HomeMy WebLinkAboutM-84-0099of At
J-83-634
1/19/84
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-4! COMMERCIAL AREA HERITAGE CONSERVATION
OVERLAY DISTRICT TO "SEARS, ROEBUCK AND
COMPANY," LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 1300
BISCAYNE BOULEVARD, (MORE PARTICULARLY
DESCRIBED HEREIN); MAKING FINDINGS; AND BY
MAKING ALL THE NECESSARY CHANGES ON PAGE NO.
23 OF SAID ZONING ATLAS MADE A PART OF
ORDINANCE NO. 9500, BY REFERENCE AND
DESCRIPTION IN ARTICLE 3, SECTION 300,
THEREOF; CONTAINING A REPEALER PROVISION AND
A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE.
WHEREAS, the Miami Planning .Advisory Board at its meeting of
January 16, 1984, Item No. 3, following an advertised hearing,
adopted Resolution No. PAB 05-84 by a 5 to 0 vote, RECOMMENDING
DENIAL of applying the HC-4: COMMERCIAL AREA HERITAGE
CONSERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICT to subject property, as hereinafter
set forth; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission and notwithstanding the PAB's
recommendation, and 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 grant this
application as hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY 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, Florida, is'hereby amended
by applying the HC-4: COMMERCIAL AREA HERITAGE CONSERVATION
OVERLAY DISTRICT to "SEARS, ROEBUCK AND COMPANY," located at
approximately 1300 Biscayne Boulevard, more particularly
described as Tract "A" of the Plat of BOULEVARD TRACT (100-65) of
the public records of Dade County, Florida; further, finding that
the subject property exemplifies the historical cultural,
political, economic, and social trends of tho nnmm�,r�i+•• ��
D6NI ED OY
CITY COMMISSION I
MEETING OF
JAN26
GRWNAAL no .......................
Ito UAIPINU..........................
Via WRING ........ ................
warrant the herein action; further., Page No. 23 of the zoning
atlas incorporated in said Ordinance, by reference and
description in Article 3, Section 300 thereof, is hereby amended
to reflect the herein DISTRICT.
Section 2. All ordinances, code sections or parts
thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed insofar as they
are in conflict.
Section 3. Should any part or provision of this ordi-
nance be declared 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
, 1983.
PASSED AND ADOPTED ON SECOND AND FINAL READING BY TITLE ONLY
this , day of , 1983.
ATTEST: MAURICE A. FERRE, Mayor
RALPH G. ONGIE
City Clerk
PREPARED AND APPROVED BY:
p8ist;ant
MAXWEL
C City Attorney
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS:
OS R. �A IAA=P D SA
(,.-City Attbf6e-y
wpc/pb/166
2
84- %
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TO Howard V. Gary
City Manager
CITY 7F 'IIAMI. F L(_;RIDA
;W*ZR-OF i=1C*Z�' MEMORANDUM
Q 49W
urelio E. Perez-Lugones
Director
Planning and Zoning Boards
_ Administration Departmen
C.ATF" June 28, 1983 FILE
f„ -- ORDINANCE - RECOMMENDED DENIAL
APPLICATION OF HC-4: COMMERCIAL
AREA HERITAGE CONSERVATION OVERLAY
DISTRICT - 1300 BISCAYNE BOULEVARD
-;trtrcrtccs COMMISSION AGENDA - JULY 28, 1983
PLANNING AND ZONING ITEMS
:a 7(; L•-.`_U REST
It is recommended that the appli-
cation of the proposed HC-4_=M-
1ERML AREA HERITAGE CDWRVATION
OVERLAY DISTRICT of Zoning Ordinance
9500 to Sears, Roebuck and Company
located at 1300 Biscayne Boulevard
be denied.
The Planning Advisory Board, at its meeting of June 22, 1983, Item 21, following
an advertised hearing, adopted Resolution PAB 77-83 by a 5 to 2 vote, recommending
denial of the application of the proposed HC-4: COMMERCIAL AREA HERITAGE CONSER-
VATION OVERLAY`DISTRICT of Zoning Ordinance 9500 to Sears, Roebuck and Company
located at 1300 Biscayne Boulevard, also described as Tract "A". of the plat of
BOULEVARD TRACT (100-65).
Two objections received in the mail; six opponents present at the meeting; one
reply in favor received in the mail; three proponents present at the meeting.
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 Commission.
GF.III
cc: Law Department
NOTE: Planning Deportment recommendation: APPROVAL f
84-99
ANALYSIS:
PLANNING FACT SHEET
City of Miami Planning Department:
21. Consideration of recommending an amendment to the Official Zoning
Atlas of Ordinance 9500, when effective, Zoning Ordinance of the
City of Miami, Florida, to apply the proposed Section 1613. HC-4:
COMMERCIAL AREA HERITAGE CONSERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICT to Sears,
Roebuck and Co., 1300 Biscayne Boulevard, as described in the
designation report.
To apply the proposed HC-4 overlay to this historic site, as
described in the attached designation report, .
This proposed designation responds to a mandate in the existing
CBD-2 zoning district regulations for the City Commission to
1) determine the historic significance of the structure, and 2)
to approve any demolition permits. These requirements were deleted
in the translation of CBD-2 to SPI-6 in anticipation of the "HC"
regulations being implemented.
