A “Sunday in October” was a perfect day of stewardship and recognition. A landmark home played host to historic preservation benefactor group     

A special group came together on a “Sunday in October” to honor leaders in historic preservation. And in the spirit of generosity and gratitude, the Board of Directors of the Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables invited friends and benefactors of the George Giving Society to enjoy an afternoon of champagne, celebration, and conversation. The annual list of Honor Roll of Donors was displayed front and center in recognition of top leadership giving.

A short presentation by the organization’s president, Karelia Martinez Carbonell, highlighted the nonprofit’s many accomplishments and advocacy efforts throughout the year. She was joined by homeowner Javier Baῇos and board members Lisa Bennett, Alba Biondi, and Alice Goldhagen. Society friends included Ajit and Maria Alicia Asrani, Jeanette Pressman and Alejandro Nuῇez, Mary Anne Danguillecourt, Art and Solveiga Kozyrovicius, Michelle Dunaj, Jane Maranos, Megan Kelly, Albert Menendez and Maria Santovenia among others.

Guests socialized, sipped champagne, and nibbled on assorted delicacies elegantly prepared by Sara Sharpe Catering, all while experiencing a beautiful afternoon in a landmarked Art Moderne home. The home, once a Carmelite Convent, is part of the Church of Little Flower historic district. A screened sitting-room surrounded by lush greens was a perfect setting for guests to sip and savor the day. The sitting room followed art moderne architectural features, overlooking an enclosed garden with many heritage trees and a special Lady of Charity sculpture — a relic from the home’s convent days.

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[Photography by Rodolfo Benitez]

An Art Moderne with Pedigree
The residence was built in 1940 for Dr. James K. McShane, one of Coral Gables’ earliest physicians. He had the residence designed to incorporate his professional office. The office entrance faced Anastasia Avenue. Dr. McShane lived in the residence until his death in 1983. It was purchased by the Church of the Little Flower in 1990 and served as a convent for Carmelite nuns until the Baῇos family purchased the property a few years ago. The residence is an excellent example of the Art Moderne architectural style. It was designed by Carl Apuzzo, who was affiliated with other prominent Coral Gables architects including William Tschumy and Harold Steward [partner of Phineas Paist]. It was landmarked in 1991. [Information sourced from the City of Coral Gables landmark designation report]