The board examined the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for the windows, which had been installed without prior approval. The property, part of the French Normandy Village Historic District, faced scrutiny over whether the reflective glass met the Secretary of Interior standards for historic preservation. The standards typically mandate non-reflective or untinted glass, and the installed windows failed to adhere to these criteria. The issue was further complicated by the lack of clear guidelines in Coral Gables, unlike other municipalities that allow for certain types of energy-efficient, low-E glass.

Harris Lavine, the property owner, presented their case, highlighting the efforts made to comply with regulations and enhance the home’s safety with hurricane impact windows. Lavine emphasized the urgency of resolving the issue due to an impending deadline that could result in the loss of a $10,000 state reimbursement. He argued that the tinted windows were consistent with other homes in the district and that the previous windows were in disrepair and non-compliant with current codes.

Despite Lavine’s efforts, the board was divided. A motion to deny the after-the-fact design approval failed, receiving mixed votes, leading to a follow-up motion that approved the installation of the windows.

In a related agenda item, the board deliberated over the local historic designation of a property at 10005 South Alhambra Circle. The discussion arose from an appeal concerning a prior determination of the property’s historic significance. The property, described as colonial revival architecture by Dr. David McKini, a noted architectural historian, was evaluated for its contribution to the architectural narrative of Coral Gables. Dr. Brett Gillis provided an examination of the property’s significance in the context of South Florida’s post-World War II construction boom, highlighting its architectural and cultural importance.

The board’s assessment involved weighing the historic value against contemporary preservation standards and community sentiments, reflecting broader issues of maintaining historical integrity while accommodating modern needs. Despite some skepticism about the architectural classification of the property, Dr. Gillis defended its eligibility for historic designation, citing its representation of the architectural characteristics of its time.

The meeting also addressed the potential relocation of the Gondola building, originally part of the Bilma hotel. The relocation proposal aimed to enhance public accessibility and reduce construction disruptions. The board considered a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for the building’s new location, emphasizing the importance of maintaining its historic authenticity while addressing safety concerns.