The Sears store will be closed in June 1983, and the property
will be available for redevelopment. It is important for the
HC-4 overlay district to be enacted to ensure that every reasonable
effort is made to incorporate the historically valuable portion
of the building into the design of the new development. HC-4'
offers a significant FAR bonus for preservation, and federal tax
incentives greatly enhance the economic benefits.
The Sears, Roebuck and Co. Department Store is eligible for
designation under the following criteria:
3. Exemplifies the historical, cultural, political, economic or
social trends of the community.
The Sears building is a reflection of commercial development in
Miami during the late 192O's. The opening of the Sears Store
on Biscayne Boulevard marked the culmination of efforts by the
Biscayne Boulevard Company to establish a new shopping area for
Greater Miami. This type of business development, which called
for a complete shopping center, carefully designed for beauty
and comfort, and away from the downtown, was the forerunner of
the modern shopping center. Sears' decision to locate here was
based on its recognition of the increasing importance of the
automobile. This decision thus foreshadowed the course of
development in Miami for the next several decades.
5. Embodies those distinguishing characteristics of an architectura
stvle. or period, or method of construction.
The Sears building is one of the finest examples of Art Deco
style commercial architecture in Miami. Built in 1929, it is
also one of the earliest examples of the style in Dade County,
predating the Art Deco buildings on Miami Beach by several years.
The building is particularly noteworthy for its straight -forward
expression, applied ornamentation, central tower, and massing.
84-F99
V.
•4
Is an outstanding work of a prominent designer or builder.
The Sears building was designed by the nationally - known firm of
Nimmons, Carr and Wright and is a good example of the many stores
which the firm designed for Sears.
Contains elements of design, detail, materials, or craftsmanshi
of outstanding quality or which represent a significant innova-
tion or adaptation to the South Florida environment.
The Sears building is particularly noteworthy for the excellence
of its design, craftsmanship, and detailing, embodied in such _
features as its central octagonal tower, engaged fluted piers,
and applied low -relief ornamentation.
Because of its prominence or spatial location, contrasts of sitin
Me, or scale, is an easily identifiable visual feature of a
neighborhood or the city and contributes to the distinctive
quality or identity of such neighborhood or the city.
The Sears building is an impressive landmark on the Miami skyline
and is the "gateway" building on Biscayne Boulevard to uptown
Miami.
RECOMMENDATION:
HERITAGE CONSERVATION
BOARD: Approval 6 to 0
PLANNING DEPT.:
PLANNING ADVISORY
BOARD:
Approval
To continue to June 22, 1983 on May 18, 1983.
At its meeting of June 22, 1983, adopted Resolution PAB 77-83
by a 5 to 2 vote recommending denial.
CITY COMMISSION At its meeting of July 28, 1983, continued action to
September 29,1983.
ft.At its meeting of September 29, 1983, the Commission
deferred action.
At its meeting of October 27, 1983, the Commission
'continued action.
At its meeting of November 18, 1983, the Commission
deferred action per motion 834072 which referred
this item back to the Planning Advisory Board for
reconsideration.
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JUNE 22, 1933
Sears, Roebuck and Co.
1300 Biscayne Boulevard
50
449
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
1300 BISCAYNE BOULEVARD
Designation Report
n() agw(gommm
84-9S
51
REPORT OF THE CITY OF MIAMI PLANNING DEPARTMENT
TO THE HERITAGE CONSERVATION BOARD
ON THE POTENTIAL DESIGNATION OF
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
1300 BISCAYNE BOULEVARD
AS A HERITAGE CONSERVATION ZONING DISTRICT
Prepared by _ .�ti. C. � ,, !=1/•f',3
Historic Preservation Date
Consultant
Accepted byl..
Chairman, -Heritage Date
Conservation Board
Designated by tfie Miami City Commission
Ordinance No.
Date
84-99
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CONTENTS
I. General Information
II. Significance
III. Historical Information
IV. Architectural Information
V. Planning Context
VI. HC Zoning Elements
VII. Bibliography
?ace
2
5
3
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112
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84-99
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
Historic game:
Sears, Roebuck and Co.
Current Name:
Sears, Roebuck and Co.
Location:
1300 Biscayne Boulevard
Miami, Florida 33132
Present Owner:
Sears, Roebuck and Co.
TY Department 568-S
675 Ponce de Leon Avenue, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30395
Present Occupant:
Sears, Roebuck and Co.
130*0 Biscayne Boulevard
Miami, Florida 33132
Present Use:
Commercial
Present Zoning District:
C3D-2
HC Zonina Overlay District:
HC-1
Tax Folio Number:
01-3231-35-0010
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84-99
Boundary Description of HC Zoning District:
Tract "A" of the plat of BOULEVARD TRACT, as recorded in Plat
Book 100 at Page 65, of the Public Records of lade County, Florida.
