TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Anthea Gianniotes, Development Services Director
THROUGH: Terrence R. Moore, ICMA-CM
DATE: September 16, 2024
Title
RESOLUTION NO. 145-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING A REQUEST TO UTILIZE THE MIAMI MODERN ARCHITECTURAL STYLE FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 314 NE 3RD 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. 145-24, a request to allow the Miami Modern (MiMo) architectural style for the project located at 314 NE 3rd Avenue.
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Background:
The subject site, 314 NE 3rd Avenue, is located within the Central Business District (CBD), Railroad Corridor Sub-district. A Level 4 Site Plan application has been submitted to construct a mixed-use development featuring an office on the ground floor and a residential unit on the second floor. The site plan includes two relief requests: a waiver to LDR Section 4.6.16(H)(3)(d) to reduce the landscape barrier from the required 5 feet to 2 feet 4 inches, and a waiver to LDR Section 4.4.13(D)(a)1. to reduce the front setback requirement from 10 feet to 6 feet. These requests will be considered by a separate action.
This item is related to the applicant's request to utilize the Miami Modern (MiMo) architectural style within the downtown area. The Central Business District (CBD) has adopted architectural design guidelines, which identify architectural styles as appropriate for downtown Delray Beach, based on historical precedent, climate, and building scale.
The Delray Beach Central Business District Architectural Design Guidelines identify 7 architectural styles as appropriate for downtown Delray Beach: Florida Vernacular, Anglo-Caribbean, Mediterranean Revival, Classical Tradition, Art Deco, Masonry Modern, and Main Street Vernacular.
The proposed MiMo architectural style is not one of the permitted architectural styles for the CBD; however, pursuant to LDR Section 4.4.13(F)(3)(c), Other Architectural Styles, elevations introducing a new style may be utilized with City Commission approval, via recommendation by approving body, finding that:
1. The proposed style is a documented and substantiated Florida vernacular architecture;
2. The proposed style is appropriate for downtown Delray Beach; and
3. The proposed graphics demonstrate the building design follows the proposed style.
The MiMo architectural style, which emerged in the Post-World War II era (1945 to the mid-1960s), is a distinctive local adaptation of various modernist architectural movements that gained prominence globally. Rooted in Miami, this style reflects the city's response to its subtropical climate and flourishing resort economy, infusing glamour, vibrancy, and material richness into the otherwise stark, minimalist, and efficient modernist designs. To thoroughly analyze and integrate this architectural style into the City of Delray context, staff utilized extensive resources. Key among these are the Post-War Modern/MiMo architectural design guidelines established by the City of Miami Beach, the Miami Design Preservation League, and the MiMo Biscayne Association. The guidelines describe featured elements including the following: a mix of two or more textured surfaces; a color palette of light or pastel tones; dramatic elements such as accordion-like folded planes, acute/subtle angles, delta wing shapes, curved walls, brise-soleils, and soaring pylons; decorative panels with geometric patterns; open staircases with decorative railings; and predominantly horizontal structures accent with strong vertical features.
The PZB Staff report provides a detailed analysis of the building design with the proposed style design guidelines. The properties surrounding the proposed building are generally considered Masonry Modern. The automated parking garage east of the property utilizes an alternative façade design and incorporates metal panels attached to the structure. The proposed MiMo architectural style would continue the predominately modern development portrayed on SE 3rd Avenue, though with a more whimsical flair. The subject property is located in the arts area of downtown.
On August 12, 2024, the PZB review the request and recommended approval by a vote of 6-0. Overall, the PZB considered the MiMo style appropriate for Delray Beach and soften the stark Masonry Modern style adjacent to the site. It was noted the MiMo style may not be appropriate everywhere, however it is fitting for the area as the style would continue the predominately modern development portrayed on SE 3rd Avenue.
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 MiMo architecture. Once all technical comments have been addressed, the Level 4 Site Plan with the requested Landscape Waiver will return to City Commission via the recommendation from PZB for final action.
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 the review of the Level 4 Site Plan.