration Department
It is recommended that the request
for an amendment to the Official
Zoning Atlas of oning Ordinance
9500, es amended, the Zoning
Ordinance of the City of Miami,
Florida, to apply Section 1610.
HC-1: General Use Heritage Con-
servation Overlay District to the
Lyric Theater located at 819 NW
Avenue be Ueferred for 9�-a`ys.
The Planning Advisory Board, at its meeting of February 15, 1984, Item 7,
following an advertised hearing, adopted Resolution PAB 11-84 by a 5 to 2
vote, seeking concurrence of the City Commission in deferring for ninety
(90) days, as required by Section 3508.2 of Zoning Ordinance 9500, as
amended, the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Miami, Florida, the request of
an amendment to the Official Zoning Atlas of Zoning Ordinance 9500, as
amended, to apply Section 1610. HC-1: General Use Heritage Conservation
Overlay District to the Lyric Theater located at 819 NW 2 Avenue, also
described as Lot 29 and the northerly 15 feet of Lot 36, P. W. WHITE'S
RESUB OF BLOCK 36 NORTH (B-34).
One objection received in the mail; two opponents present at the meeting.
One reply in favor received in the mail; one proponent present at the
meeting.
Backup information is included for your review.
A RESOLUTION to provide for the above has been prepared by the City
Attorney's Office and submitted for consideration of the City Commission.
AEPL:111
cc: Law Department
NOTE: Planning Department recommends: APPROVAL
84--321.
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11
APPLICANT
PETITION
REQUEST
BAUGROUND
ANALYSIS
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PLANNING FACT SHEET
City of Miami Planning Department:
January 25, 1984
7. Consideration of recommendations
concerning an amendment to the Official
Zoning Atlas of Ordinance 9500, Zoning
Ordinance of the City of Miami, Florida,
to apply Section 1610. HC-1: GENERAL -
USE HERITAGE _CONSERVATION OVERLAY
DISTRICT to the Lyric Theater, 819 N.W.
2nd Avenue, as described in the
designation report.
To apply the HC-1 overlay to this
historic site, as described in the
designation report.
The Lyric Theater is significant as a
reflection of the flourishing night and
social life in Overtown during the early
twentieth century and as an excellent
example of masonry vernacular
architecture. Built around 1913, the
Lyric Theater was described as "possibly
the most beautiful and costly playhouse
owned by colored people in all the
Southland." The theater was built by
Geder Walker, a wealthy Black
businessmen, and featured a comfortable,
well-appointed interior which allowed
for legitimate theater, moving pictures,
and meetings.
A feasibility study, sponsored by the
Black Archives will be undertaken to
determine whether the building can be
rehabilitated. If it is found to be a
candidate, Southeast Overtown,fPark West
should work with Black Archives to
identify a new use for the property.
The Lyric Theater is eligible for
designation under the following
criteria:
3. Exemplifies the historical,
cultural, political, economic, or
social trends of the community.
Page 1 of 2
84--321
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RECOMMENDATIONS
HERITAGE
CONSERVATION
BOARD
PLANNING DEPT.
PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD:
The Lyric Theater reflects an era in
the history of Overtown when night
life flourished and Northwest Second
Avenue became known as "Little
Broadway."
S. Embodies those distinguishing
characteristics of an architectural
style, or period, or method of
construction.
The Lyric Theater is an excellent
example of masonry vernacular
architecture and is noted for its
applied classical details.
The Planning Advisory Board need not
consider the issue of, historic
designation criteria; however, it slinul.d
consider the appropriateness of the HC-1
overlay zoning district as compared with
other regulations. Application of the
HC-1 zoning district allows the Heritage
Conservation Board to review exterior
alterations or additions to, or new
construction of, walls, •gates,
driveways, buildings or landscape
features.
Approval, 7 to 0
Approval
At its meeting of February 15, 1984, the Planning
Advisory Board adopted Resolution PAB 11-84 by
a 5 to 2 vote, seeking concurrence of the City
Commission for a 90-day deferral of the above.