HC Zoning Classification:
Historic Site
Jade County Historic Survey Rating:
Architectural Significance - 1
Historical Significance - 1
Contextural Significance - 1
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84-99
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SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
1300 BIS{CAYNB BOULEVARD
site plan
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84-99
■
II. SIGNIFICANCE
Statement of Significance:
The Sears, Roebuck and Co. Deoartment Store is siqnificant as a
reflection of architectural tastes and commercial develooment in
Miami during the late 1920's. Built in 1929, the Sears building
is one of the finest examples of Art Deco style commercial archi-
tecture in Miami and is one of the earliest examples of the style
in Dade County, oredating the Art Deco buildings on Miami Beach by
several ,years. The building is particularly noteworthy for its
straight -forward expression, aoolied ornamentation, central tower,
and massing. The design of the building, together with its promi-
nent location on Biscayne Boulevard, has made the Sears store a
landmark in uptown Miami.
Designed by the prominent Chicago architectural firm of Nimmons,
Carr and Wright, the Sears building is typical of the many stores
which the firm designed for Sears and reflects the firn's philosophy
in the design of these stores. The firm's choice of "modern" design
to express the form and pr000rtion of the entire composition and its
carts is particularly successful in the store on Biscayne Boulevard.
'he Biscayne store exhibits many of those design features common to
Sears stores during this period. Foremost among these is the central
tower, a trademark of Sears. Other important features include the
pronounced verticality of the building, emphasized by engaged fluted
piers, and the variety of applied Art Deco ornamental detailing,
highlighting important features of the building. Although the
Biscayne store is typical of hundreds of Sears buildings constructed
throughout the country durinq the early twentieth century, it is the
only such building in South Florida.
The opening of the Sears store on Biscayne Boulevard marked the cul-
mination of efforts by the Biscayne Buulevard Comoany to establish
a new shopping area for Greater Miami. This type of business develop-
ment was unparalleled in the City's history. Plans for the Boulevard
called for a complete shopping center, carefully designed for beauty
and comfort, away from the downtown. The Boulevard thus became the
forerunner of the modern sh000ing center, with develooers recognizing
the increasing importance of the automobile and olanninq for it.
This was the deciding factor in Sears' decision to locate its new
retail store here. Officials stated that although the Boulevard was
far removed from downtown Miami, customers would use their cars to
get to the store. Therefore, the abundance of parking spaces was of
prime importance in the selection of a location. In basinq its deci-
sion on such a factor, Sears foreshadowed the course of development
in Miami for the next several decades.
84-99
From its opening in 1929, the Sears store was cited for excellence.
During the opening ceremonies, Mayor C. H. Reeder of Miami referred
to the new store as "the finest store in the south." The store was
also pictured in several national architectural journals. in the
May, 1933 issue of The Architectural Forum, for example, it was
featured as one of "eight modern department stores."
Relationship to Criteria for Designation:
The Sears, Roebuck and Co. Department Store is eligible for designa-
tion under the following criteria:
3. Exemplifies the historical, cultural, political, economic, or
social trends of the communit;/.
The Sears building is a reflection of commercial development in
Miami during the late 1920's. The onening of the Sears Store
on Biscayne Boulevard marked the culmination of efforts by the
Biscayne Boulevard Company to establish a new sh000ing area for
Greater Miami. This type of business development, which called
for a complete sh000ing center, carefully desioned for beauty
and comfort, and away from the downtown, was the forerunner of
the modern shopping center. Sears' decision to locate here was
based on its recognition of the increasing importance of the
automobile. This decision thus foreshadowed the course of
development in Miami for the next several decades.
5. Embodies those distinguishing characteristics of an architectural
style, or period, or method of construction.
The Sears building is one of the finest examples of Art Deco
style commercial architecture in Miami. Built in 1929, it is
also one of the earliest examples of the style in Dade County,
predating the Art Deco buildings on Miami Beach oy several years.
The building is particularly noteworthy for its straight -forward
expression, applied ornamentation, central tower, and massing.
6. Is an outstanding work of a prominent designer or builder.
The Sears building was desioned by the nationally -known firm of
Nimmons, Carr and '.fright and is a good example of the many stores
which the firm designed for Sears.
7. Contains elements of design, detail, materials, or craftsmanship
of outstanding quality or which represent a significant innova-
tion or adaptation to the South Florida environment.
The Sears building is particularly noteworthy for the excellence
of its design, crrftsmanship, and detailing, embodied in such
features as its central octagonal tower, engaged fluted piers,
and applied low -relief ornamentation.
84-99
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3. Because of its prominence or spatial location, contrasts of siting,
age, or scale, is an easily identifiable visual feature of a neigh-
borhood or the city and contributes to the distinctive quality or
identity of such neighborhood or the city.
The Sears building is an imoressive landmark on the Miami skyline
and is the "gateway" building on Biscayne Boulevard to uptown Miami.
84r-99
♦ 1�
ISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
ate of Erection:
round breaking for the Sears building took olace on May 15, 1929,
ith the offical ooening on November la, 1929.
rchitect:
he architects for the ;ears Buildina 4ere Nimmons, Carr and 'Aright,
well-known Chicago architectural firm. The firm was resoonsibie
or designing many of the stores for Sears throughout the country.
uilder/Contractor:
he general contractor for the Sears building was Harrison Construction
ompany of Miami.
istorical Context:
urinq the late 1920's, Sears, Roebuck and Co. was ooening a new
tore every two working days. South Florida's first store ooened
n 1928 in a four story building at 835 West Flagler Street. The
uccess of this store and a careful survey of the community by
ompany experts promoted Sears to open a larger retail deoartment
tore on Biscayne Boulevard.
