TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Anthea Gianniotes, Development Services Director
THROUGH: Terrence Moore, ICMA-CM
DATE: August 19, 2024
Title
RESOLUTION NO. 165-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING A REQUEST TO UTILIZE THE MASONRY MODERN ARCHITECTURAL STYLE FOR THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 142 AND 152 SE 5TH AVENUE, AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED HEREIN; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. (QUASI-JUDICIAL)
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Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Review and consider Resolution No. 165-24, a request to allow the Masonry Modern architectural style for the project located at 142 & 152 SE 5th Avenue.
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Background:
The subject site consists of two parcels, 142 and 152 SE 5th Avenue, located within the Central Business District (CBD), Central Core Sub-district. A Level 2 Site Plan Application (File No. 2024-056) has been submitted, proposing to redevelop the site with a three-story, five-unit Masonry Modern townhouse development. The site plan includes two relief requests - a landscape waiver to LDR Section 4.6.16(H)(3)(d) and an internal adjustment to LDR Section 4.6.15(G)(3) for the pool locations. In conjunction with the site plan request, the applicant is seeking approval to utilize the Masonry Modern architectural style within the CBD, which requires City Commission approval prior to site plan consideration by the approving board.
The Delray Beach Central Business District Architectural Design Guidelines (attached) provide defining characteristics for 7 architectural styles deemed appropriate for downtown Delray Beach, based on historical precedent, climate, and building scale: Florida Vernacular, Anglo-Caribbean, Mediterranean Revival, Classical Tradition, Art Deco, Masonry Modern, and Main Street Vernacular. These styles are purposefully broad to allow architects a wide range of detailing and design options. The guidelines also provide general composition and storefront design direction.
In 2015, the design guidelines included Masonry Modern as the City had approved projects like The Mark in the Masonry Modern style. However, in 2023, due to community concerns regarding the proliferation and execution of more recent buildings in the Masonry Modern and Art Deco styles, Ordinance No. 12-23 increased the public review of downtown buildings electing to build in the Masonry Modern or Art Deco styles. LDR Section 4.4.13(F)(3)(e) requires approval of the use of the style by the City Commission via recommendation from the approving board prior to site plan consideration for projects choosing to build in these styles.
The Masonry Modern style begins on page 57 of the attached guidelines. "The Masonry Modern style of architecture is defined by its rational load bearing construction technique, its system of punched openings (vs. large expansive walls of windows) and its limited ornament. Stucco is the prevalent building finish... Stone and wood details are used to soften the stark modern forms of the building mass." The building design successfully incorporates design characteristics of the style, including simple geometries, outdoor terraces, eyebrows for shade, stucco finish, wood cladding on the front doors, wood terrace elements, stone accents, and metal railings.
Characteristics that depart from the style or warrant further consideration:
1. The pattern of the window placement, particularly on the side elevations, is not a rational composition; alignment is not provided among the openings on the first, second and third stories.
2. The style requires vertical window proportions and each townhouse has a prominent horizontal window on the front facade drawings. This window is missing from the colored renderings of the project, which suggest a more solid composition.
3. Buildings of all styles are required to have a base, middle, top organization; the base in this design lacks sufficient prominence, and the top misses an opportunity to emphasize the parapet with sculptural qualities.
4. The stoop entries lack visual prominence, with the front door recessed. In addition, the drawings do not appear to accurately reflect the stoop height of almost two feet above the sidewalk grade to the finished floor. Elevating the ground story residential uses in a downtown environment is both appropriate and required by the LDR and incorporating a stoop should provide an architectural element of interest. The large window next the front door looks like a sliding door entry and raises privacy concerns for future residents.
The SPRAB Staff report provides a more detailed analysis of the building design with the design guidelines.
On June 24, 2024, the SPRAB reviewed the request and recommended approval by a vote of 6-0. Overall, the SPRAB considered the Masonry Modern architectural style appropriate for the site and deemed that the proposed scale of three stories provides an adequate transition to the adjacent development to the north. However, the SPRAB recommended placing more emphasis at the entrances facing SE 5th Avenue and implementing features that enhance the Masonry Modern language on the side and rear facades. The applicant has not submitted revisions that address these recommendations to date.
The project is currently under review with the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), and modifications may be made to the elevations to address TAC review comments and to incorporate the City Commission decision regarding the use of Masonry Modern architecture. Following final board action by the SPRAB, this project will appear as an appealable item.
City Attorney Review:
Approved as to form and legal sufficiency.
Funding Source/Financial Impact:
N/A
Timing of Request:
Approval of the architectural style is required prior to consideration of the Level 2 Site Plan application by the SPRAB.