At its recent Annual Meeting, the Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables proudly presented its 2024 “Friend of HPACG” Award to Alex and Marta Silva for embarking on a meticulous restoration project to preserve their 1923 home, designed by H.George Fink. Not only did they save the home from possible demolition, they salvaged and reused many of the original materials such as pine floors, checkered tiles, and original coral rock to retain much of the home’s historical integrity all while being environmentally sensitive.

        “Friend of HPACG” Award       

According to the American Institute of Architects, reusing structures reduces embodied carbon by 50-70%. And a 2016 study found that adaptive reuse projects cost less per square foot than new construction. They truly embody the profoundly important task of preserving our City’s architectural and cultural heritage. The dedicated and respectful restoration of their 100-year old home makes them true friends of HPACG, and aligns them perfectly with the organization’s mission of promoting the importance of historic resources and their preservation.

Award recipients Alex and Marta Silva

Members were delighted to recognize the Silva’s with this well-deserved award. It was an exceptionally special afternoon in a charming home so rich in history and character. The Award was established in 2015 to honor individuals and/or organizations that align with the organization’s mission. This special recognition is given to Members and Friends of HPACG as per selection by the Board of Directors.

An Award to Remember. Alba Biondi, Lisa Bennett, Alice Goldhagen, Alex Silva, Marta Silva, Karelia Martinez Carbonell, Brett Gillis

Established in 1991, HPACG marked its 32nd anniversary in 2023. With a solid past and an eye to the future, the group continues its mission of promoting the importance of historic resources and their preservation.

HPACG continues to achieve outstanding success in historic preservation efforts. In carrying out its mission, the HPACG has effectively communicated the value of historic preservation to its membership. Through its promotional activities, HPACG has exhibited leadership in issues of importance to historic preservation, and has established itself as one of the leaders in statewide preservation advocacy.

Taking an active part
The Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables continues to partner with the City’s historic preservation efforts. Members of the HPACG have been active in supporting applicants for Special Certificates of Appropriateness and Determinations of historic designation. Moreover, the HPACG disseminates information of the local tax incentives available to owners of historic properties.

In 2023, HPACG and its members successfully advocated for the designation of over 20 distinct properties [more than doubling 2022 numbers] and continued its support for the preservation of The Garden of Our Lord.

Highlights of Year

The list below highlights a year of activities by HPACG important to advancing its mission: to promote the understanding and importance of historic resources and their preservation.

January — At the Historic Preservation Board Meeting – Advocated for the historic designation of The Garden of Our Lord. Sadly, the Board denied designation of The Garden [7-2]. The item was appealed to the City Commission.

February
Annual Meeting Hosted the gathering at the Coral Gables Country Club with complimentary ice cream in honor of the Club’s 100th birthday.
Tertulia #8 “Some Moor History” Partnered with 100 Voices at the Merrick House. The event was moderated by Tertulia Chair Brett Gillis.
At the City Commission – Successfully advocated to save from demolition a home in the Obispo Historic District.

March — At the City Commission – Advocated to overturn the Historic Preservation Board’s decision to deny historic designation of The Garden of Our Lord. Sadly, the Commission affirmed the HP Board’s decision not to designate [5-0]. [Presently, the item is on appeal to Miami Dade Court.]

April — “A Sunday in April” George Giving Society Benefactor Event Hosted at the historic home of the late Sallye Jude. It was made possible by the generosity of the late Jeannett Slesnick – a great friend of HPACG. Jeannett passed away a few months later in August.

May
Tertulia #9 “Casablanca” The Movie Partnered with Commissioner Menendez and the Coral Gables Cinema. The event was moderated by Professor Sana Haq and Tertulia Chair Brett Gillis.
At the City Commission – Successfully advocated to affirm the Historic Preservation Board’s decision to grant historic designation of two homes; The Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables was presented with a “Certificate of Recognition” by the City of Coral Gables Office of the Mayor during National Preservation Month 2023.

June — Celebrated [in partnership with the City of Coral Gables] the third annual Founder’s Day in commemoration of Merrick’s birth anniversary. The event was hosted at the newly restored Fink Studio with special guests. [The birth date of “June 3” was officially recognized by unanimous vote in 2022. [G.-9. 22-3968 A Resolution of the City Commission recognizing June 3rd as “Founder’s Day in Coral Gables” in honor of Coral Gables Founder George E. Merrick.]

July — At the City Commission – Successfully advocated for a Resolution to approve the funding of a North Ponce Study to determine historical significance of the area.

September
HPACG was a proud sponsor of the one-man play the “Placemaker-Poet” about George Merrick’s life and legacy. The sold-out play was set at the Coral Gables Museum.
At the City Commission – Successfully advocated for a Resolution to protect and preserve the City Hall original windows and support their restoration with historic preservation oversight.

October — Fiercely advocated for a salvo to preserve 140 Arvida Parkway, the Alfred Browning Parker Pacesetter masterpiece in Gables Estates. [Sadly, the home fell victim to state bill HB423. Due to the lack of historic designation, the home was sold as “land value” and subsequently lost to demolition in November]

OPINION: A dagger into the heart of Alfred Browning Parker’s legacy – Gables Insider

November — Give Miami Day “Our Way” Thank you to all who participated!

December — Coral Gables Bazaar. The second annual “fun”raiser hosted at one of the City’s 1960s modern mavens. Lots of vintage and art goodies. Chaired by Brett Gillis.

And to close the circle

1926 White Way Lights – The year brought closure to a serendipitous discovery in Fort Lauderdale of about 20 additional historic street lights — part of the White Way group of decorative lamp posts commissioned by City Founder George Merrick. This found batch has been acquired by the City and will be added to the original batch of about 50 that remain [out of the original 500 commissioned]. The restoration project is now fully funded. Phase 1 is complete. Phase 2 and 3 are planned.

Looking ahead 2024– Details to come!

May 29-June 1 DOCOMOMO-US will host its 2024 SYMPOSIUM in Coral Gables at the University of Miami School of Architecture. HPACG is a proud sponsor. Will lead tour of downtown’s “Moderns”

https://www.docomomo-us.org/events/national-symposium

With your help…HPACG will continue to advance its mission of preservation—in our community and beyond.

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Founded in 1991, Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables (HPACG) is a 501c3 nonprofit whose mission is to promote the understanding and importance of historic resources and their preservation.