'he Biscayne store, estaalished at a cost of S750,000, was the
:hirty-third store in the Southern Territory and the third store
.or the State of Florida. The opening of the Sears store was
ieralded as a great event for Miami. The Miami Daily `Jews published
a special eight -cage supolement about the store, and the opening was
given widespread publicity elsewhere. As a result, more than 6,000
aeople visited the store during the first two hours it was ooen.
.although the Sears store opened just as the country was entering
into the Oeoression, it survived and even flourished. "he ?urdines
store next door, however, did not, and Sears soon expanded into that
two story building. The building has been in continuous operation
since its construction.
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IV. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION
Description of Building:
The Sears, Roebuck and Co. Department Store is a four story structure
with a seven story tower placed on a 45 degree angle on its southeast
corner. Rectangular in plan, the buildino originally featured four
bays across the east (front) facade and six bays across the south
facade. The building is of reinforced concrete construction with a
smooth stucco surface, and is t000ed with a flat roof.
The verticality of the buildina is emohasized by engaged fluted piers
dividing each bay, and by the octagonai tower. The tower is decorates'
with intricate geometric bas-relief detailing, including ziggurats,
filigree, and zigzag lines.
The main entrance of the buildino is located in the second bay on
the east facade and is surrounded by stylized decoration. Windows,
Which are grouped in threes, are double hung metal sash with one
over one lights.
Larae additions have been made to the building at two different times
during its history. in the early 1930's, a t-o story structure
directly north of the Sears store was annexed. This building, also
built in 1929, originally housed a Burdines store. That store,
however, was forced to close shortly after opening because of the
Deoression. A one story service station was added to the south facade
in 1934. This addition was enclosed, and a second and third story were
added in 1958.
Description of Site:
The Sears building faces southeast and is located on the northwest
corner of Biscayne Boulevard and 11E 13th Street. The building fronts
directly on the street and originally faced a planted traffic circle.
A service station and a large oarking lot are located Nest of the
building.
84-99
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tears, zaetuCk and Co.
'COG 3iscayne 30uievard
:Guth and east 'acaees
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tears, ;oebuck anc :0.
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3iscayne Boulevard
;Courtesy Aistorical association or -7outnern -'.or4ca;
84-99
V. PLANNING CONTEXT
Present Trends and Conditions:
The Sears, Roebuck and Co. building is located on a portion of Biscayne
Boulevard, commonly referred to as the 'Omni area." The area is con-
sidered to be a part of downtown Miami, but is physically seoarated
from the core area by 6 to 10 blocks of underdeveloped commercial
uses. The Omni area is planned to be more closely linked to the down-
town core through an extension of the elevated rapid transit system
known as the DC,4, and through develooment of a residential community,
Park ;Jest, in the intervening deteriorated commercial area.
The area's historic role as a retailing district was solidified in
the early 1970's with opening of the Omni shopping mall. The
restaurant, entertainment, hotel, and residential uses within the
area also contribute to the desirability and develooment opportunity
of the general area. in 1982, the City of Miami aoproved a major change
in the development regulations, allowing 3 to 5 times the building in-
tensity previously oermitted in the area. This is expected to gave the
way for a massive development boom of office, residential, and commercial
uses. in early 1982 several such projects were planned, the largest of
which was a Joint venture by Sears and Cadillac -Fairview involving the
subject site. All of these projects were stalled by the nationwide
recession, but are expected to revive within a few years.
Conservation Objectives:
The historic oortion of the Sears building should be encouraged to be
rehabilitated and incoroorated into an intensive, mixed -ruse develooment
of the entire site.
Engineering reoorts on the building reveal evidence of deterioration
within the steel reinforcement rods supporting the concrete structure;
however, this can be corrected within the scope of an overall rehabilita-
tion job. The cost can be offset through use of the 25") rehabilitation
investment tax credit for certified 'historic structures. The two signi-
ficant facades of the building, frontina on Biscayne 3oulevard and
`JE 13th Street, require cnly superficial treatment to revive their
architectural beauty. The intricate art Deco relief oatterns should be
highlighted with subtle oastel colors, the windows should be repaired and
reglazed, colorful canvas awnings should be olaced at street level, and
retail displays returned to the curtained grand floor windows.
it is in the interest of the City to work with Sears to achieve a combina-
tion of rehabilitation and new development on this site, not only for the
objective of historic preservation, but also to promote broad planning
Objectives for urban design and mixed -use develooment in the Omni area.
12
84-99
Such assistance could potentially take the form of an Urban Development
Action Grant (UDAG), whereby the City would apply for federal funds
to build a parking structure or some other portion of the new on -site
deveiooment. The City should also nominate the building to the 14ational
Register of Historic Places, in order to make it eligible for tax credits.
The Sears Company should be encouraged to keep their own retailina
business in the building (with surrounding expansion) because it is such
a well known landmark associated with the Sears name. The image and
desirability of the store could be enormously improved by rehabilitation
of the interior and exterior. Considering the dramatic growth expected
in the surrounding area, such an investment should be highly profitable.
These conservation obJectives can best be achieved by applying the pro-
posed HC-4: Commercial .Area Heritage Conservation Overlay District to
the property. The HC-4 overlay district permits certain incentives for
preservation of commercial properties. Specifically, an HC-4 overlay
district would exempt the existing Sears building from the calculation
of floor area ratio. This should serve as a further incentive to
preserve the building while maximizing the deveiooment potential of
the site.