Page 2 of 2
84-321
-LYRIC THEATER
819 N.W. 2 AVENUE
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` LYRIC THEATER
819 N.W. 2nd Ave. j I e 9 10 1 I 12 4 1 16
mo'o'�tat'
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LYRIC THEATER
' 819 N.W. 2 AVENUE
Designation Report
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M�qdmm
84-321
Prepared by Ale'oi.�4yv
4iistoric Freservation Date
Consultant
Accepted b
ma , a4lge ate
Conservation Board
Designated by the Miami City Commission
Ordinance No.
Date
84-321
CONTENTS
I. General Information
II. Significance
III. Historical Information
IV. Architectural Information
V. Planning Context
VI. HC Zoning Elements
VII. Bibliography
ARE
Page
1
4
6
7
9
10
11
84-321
IE
I. GENERAL_ INFORMATION
Historic Name:
Lyric Theater
Current Name:
United House of Prayer for All People
Location:
819 N.W. 2nd Avenue
Miami, Florida
Present Owner:
United House of Prayer
Bishop W. McCullough
1665 N. Portal Drive, N.W.
Washington, D. C. 20012
Present Occupant:
Vacant
Present Use:
Vacant
Present Zoning District:
CR-3/7
HC Zoning Overlay District:
HC-1
01-0103-60-1190
ME
84-321
E
Boundary Description of HC Zonina District:
Lot 29 and the northerly 15 feet of Lot 36 of the plat of
P. W. WHITE'S RESUB OF BLOCK 36 NORTH, as recorded in Plat
Book B at Page 34, of the Public Records of Dade County,
Florida.
HC Zoning Classification:
Historic Site
Dade Counter Historic Survey Rating:
Architectural Significance - 2
Historical Significance - 1
Contextural Significance - 2
-2-
84-321
LYRIC THEATER
819 N.W. 2 AVENUE
� I
location
II. SIGNIFICANCE
Statement of Significance:
The Lyric Theater is significant as a reflection of social
life in Overtown during the early twentieth century and as
an excellent example of masonry vernacular architecture.
The Lyric Theater exemplifies an era in the history of
Overtown which was characterized by a flourishing night
life. Northwest Second Avenue, on which the Lyric Theater
is located, was known as "Little Broadway" during the
1930's and 1940's because of the high quality of the
entertainment it offered. Performers such as Billie
Holiday, Marion Anderson, Nat King Cole, and Bessie Smith
frequented the theaters and clubs here, adding to the
area's reputation. Most of the buildings which hosted
these entertainers no longer remain, however, and the Lyric
Theater is a surviving testament to this important period
in Overtown's history.
Built around 1913, the Lyric Theater was described in 1915
as "possibly the most beautiful and costly playhouse owned
by colored people in all the Southland." The theater was
built by Gedar Walker, a wealthy black businessman, and
featured a comfortable, well-appointed interior which
allowed for legitimate theater, moving pictures, and
meetings.
The Lyric Theater is an excellent example of masonry
vernacular architecture in Dade County before 1925 and is
one of the more elaborate buildings remaining in Overtown.
The building is particularly noteworthy for its application
of classical detailing, including the massive Corinthian
columns flanking the end bays and its decorative parapet.
Relationship to Criteria for Designation:
The Lyric Theater is eligible for designation under the
following criteria:
3• Exemplifies the historical, cultural, political,
economic, or social trends of the community.
i
The Lyric Theater reflects an era in the history of
Overtown when night life flourished and Northwest
Second Avenue became known as "Little Broadway."
-4-
84-321
d
'i
y. Embodies those distinguishing characteristics of an
architectural style, or period, or method of
construction.
The Lyric Theater is an excellent example of masonry
vernacular architecture and is noted for its applied
classical details.
5M
84--321
III. HISTORICAL INFORMATION
Date of Erection:
c. 1913
Architect:
Unknown
Builder/Contractor:
Unknown
Historical Context:
The Lyric Theater was built around 1913 by Gedar Walker, a
successful black businessman. Considered one of the most
beautiful buildings in town by residents of the area, the
Lyric served as a movie house as well as a social center
for the community. It was perhaps the first legitimate
theater in Overtown.
