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.