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VI. NC ZONING ELEMENTS
Boundaries:
The boundaries of the Sears, Roebuck and Co. Department Store have
been drawn to include the entire tract of land owned by Sears, Roebuck
and Co.
Iajor Exterior Surfaces Subject to Review:
Only the east (front) and south facades of the ouildina facing on
3iscavne Boulevard and NE 13th Street shall be considered major
exterior surfaces subject to review.
Major Landscape Features Subject to Review:
The major landscaoe features subject to review shall include all
features which are subject to the requirements for the removal
oermits, as set forth in Chapter 17 of the City Code.
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84-99
t
VII. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Jade County, Florida. Community and Economic Develooment,
Historic Preservation Division. Site Inventory File for
1300 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida.
"Eight Modern Department Stores." The Architectural Forum,
'lol. 63, No. 5, May 1933, oo. 369-372.
_ostein, Steven. "Sears." 'Jnoubiished ?esearch Reoort, University
of Miami, Coral Gables, =lorida, 1979.
The Gold Coaster. `lewsaaoer Published for and by the Emoloyees
of the South Florida Sears Grouo, '/ol. 10, `1o. 1, March 1978,
oo. 2-7.
Miami Daily ,'News, Miami, Florida. November 13, 1929, Sears, Roebuck
and Co. Section.
Nimmons, George C. "The New Renaissance in Architecture."
The American Architect, Vol. 134, No. 2550, August 5, 1923,
on. 141-149.
"Sears, Roebuck & Co. Retail Stores." architectural Record,
'lol. 69, June 1931, po. 490-491.
"Store of Sears, Roebuck & Co., Miami, Florida." architecture,
Vol 62, October 1930, pp. 227-228.
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FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF STATE
George Firestone
Scrreten of State
DIVISION OF ARCHIVES,
HISTORY AND RECORDS MANAGEMENT
The Capitol, Tallahassee, Florida 32301
(904) 488.1480
January 24, 1964
Miami Citv Commission
City of Miami
350Q Fan American
Miami, Florida 33133
Dear Gentlemen:
It has come to my attention that the Miami City Comr•ission will consider
the designation of the Sears, Roebuck and Company building, 1300 Biscayne
Boulevard, as a Heritage Conservation Zoning District. We stronaly urge
the City Commission to support designation of this building. The Sears
building is one of the finest examples of Art Deco style commercial archi-
tecture in Miami. Built in 1929, it is also one of the earliest examples
of the style in Dade County, predating the Art Deco buildings on Miami
Beach by several years. The design of the building, together with its
prominent location on Biscayne Boulevard, have made it a landmark structure
in Miami. Our office has previously recognized the important historic
and visual character or the buildine and noted its potential eligibility
for nomination to the National Recistet of Historic Flares.
In light of these superlatives, it is our recommendation that the
City Commission support local designation of this buildine. It would
be most unfortunate if this valuable element of the City of Fiami's
heritage were to be lost.
Thank you for your intest in this matter.
GWP:Zds
Sincerely,
Georg W. Percy
i
State Historic
Preservation Officer
t3�-y9
FUDRIDA-State of the Arts
January 25, 1984
City of Miami Commission
City hall
3500 Pan American drive
Miami, Florida 33133
GunLleiilu;l:
i .e:r e,by Write.', t+i15 +ail of %iii' iio... i"ii eJ ;. •a'i li:i[t'C:i of
Dade Heritage Trust, ixc. WYitC! Le) :�ui) )oYt L+ie iCt U;+i:+e il�iatlOil
of the City of Miaiui ia'_rita-,,c Consurv;ation Hoare; to dusi�;nate the
Sears building as an iiC Zoning ;)isLricL.
The site meets criteria for )-istin:; on the National I:egister of
Historic Places, rei)rc!senti:ig one- of L6,0 carliusL e':: /,+? ii'_s of the
Art Deco style in greater "liaini and LiiibOdyili}; fine: anU distinctive
features of that arehiLecLural 5tyi.e: as a))1..u(: to a large co;%iiie,rcial
structure. The building, moreovor, rerlecLs Life? changing com4iiercial
deve:lopmcat of Miami in the late: 1920's brouj;11L about by the rapid growth
or the use of the automobile, allowing decentralizaLion of shopping areas.
The Dade Heritage Trust recommends that the Miami City Commission respond
to this historic structure by implementing City Miami Ordinance 9425.
Yours very truly,
i'res id�nt
DDS/as
cc: Paul Thompson, Executive DI rector
sou
n�
FL 3%3 ► 1
305 - 354-9572
84-95
METRO-DAC't iISTORIC
90 SW 8 STREET * ROOM
PRESERVATION BOAR
308
MIAMI, FL 33130
(305) 579-2553
January 24, 1984
The Honorable mayor Maurice Ferre
City ct ttiami
3500 Pan American Drive
rliami, FL. 33133
Dear Ilayor Ferro:
The members of r_he Dade County Historic Preservation Board fully support
the historic designation of the Sears Building at 1300 Biscayne Boulevard.
Ile strongly feel this is a site of major significance in lumli. Architec-
turally, the building in one of the earliest and finest examples of the Art
Deco style in South Florida, Historically, the Sears Building heralder'
northern expansion of the ckrwntown area of Miami, along Biscayne Boulevard.
