11/10/2017

WITH FLORIDA STARTING TO BE SETTLED IN THE 1920’S, DESIGN ISSUES COME UP IN MANY CITIES

Currently, Lake Worth has issues re hurricane protection for historic homes. Not a new issue for Lake Worth, the owners of designated historic homes have been complaining to city officials.  There are problems replacing doors, roofs and windows relating to application approvals taking a long time.

This past week, the city commissioners unanimously passed an updated an ordinance relaxing the rules and making it easier to get hurricane protection but design guidelines will need to be put in place. The Historic Resources Preservation Board has expressed fears that these changes could jeopardize the city’s program and possibly its state certification. Rules are set by the state’s Department of Interior.

At the second reading a Commissioner stated, “I’m very excited about the design guidelines, but I’m also very concerned about the design guidelines.” “I’m concerned they’re not here. And why are we going out to get someone else to write our design guidelines? We have all this staff on board.” 

Yesterday The Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach presented an interesting Historic Properties Workshop on, “Redevelopment in Historic Neighborhoods”. One Palm Beach resident, whose family owned a 1939 north end cottage for many years, went through the history of the property since it was built with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, showing photos of various stages of development with additions and changes.

Examples of traditional and big box homes:







The Big Box designs vs traditional styles was discussed regarding St. Petersburg on Florida’s west coast. Photos were shown illustrating the traditional styles clashing with big box styles in predominately traditional neighborhoods, disturbing the homogeneous appearances. Some were next door to each other or across the street. 

The benefits of the historic tax credit were also discussed. Giving tax abatements for ten years when changes are approved, illustrates a reason a buyer might consider purchasing a historic home and doing renovations that are paid for by tax abatements.



Historic preservation is a subject dear to many residents’ hearts in various early-settled cities.

11/08/2017

FLAGLER MUSEUM EXHIBIT “KNIGHTS OF THE AIR: AVIATOR HEROES OF WORLD WAR I”


The former home of railroad magnate Henry Flagler, “Whitehall,” America’s first museum, is a National Historic Landmark known as the Flagler Museum.  It was completed in 1902. Architectural style is Neoclassical and Beaux-Arts.
Take a guided tour and see the changing and special exhibits.  The Gilded Age Décor is elaborate and beautiful. Many original furnishings and art are in the building. It is located at One Whitehall Way in Palm Beach.



The exhibit depicting our WWI “swashbucklers in the skies” in the early days of aviation, runs through December 31, 2017.  This year is the 100th anniversary of America’s 1917 entry into WWI.  Aviators were daring, patriotic, and adventurous.  Included will be works of art, artifacts, and printed materials, all on loan from the private collection of Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf.

Guided tours are available Wednesdays at 10:30 am and 3:30 pm. Museum admission is free to active duty, reserve, and retired US Military (with proper identification). Check out the illustrated lecture that will be presented to museum attendees on Saturday, November 11 at 11:30 and 2:30 pm. RSVP to 561-655-2833. The 1927 Hollywood film, “Wings,” tells the story. Enjoy the price fixed lunch ($22) at the Café des Beaux-Arts in the museum which reopens on Friday, November 24th.

A series of lectures will cover WWI in more detail.  Take your children, especially teens, to learn about past history: “Learning about past history will help prevent making the same mistakes.”
For current brochure: https://www.flaglermuseum.us/. Museum Membership information can be found at https://www.flaglermuseum.us/membership/individual-membership and other memberships are available as well. For more information call 561-655-2833.  This is a popular site for weddings and special events.