The Lyric was a popular spot for movies and vaudeville, but
also featured concerts, dramas, political meets, boxing,
rallies, beauty pageants, and club activities. Schools
also used the stage for plays and cantatas. Later, the
building housed popular entertainers from around the
country.
The building stood vacant for a number of years, but was
converted for use as a church around 1960. Today, the
Lyric is again vacant.
IM
84--321.
ATTEST: Maurice A. Ferre
MAnRTPR D GIVDDc
IV.
ATTEST:
ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION
Description of Building:
The Lyric Theater is a two story rectangular structure with
five bays across the west (front) facade. Constructed of
concrete, the building is finished with smooth stucco and
is topped with a flat roof with parapet.
The building displays a symmetrical, three part composition
and is embellished with applied classical details. The
most outstanding components of the building are its
elaborate end bays and arched parapet. Each end bay
features a two story, round arched recess containing a
window on each story. The upper windows rest on a
decorative masonry console and are topped with a fanlight.
Each recess is further highlighted by large, flanking
Corinthian pilasters which rest on a low wall.
The building's parapet is arched over the center three bays
and is topped with an elaborately molded cornice -type
coping. A large, projecting cartouche decorates the center
of the arch.
The first story has been greatly altered but still contains
the original configuration of a recessed entry or foyer in
the center three bays. All original doors have since been
replaced. Likewise, no original windows remain, and
existing windows are aluminum awning and jalousie types.
Despite the deterioration of the building and the
alterations that have been made, the theater still retains
its architectural integrity. The most significant
architectural features have been preserved.
Description of Site:
The Lyric Theater faces west and is located in
of the block between N.W. 8th Street and N.W.
It fronts directly on the street and occupies
lot.
-7-
the middle
9th Street.
the entire
84-321
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ATTEST:
84-32.1
I
V. PLANNING CONTEXT
Present Trends and Conditions:
The Lyric Theater, which is currently vacant, is located
adjacent to the approved Phase I of the Southeast
Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Plan. Public
acquisition is currently underway on four blocks which are
south of the building (UMTA area). In addition, the
building lies directly west of a two acre site purchased by
the City of Miami and Dade County and proposed for
residential development.
At the present time, public acquisition is proposed for the
building, as well as adjacent frontage along N.W. 2nd
Avenue. A feasibility study, sponsored by Black Archives,
will also be undertaken to determine whether the building
can be rehabilitated.
Conservation Objectives:
The intention of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community
Redevelopment Plan to preserve structures for which
rehabilitation is feasible should be carefully considered
in the case of the Lyric Theater. The feasibility study is
necessary to determine the structural soundness of the
building and the extent of deterioration.
If the Lyric Theater is found to be a candidate for
rehabilitation, Southeast Overtown/Park West should work
with Black Archives to identify a new use for the property.
These conservation objectives can best be achieved by
maintaining the present zoning of the property. An HC-1
zoning overlay district will maintain the Existing zoning,
requiring only the review of physical changes to the
property.
IM
ATTEST:
84-321
VI. HC ZONING ELEMENTS
Boundaries:
The boundaries of the HC zoning district have been drawn to
include the entire tract of land owned by the United House
of Prayer.
Major Exterior Surfaces Subject to Review:
The west, north, and south 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.
-10-
ATTEST:
84-321
VII. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Dade County, Florida. Community and Economic Development,
Historic Preservation Division. Dade County Historic
Survey, Site Inventory File for 819 N.W. 2nd Avenue,
Miami, Florida.
Fields, Dorothy. "Black Entertainment 1908-1919.', Update.
Volume II, December 1974.
"Black Miami: The Way It Was: The Lyric
Theater." The Miami Times, March 31, 1983, P. 17.
Pharr, Kelsey Leroy, ed. "Colored Town Section of the City
of Miami Is a Thriving Community." The Miami
Metropolis, October 16, 1915, p. 46.
Sweeting, Stanley. "Looking Back on Black Miami: Night
Life Flourished in '30s and 140s.11 The Miami Times,
May 15, 1975.
-11-
ATTEST:
84-321