Its location, at the crossroads of the major north - south traffic artery
in 1920's Miami, with the County causeway that connected Miami and Miami
Beach was, and still is, a major focus of activity. The Sears Building
strongly and beautifully marks that spot.
We strongly encourage the Miami City Comru.ssion to support the recommenda-
tion of the t•Iiaru Heritage Conservation Board, and, based on the criteria
outlined in the tiianii. Heritage Conservation Ordinance, to grant historic
designation status to this landmark, for its major architectural and
historical significance to all the citizens of Dade County.
Yours very truly,
Ted Baker
Chairman
Historic Preservation Board
TB/itk
Charles Harrison Pawiey. Chairman • William F. Wescott, Vice -Chairman
Ted Baker • Dov Dunaevsky • Dorothy J. Fields • Marilyn Hoder-Salmon a Manelene McGregor Lucas
Donald D. Slesnick. II • Laurinda H. Spear
MEMRDIM
DF
METROPOLITAN DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA
84-99
'�hn Surgee Architects _.rib Philip jot -"-,on
January 24, 1984
ilding in Miami, in my opinion, meets the criteria
:age Conservation Ordinance of the City of Miami in
;enerally felt by the architectural profession to be
iitectural achievement and a fine example of its period.
Phil i Johnson
Paik.lrynu
)ork.fork
`i 2 - 44"
84-99
MIAMI DESIGN PRESERVATION LEAGUE
Mayor Maur i ce Ferre
The Miami City Commission
Pan American Drive
Miami, Fla. 33133
Dear Maurice:
I am writing you on behalf of the Miami Design Preservation
League concerning the designation of Sears Roebuck as a
Miami Landmark.
In 1979 when the Art Deco District here on the Beach was
named a National Register of Historic Places district, the
Sears Roebuck building was regarded affectionately by
Miamians as a familiar landmark but there was little
appreciation of its aesthetic qualities. The League's
experience has been one of growing understanding of the
20's and 30's architecture and style in general, so that
our perception and those of the many people across the Bay
who follow our work with admiration, has changed. We now
know so much more about the cultural references that went
into this building's design and are able to link it with
the buildings in other cities that match its underlying
simple grandeur.
I am enclosing for your own perusal and that of the
commission the current issue of Architecture, the new AIA
Journal, which has over 40 pages devoted to Art Deco. Here
buildings of similar style are shown. They are maintained
and enjoyed by cities across the land. Grand Coulee Dam,
the Chrysler Building in New York, the Power & Light Building
in Kansas City, Bullock's Wilshire in Los Angeles are among
them. The Tulsa Union Depot is a building of the same era
and early Deco monumentality, and the city, county and state
helped a private realty company and construction company to
/continued...
1300 OCEAN DRIVE MIAMI BEACH FLORIDA 33139 [3051672.2014 672.1836
S4-99
recycle that building so that it now serves as a signal
achievement for downtown Tulsa. MDPL placed the Union
Depot on its 10 Best Landmarks Award 1 i st this >,ear.
That award came during Art Deco Weekend - an event which
drew a quarter of a million people this year in support
of the Art Deco movement.
With the Art Deco District serving as an acknowledged
state and county treasure and tourist destination for
visitors from all over the world, it seems most fitting
for the City of Miami to do everything in its power to
see that the Sears Building is protected and used
creatively. Further the Sears building may be seen as
Miami's contribution to the Deco experience since it lies
at the entrance to MacArthur Causeway and is a kind of
gateway to the District.
I know you have been a supporter of our movement in the
past. I hope you will take our views under advisement
now.
Sincerely,
1&46100�4- d 24ml�
Barbara Baer Capi tman
Executive Director
Miami Design Preservation League
841-99
American society of Landscape Architects
Florida Chapter FLORIDA CHAPTER OFFICE PHONE i8131 366-4757
1983 OFFICERS
STEPHEN I TRUDNAK
President
Coral Gables Florida
RONALD S. WILSON
Vice President President Flec;
W:-,tv� Park- Fiorlda
JOSEPH L COOLEY
se,.retan I rea-11rer
Sarasota I• lorldo
WILLIAM H. BAKER
7 rustle
\V)n,ter Park Florida
RAYMOND UECKER IR
Pa>t President
Fart Lauderdale Fiorida
HERRICK H. SMITH
Um, er�it� of Florida
Game,;� ille Fk-)nda
MEMBERS -AT -LARGE
THOMAS M. CARUSO
Cora! Gables Florndu
RICHARD R. CONANT
Orlando Florida
TOM MUMFORD
Sewall s Point Florida
MICHAEL E. PAPE
Ocala Florida
DOUG TRETTIEN
North Palm Beach Florida
G. BRIAN WHEELER
Jacksonville, Florida
The Honorable Mayor and Commissioners
City of Miami, Florida
The Executive Committee of the Florida Chapter of the
American Society of Landscape Architects is pleased to
support the recommendation of Sears Roebuck and Co.,
1300 Biscayne Boulevard, as a Historic Conservation
District as presented and evaluated by the City of Miami
Heritage Conservation Board.
