Item B08
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Meeting Date: November 22, 2000
Division: Growth Mana~ement
Bulk Item: Yes X
No
Department: Planning
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Approval of Application for Historic Designation by the Ocean Reef
Cultural Center, Inc. for the ''Yachtel'' C2.
ITEM BACKGROUND: The Ocean Reef Cultural Center, Inc. requests historic designation for the
Yachtel C2. The Yachtel was constructed during the period of 1946-1951 and served as a freestanding
motel unit for visiting yachtsmen during the earliest years of the Ocean Reef Club. The Yachtel, which
survived Hurricane Andrew, is currently used for employee housing and is one of the best preserved of
the Yachtels still standing. Current plans call for moving the building and converting it into a cultural
center.
This item was heard at the August 18, 2000 meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission. The
Commission recommended approval of the Application for Designation by unanimous vote with one
member abstaining.
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOARD ACTION: None
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval
TOTAL COST:
N/A
BUDGETED: Yes N/A No
COST TO COUNTY: N/A
AMOUNT PER MONTI!
N/A
PER YEAR
N/A
APPROVED BY: County Attorney X
OMB/Purchasing N/A
Risk Management N/ A
Planning
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR APPROVAL:
DIVISION DIRECTOR APPROVAL:
rowth Management
DOCUMENTATION: Included Y
DISPOSITION:
BOCC RESOLUTION
Planning Department
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION BY THE MONROE COUNTY BOARD
OF COMMISSIONERS GRANTING THE DESIGNATION
OF "HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL LANDMARK" TO
THE OCEAN REEF "YACHTEL" C2.
WHEREAS the Ocean Reef "Yachtel" C2 meets the criteria
for "designation of historical properties" as specified in
Section 9.5-454 (a) (1) and of the Monroe County Code,
Amended, in that the structure is significant in the history
of Monroe County and is associated with events that are
significant in the history of Monroe County; and
WHEREAS the procedures of historic designation set forth
in Section 9.5-455 of the Monroe County Code, Amended, have
been followed, in that:
1. The proposed designation was initiated by Mr. John w.
Hunt, Director, Ocean Reef Cultural Center, who
submitted an application dated June 2, 2000;
2. A designation report dated August 18, 2000, was prepared
by George Born, Historic Preservationist, Historic
Florida Keys Foundation, serving as staff to the
Historic Preservation Commission;
Page 1 of 3
3. The above materials established the basis for
designation under Code Section 9.5-454 and included
other evidence that supports the designation,
documenting the historic, social, and cultural
significance of the structure;
4. The Monroe County Historic Preservation Commission,
during a regular session held on August 21, 2000,
conducted a public hearing on the proposed designation
and reviewed the application for designation;
5. The Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously
at said public hearing to recommend to the Monroe County
Board of Commissioners that the Board grant historical
designation to the structure, as stated in the Historic
Preservation Commission Resolution No. H02-00; and
WHEREAS the Monroe County Board of Commissioners has
considered the proposed designation and the recommendation of
the Historic Preservation Commission; NOW THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, THAT:
The Ocean Reef uYachtelu C2, is hereby historically
designated as provided by Article VIII of the Monroe County
Code, Amended.
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PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners
of Monroe County, Florida, at a regular meeting of said Board
held on the
day of
, A.D. 2000.
Mayor Freeman
Mayor Pro Tem Neugent
Commissioner Harvey
Commissioner Reich
Commissioner Williams
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By:
MAYOR/CHAIRMAN
(Seal)
Attest:
DANNY L. KOLHAGE, CLERK
BY:
DEPUTY CLERK
1 APBRQVED AiYfO FORM
~D~_
BY /1 /'C.
\. Attorney's Office
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BOCC STAFF REPORT
MEMORANDUM
To: The Board of County Commissioners
From: K. Marlene Conaway, Planning Directortl1t,
Date: 10/31/00
Re: Request for Historic Property Designation of Ocean Reef "Yachtel" C2 Building
MEETING DATE: November 22,2000
I. REQUEST
Applicant: Ocean Reef Cultural Center, Inc.
