save the al capone house!
Can’t attend in person or on zoom? Fill out the form below to send a message directly to the HPB and have your comments on the record for this important hearing.
– Help keep the Designation Process moving ahead
– Keep the Al Capone House protected
– Support a transparent and public process!
make your
voice heard
Submit this form TO send AN EMAIL directly to the Historic Preservation Board
We ask that you support the historic designation of the home at 93 Palm Avenue, which is likely one of the most historically significant single-family homes on Miami Beach.
This home – which turns 100 years old this year – is currently protected based on the actions of the Historic Preservation Board, whose duties are to protect structures that meet the objective criteria of our noted City code
The Staff Report of the City of Miami Beach lays out evidence supporting historic designation but then recommends against designation… even though by the City’s own analysis it meets 2 criteria for designation when only one is required. In addition, criteria mentioned as objections need time to be vetted and more expert testimony needs to be added to the record.
We understand that there are some in the community who want to erase Al Capone and any of his impact on our city. However, it is essentially impossible to disconnect Al Capone, prohibition, Art Deco, and the city’s own rise and fall. Doing so would be an abrogation of the Historic Preservation Board’s own code to identify places that help define our city.
Please vote to keep the designation at the HPB and direct staff to continue working on improving the designation report in order to strengthen the report as record evidence for designation.
The hearing has concluded! The form has been closed. Please stay tuned for updates from the meeting.
Background
We were disappointed to see Commissioner David Richardson's item which seeks to stop the historic designation process at the HPB. Thankfully, he did not have the support of the Commissioners to stop the public process.
High powered lobbyists Alex Heckler and Mike Llorente register at the City of Miami Beach as lobbyists for the owners of 93 Palm Avenue.
Good news, in spite of the City of Miami Beach staff recommends against designation even though they find that the structure meets two of seven criteria - with only one required for designation.
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/real-estate-news/article257055347.html
It appeared the house was saved, bravo!
Given community outcry, the HPB places this item on the agenda and there is a thorough public discussion, including expert testimony from the developers expert as well as opposing experts. In the end, the board proceeds to ask the staff to prepare a preliminary evaluation for historic designation!
Developers filed plans for a total demolition of the Al Capone mansion, one year before its 100th birthday. Miami Beach residents and preservationists alert the public to the plight of this landmark.