The Florida Chapter / ASLA is concious of many efforts to
preserve and protect the environmental and architectural
heritage of the people of the State of Florida. The
Sears Roebuck Building has been called to our attention
as one of the finest examples of early Art Deco commercial
style in South Florida, predating the Art Deco buildings
of Miami Beach by several years. The design and prominent
location of the building has made it a landmark within
the City of Miami. We support the recommendation to
preserve and protect this building from destruction by
encouraging the Sears Company to rehabilitate it with the
aid and assistance of the City of Miami.
The architectural heritage of South Florida, especially
the historic boom of the twentys, lies within the living
memory of many current residents, therefore, the "newness"
of our structures sometimes can reduce the importance of them
in our context as "historic". It is inherently important
that those of us involved with the current building boom
of the 180s recognize our heritage and exercise our options
to protect those structures which represent the best of an era.
We therefore, hope that the City of Miami will act favorably
to preserve this important structure.
4s!lly submit e ,
. Tru ak, asla
1983 Past Pres dent, FC/ASLA
Coral Gables, Florida
January 24, 1984
84-99
THE HISTORICAL
ASSOCIATION OF
SOUTHERN FLORIDA
1
_ •_ gyp»
Ati AbSOC1A77O1 OF PEOPLE. SHARINC�
AN 11TEREST 1N THE HISTORY OE
SOI'TH FLORIVA ANO THE CARIBBEAN
President
James W. Apthon)
First Vice President
Linda Scars IYAlcmbertc
Second 'Vice President
Murcia J. Kaltner
Secretary
Kathy Ezcl1
Treasurer
JoAcph IL Pcro,Jr.
Trustees
BJ. Arnslwt-gcr
Ikxuthv J. Fields
jc*wl)h 1I. Fit7gerald. NLD
Rav Fiches
Romald E. Frazier
J(*eph R. Grassic
bturshall S. Harris
Robert C. Hector
E. Anthony Infante
Stephen A. Lynch, III
C.T. McCrimmon
R. Lavtnn Olank
Da%ia �Icsnckoff
Dana At. MoKs
D. Alan \tchols
Tom Pctmekamp
Raul Rodrtaucz
William E. Stuiowski
Richard Simonet
Barbara E. Skigen
Samuel S. Smith
Sara L xs(m Smith
I'i-ian P. Smith
Sandra Graham Younts
Editors
Tcquesta
Chariton W. Tcbeau, Ph.D.
Area Ntoorc Parke
Thchma P. Peters, Ph.D.
Update
Mtu-Ic W. Anderson
Executive Director
Randv F. \imnicht
3280 S. Miami Ave.
Building B
Miami, Florida 33129
(305) 8b4-3289/4681
The Historical Museum
is accredited by
the American Association
ojMuseums
or:
January 25, 1984
The Honorable Maurice Ferre
City of Miami Commissioners
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, Florida 33133
Dear Mayor Ferre:
On behalf of the Historical Association of Southern
Florida, I am writing in relation to the proposed
designation of the Sears Tower, 1300 Biscayne Blvd.,
as an HC Zoning District. I urge that the City of
Miami Commission support the recommendations of the
Heritage Conservation Board concerning this building.
The Board was created and accompanying procedures
established in order to provide a vehicle for
reasonable, systematic and knowledgeable decision -
making on the relative merits of various structures.
Please heed their suggestions.
Sincerely,
ames W. Apthor
widen
JWA:md
84-99
Sears Roebuck & Co. 1300 Biscayne Boulevard
Re: The decision of the Miami Heritage Conservation Board to
designate the building an historical landmark.
The Art Deco societies of America are devoted to the concept
and public support for the Art Deco style of architecture,
design and culture, and the preservation, protection,
renovation and rehabilitation of properties, places and areas
with a view toward revitalizing, maintaining and retaining
the Art Deco style of design, architecture and culture.
The Sears, Roebuck & Co. department store on Biscayne Blvd is
one of the finest remaining examples of the Art Deco style of
commercial architecture in the Miami area.
Some of its most outstanding features are: the tower, which
gives it its most important reason for existing; the bass
relief motifs; the vert i cal i ty of the building, enhanced by
the fluted piers; and the use of natural keystone around the
display window openings.
This Sears Roebuck building, in a manner of speaking, symbolized
the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, being separate
from Downtown Miami, at the time when transport was needed
to visit it, and automobiles were just coming into being.
The preservation of this building is important not only for
Miami, but for Art Deco archi tecturaI protect ion throughout
the whole of the United States.
Therefore, we concur wi th the deci si on of the Miami her tage
Conservation Board to designate the building an historical
landmark and urge you to vote in favour.
Andres Fabregas, A.I.A.
Vice President of Art Deco
Societies of America.
84-99
F to ida South Chapter American Institute of Architects
1 1505.W. 22nd Street • Suite 18 +Miami, Florida 33129
305-854-4790
January 23, 1984
Mayor Maurice Ferre
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, Florida 33133
Dear Mayor Ferre and City Commission,
The Florida South Chapter of the American Institute of Architects supports
the recommendation of the Historic Conservation Board of the City of Miami
concerning the Sears, Roebuck and Company Tower Building located at
1300 Biscavne Blvd.
As architects of this community we feel the Sears Tower should be designated
an historic landmark which meets the criteria of the Heritage Conservation
Ordinance of the City of Miami and is an important part of the history of
the City of Miami. It is one of the earliest and finest examples of the
Art Deco movement which was a transition from the Mediterranean style of
many of the earlier buildings of old Miami to the later contemporary style
or the modern movement. The building was built in 1929 and designed by the
nationally recognized architectural firm of Nimmons, Carr and Wright. It
was featured in Architectural Forum Magazine in 1933 and was one of the
first buildings in our area designed with a parking garage for automobiles.