Location: The "Yachtel" is part ofRE# 00081720.000300, which is a large
parcel on which the building currently stands, along with many other
structures. The building is part of the Ocean Reef Club on North Key
Largo.
Description: Ocean Reefs Yachtel C2 is a rectangular, one-story, wood-frame structure
with concrete block piers that are screened by ground level lattice work.
Walls are sheathed in lap siding and pierced by metal awning windows
flanked with operable louvered shutters. A single door positioned on one
of the longer sides of the building provides access to the interior. The
building is surmounted by a low-pitch hip roof with louvered end gables
and broad, overhanging eaves with exposed rafter tails.
The interior retains most of the original pine wall surfaces as well as its
1950s plumbing fixtures. The building has been moved at least three
times. It has remained on the grounds of Ocean Reef since it was built.
II. REVIEW OF APPLICATION
Statement of Significance
Applicable Designation Criteria
Section 9.5-454(a) of the Monroe County Code lists four criteria for designation of
historical properties, buildings, sites, or objects that possess integrity of location, design,
setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association. This application meets the
following criteria:
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Ocean ReefYachtel Application for Historic Designation
W\ Planning\Working Folders\Schultz-Marty\Historic Preservation\BOCC Designation Report-Ocean Reef
Yachtel
(1) Property is significant in the history of Monroe County, the State of Florida, or
the United States, or is associated with events that are significant in the history of
Monroe County, the State of Florida, or the United States.
Criteria Considerations
Section 9.5-454(b) of the Monroe County Code allows for buildings that normally would
not be recommended for designation to be designated if they meet one or more of seven
categories outlined in the aforementioned section of Monroe County Code. This
application meets the following ofthe seven criteria:
(2) A building or structure removed from its original location but which is significant
primarily for architectural value, or which is the surviving structure most
importantly associated with an historic person or event.
Period of Significance
1946-1951.
Narrative Statement of Significance
The Ocean ReefYachtel C2 is significant in the history or Monroe County as an example
of tourism construction in the Florida Keys immediately following World War II. As one
of the oldest remaining buildings at Ocean Reef, Yachtel C2 is a reminder of the early
growth of air and automobile-oriented winter tourism that would transform Monroe
County over the next half century. Indeed, the growth of Ocean Reef as a resort parallels
the increased mobility and affluence of American during the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Immediately after the Second World War, Key Largo consisted principally of a small
community at Rock Harbor. North Key Largo, which was never accessible to the
railroad, was virtually unsettled, with the exception of the Key Largo Anglers Club.
Ocean Reef at this time was a simple fishing camp. Morris Baker, a Minneapolis real
estate developer, bought the kernel of Ocean Reef in 1945, with plans that would take
advantage of the social and economic changes ahead.
At the time, the only structures on the property were a cement block cistern with a large
room over it, a couple of shacks, and an icehouse. To upgrade amenities for tourists,
Baker hired architect George Coffin in 1946 to design an inn, a dining room and lounge,
and a small apartment building. The newly reinvented resort opened for a brief period
during the winter of 1947-48 and opened fully in 1951. By this time, a FOW of "yachtels",
or freestanding motel units for visiting yachtsmen, was standing on Andros Road.
Baker had the yachtels moved in the early 1960s from Andros Road to the marina, where
they continued in use as accommodations. A review of rates during the 1966-67 season
shows that the yachtels were premium accommodations at Ocean Reef. A two-bedroom
unit for four guests rented for $60.
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Ocean Reef Yachtel Application for Historic Designation
W\ Planning\Working Folders\Schultz-Marty\Historic Preservation\BOCC Designation Report-Ocean Reef
Yachtel
By 1969, the Baker family sold their interest in Ocean Reef to a financial group headed
by Harper Sibley. This new management team proposed a new master plan for Ocean
Reef with some comprehensive changes. Seventeen of the yachtels would be moved
from the marina to permit dredging.
