HAMED RODRIGUEZ

Architecture Planning 3250 Mary St. # 305 Coconut Grove Fl. 33133 (305) 244-5626 hamed@hr-architects-inc.com
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Architect, Inc.
Interiors Sustainable Solutions AA26002034

November 19 , 2013

Historic Resources Report

The 846 Lincoln road Building commonly known as the Van Dyke Building on the Southeast corner of Lincoln Road and Jefferson Ave in Miami Beach Florida. This building was designed by Architect August Geiger (1887 1968) in the Spanish Colonial (also called Mediterranean revival style). This style not being truly Spanish, the style was inspired by the current architecture of California with a trace of the architects Beaux Arts training. This style had become increasingly popular at the time and made Mr. Geiger the leading architect in this style in Miami. Refer to photograph of original design Section Historic Photos page 1 (a) & (b). The building area is 18,556 sf comprised of a 7 story tower and an 8 story machine room. This iconic building was originally developed in 1924 as a hotel by Mr. Carl Fisher, who developed several projects on Lincoln Road and was the pioneer developer in Miami Beach. The ground floor was originally the Hotel nd th th lobby, the 2 through 6 floors were hotel room suites and the 7 floor was the development office for Mr. Carl Fisher. This build originally had two elevators of which the original motor is still in place in the machine room, refer to image Current Photo Page 5. Notable exterior features of the original design included the following: Symmetrical arched transoms (with details) over double doors with large picture window in the center on the Lincoln Road elevation, Two Large picture window with divided lite transom and arched door at elevator lobby along Jefferson avenue. In the 1950s the buildings use changed along with the introduction of the Jefferson Ave low rise building in 1952. The two buildings are linked by a transformer structure on the East ally side. As noted in photograph Historic Photo Page 9 (b) from 1961 the original first floor doors and windows were removed and openings were made to expand the transparency into the building with new storefronts (this was the end of the use of the first floor as a hotel lobby. The remaining floors were modified into apartments; additionally the original storefront just North of the Elevator lobby was closed in. It is noted in this picture that the floor height was raised approximately 13 to its current elevation. In this July 1962 picture Historic Photos Page 6 (a) it is noticed that the exterior elevated platform with railings was constructed. The railings are no longer in place today. The uses during this time changed from Hotel to Restaurant Lums Mall Caf as noted in historic photographs from 1962 Historic Photos Page 3, 4 & 13 (a) and as noted in Tax Jacket Page 1 (a). The second floor was converted into an extension of Lums Caf. This is likely when the openings were made in the floor (Removal of historic floor F.A.R.)
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Picture Historic Photos Page 12 shows evidence of a fire approximately in 1993 which ended the use by Lums Caf. Also at this time the photographs indicate the vacancy of the entire building as all the windows have been removed. The later renovations as found in microfilm of 1993 show the introduction of the Van Dyke Caf (currently in use) included the following as per Microfilm section Page 2: New wood and glass folding doors The enclosed opening to the North of the elevator lobby was again closed The service elevator was removed (elevator closest to Jefferson avenue) Elevator lobby opening was increased in width and height, the top of the nd new arch transom extends past the 2 floor level. Introduction of awnings currently in use

Conclusion:
It is the intent of this report to trace the time line of events and changes of style which have altered the building from its original architectural style. It is our intent to restore the East and West elevations at the first floor level as per Proposed West Elevation A3.0 #1. The 2 floor through 7 floor maintains its original features. The adjacent low rise Jefferson Ave building is historically intact and will be preserved as it is currently.
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Respectfully submitted:

Hamed Rodriguez AR93261