It was designed as a gateway structure for the downtown Miami to the
MacArthur Causeway to Miami Beach and along Biscayne Blvd. to the Northwest.
It was a building that was destined to be a leader in a commercial center
around this general location on Biscayne Blvd.
In closing we strongly urge that you and the commission classifv this site
as an historic conservation commercial district (HC4).
Ve truly yours,
r
Jer a Filer, President
F1 ride South Chapter/AIA
:ned
S20noiAt,6ner Miller Dawkins
Commissioner J. L. Plummer
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Demetrio Perez
84-99
4
BLACK ARCHIVES, HISTORY and RESEARCH FOUNDATION
of SOUTH FLORIDA. INC.
JOSEPH CALEB COMMUNITY COMPLEX
5400 NORTHWEST 22nd AVENUE.
MIAMI, FLORIDA 33142
Telephone: (305) 638-6064
January 26th, 1984
The Honorable Maurice Ferre
City of Miami, City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
Dear Mayor Ferre:
A careful review of the City of Miami's approved guidelines for heritage
conservation reveals that the Sears building, meets the stated criteria:
1. It is associated in a significant way with the life of an
important community in the past.
Because of its close proxmity to the Coloredtown/Overtown area
it provided a convenient shopping complex for residents. After
Urban Renewal removed most of the businesses from Overtown the
Sears store was the main shopping store for the residents.
3. It exemplifies the historical, cultural, political, economic,
or social trends of the community.
5. It embodies those distinguishing characteristics of an
architectural style, or period, or method of construction.
6. Is an outstanding work of a prominent designer or builder.
7. It contains elements of design, detail, materials, or craftsmanship
of outstanding quality or which represent a significant innova-
tion or adaptation to the South Florida environment.
According to the criteria approved by the City Commission the Sears building
stands on it own merits.
Sincerely,
Dorothy J . F, 01 ds-
Founder & Chief`Archivist
Black Archives, History & Research
Foundation of South Florida, Inc.
copies: City Commissioners
Black Historical Records Program for the Culmer-Overtown Area
City of Miami - CD
•
1- - . '. I #
***** M E M O *****
DATE: February 21, 1984
FROM: Dade Heritage Trust, Inc.
TO: City of Miami
Attn.: City Clerk's Office
RE: Sears Tower
per Testimony given by Timothy C. Blake (1/26/84)
Please find the attached letter from the National Trust for Historic Preservation
in support of the Sears Tovwr as a historical landmark and a significant
structure in Dade County, Florida.
Please note: this material is only part of previous letters of support submitted
to your office by Mr. Blake. We apologize for the delay, and we hope that
this matter receives your immediate attention.
J.M.
(Upw or
c.
Histaic Preservation Center
190 Southeast 12th Terrace
Miami, FL 330
305. 350-9572
i��1l1�111�1�Tilt.Y/ fr)1 HIslo1I� P1C.tit.Il�lf1r�I1 TTT
Solt' "I IIFRN RF(,IUtiAI. M-1If F A III IA%I AIKFN IY)I !,1 )+r, K1,%(,'1 RI I I f IIARI FIII (:5R()l INA 29111i 1Nf15)-2%-1111
.Lams:3ry 23, 19`I'+
'Ir. 'laurice Ferre, Mayor
City of Miami Commission
City Ball
Miami, Florida 13133
Dear `favor Ferre:
The National Trust for llistorIc Preservation supports the State llistor.ic
Preservation Officer's determination of significance of the Sears Tower as a
Landmark building in Miami.
As you are aware, the °+ational Trust was chartered by Congress in 1949 for the
purpose of encouraging public and private participation in the protection of
buildings, sites and objects significant in American history and culture. We
believe the Sears Tower is just such a building.
}listorically, the building serves as a reminder of the booming ,growth which
Miami experienced in the 192O's. The opening of the Sears store was a major
event: I understand that the 'Miami Daily News published a special eight -page
supplment on the occasion, and more than 6,000 people swarmed into the
building in the first two hours after the doors opened on November 14, 1929.
Architecturally, the store is a fine example of the most up-to-date design
concepts of its time, as evidenced by the coverage it received in national
magazines such as Architecture, Architectural Record and the Architectural
Forum. The seven story ornamented toner at the corner. of Biscayne Boulevard
and N.E. l3th Street has made the Sears store one of the most prominent visual
landmarks in uptown `Miami, an area which has experienced the loss of many
older buildings in recent years.
I hope the City of Miami Commission will carefully consider the designation of
this building as a Landmark not only for Miami but also for the rest of the
nation as well. please let me know if I can he of further assistance in
preserving this structure.
J111/mo
Sincerely,
John 14ef fert
Director
IIvAdyua,Ivr+ ()ffi., 17N5 Nla»achuset ty Avenue. N.W_ Washington. D.C. 2003d (2021673-4000
1