Yachtel C2 survived Hurricane Andrew and is one of the best preserved of the other
yachtels still standing. They are currently being used as staff housing. Current plans call
for moving the building again and converting it into a cultural center.
The information in this narrative was gathered and written by George Born, Historic
Preservationist of the Historic Florida Keys Foundation. Mr. Born serves as staff to the
Monroe County Historic Preservation Commission.
IV. FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
1) Based on the application, the proposed designation was initiated by Mr. John W.
Hunt, Director, Ocean Reef Cultural Center, Inc., who submitted an application
dated June 2, 2000.
2) A designation report dated August 18, 2000, was prepared by George Born,
Historic Preservationist of the Historic Florida Keys Foundation, serving as staff
to the Historic Preservation Commission.
3) Based on the application, the request for designation meets the requirements of
Section 9.5-454 of Monroe County Code.
4) The Monroe County Historic Preservation Commission, during a regular session
held on August 21, 2000, conducted a public hearing on the proposed designation
and reviewed the Application for Designation.
5) The Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously, with one member
abstaining, at said public hearing to recommend to the Monroe County Board of
County Commissioners that the Board grant historical designation to the structure,
as stated in the Historic Preservation Commission Resolution No. H02-00.
V. RECOMMENDED ACTION
Based on the findings of fact and the conclusions oflaw, staff recommends APPROVAL
of the Application for Designation.
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Ocean Reef Yachtel Application for Historic Designation
W\ Planning\Working Folders\Schultz-Marty\Historic Preservation\BOCC Designation Report-Ocean Reef
Yachtel
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION RESOLUTION #H02-00
RESOLUTION NO. H02-00
A RESOLUTION BY THE MONROE COUNTY
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
RECOMMENDING THAT THE MONROE COUNTY BOARD
OF COMMISSIONERS GRANT THE DESIGNATION OF
"HISTORIC AND CULTURAL LANDMARK" TO THE
OCEAN REEF "YACHTEL C2," AT OCEAN REEF,
KEY LARGO.
WHEREAS the Monroe County Historic Preservation
Commission during a regular meeting held on August 21, 2000,
conducted a public hearing to discuss recommending the
designation of the Ocean Reef "Yachtel C2" as a "Historic and
Cultural Landmark" as provided by Article VIII of the Monroe
County Code, Amended; and
WHEREAS the Historic Preservation Commission was
presented with the following evidence, which by reference is
hereby incorporated as a part of the record:
1. An application for designation dated June 2, 2000,
completed by John W. Hunt, Director, Ocean Reef Cultural
Center; and
2. A staff report dated August 18, 2000, prepared by
George Born, Historic Preservationist, Historic Florida Keys
Foundation, serving as staff to the Historic Preservation
Commission;
WHEREAS the Historic Preservation Commission has made
the following Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law:
1. Based on the evidence produced at the hearing,
including the testimony and the written data, the
Commission finds that the Ocean Reef "Yachtel" C2 is
associated with events of historical significance to the
cultural and social history of Monroe County, and meets
the standards for designation as specified in Sec. 9.5-
454 (a) of the Monroe County Land Development
Regulations; NOW THEREFORE,
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. := RESOLVED BY THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF
,:.:~~E COUNTY, FLORIDA, that the preceding Findings of Fact
. -:: -::mclusions of Law support their decision to RECOMMEND
,~~ ~he Monroe County Board of commissioners designate the
, I' ....;-':;..~ Reef "Yachtel" C2 a "Historic and Cultural Landmark" as
,: '. :..~.:_:~ec. for by Article VIII of the Monroe County Code,
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"._-=.:;..::J ~ID ADOPTED by the Historic preservation commission of
I~r.-'~ ~ ::)unty, Florida, at a regular meeting held on the 21st
, ..-
I",
~-.J.gust, 2000.
Chair Allen YES
vice-Chair Adams YES
Commissioner Harum YES
commissioner Ritz ABSTAIN.
commissioner Silvia YES
By
SERVATION COMMISSION OF
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