Plans for the Park Avenue Hotel were first filed in the spring but ran up against objections over compatibility with the neighborhood and that not enough of the original building was being retained. After unsuccessful hearings before the Preservation Board in May and July, Revuelta Architecture relocated and internalized the elevators within the shell of the proposed building, relocated stairs to the courtyard, and kept a greater portion of the Park Avenue façade. The changes increased the size of the proposed courtyard to 85% of the original courtyard area.
“Relocating the stairs and elevators makes a dramatic improvement to the project,” Miami Beach Design and Preservation Manager, Debbie Tackett told the Board,
Architect Luis Revuelta remarked this was the first time he’s been involved in a project where all of the suggestions made by the HPB were incorporated. “I believe that this is a successful compromise… that is both respectful but still it’s financially feasible,” he told the Board.
Daniel Ciraldo, Executive Director of the Miami Design Preservation League said the end result is an example of how the preservation board’s participation and the “willingness of applicant and architect have all worked together to improve this project.”
In order to build a 5-story addition, the plans call for the substantial demolition of the existing building which was designed by MacKay & Gibbs in the Post War Modern style of architecture and constructed in 1951. The existing building is approximately 20 feet, 6 inches in height. The proposed building would be 48 feet, 4 inches tall.
According to The Real Deal, Blue Road paid $14.27 million for the 32-unit apartment building.
Renderings: Revuelta Architecture
