Item T11
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Meeting Date: November 18, 2009
Division: Countv Administrator
Bulk Item: Yes ~ No
Department: County Administrator
Staff Contact /Phone #: Abra Campo/ext. 4445
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Approval of the appointment of Mr. Bert Bender to the Historic
Preservation Committee in the category of Professional with term ending January 16,2010.
ITEM BACKGROUND: This position became vacant due to the resignation of Steven Johnson.
The County Administrator's office requested recommendations for this vacancy. Mr. Bert Bender was
nominated.
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION:
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES:
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Approval of an appointment.
TOTAL COST:
o
INDIRECT COST:
o
BUDGETED: Yes _No
DIFFERENTIAL OF LOCAL PREFERENCE: N/A
COST TO COUNTY:
o
SOURCE OF FUNDS:
REVENUE PRODUCING: Yes
AMOUNTPERMONTH_ Year
No
APPROVED BY: County Atty _ OMB/Purchasing _ Risk Management _
DOCUMENTATION:
Included
x
Not Required_
DISPOSITION:
AGENDA ITEM #
Revised 7/09
Monroe County Boards and Committees
Appointment Information
Board or Committee:
Historic Perservation Committee
Commissioner Appointing Member:
BOCC
Name of Member:
Bert Bender
Address:
Bender & Associates Architects
410 Angela Street
Kev West FL 33040
Mailing Address:
Phone Numbers:
Home:
Work: 296-1347
Fax: 296-2727
Email: blbender@bellsouth.net
Date of Appointment:
11/18/09
Rea ppointment:
N/A
Date Term Expi res:
1/16/2010
Name of Person Being Replaced:
Fulfilling Term of:
Steven Johnson
BERT BENDER BID
Bert Bender was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1947, and studied architecture at the Urbana
Campus ofthe University oflllinois. After obtaining his professional degree, he traveled
to Arizona to intern with visionary architect Paolo Soleri, working in both Soleri's design
studio in Scottsdale and on site at Arcosanti, a prototype city for 3,000 people in the high
desert plateaus of northern Arizona. While growing up in the inner city of Chicago, Bert
developed an appreciation for and a love of the lifestyle, vitality, convenience and
excitement that is central to the historic urban experience. These experiences combined
to form the basis for his architectural philosophy of producing environmentally sensitive
and ecologically responsible designs that respond to and are respectful of their
surroundings~ rural, urban, natural or historic. The evolution of this philosophy led to an
interest in and development of a particular expertise in historic preservation; for
preservation embodies the heart and soul of this sustainable architectural philosophy.
Bert is a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Florida Trust for
Historic Preservation, the Key West Art & Historical Society, the Old Island Restoration
Foundation, the Historic Florida Keys Foundation, the Monroe Council of the Arts, the
Florida Keys Land & Sea Trust and the Nature ConselVancy of the Florida Keys. He is a
past member of the Key West Historic Architectural Review Commission, the Flagstaff
Historic Sites Commission, the Bahama Conch Community Land Trust Board of
Directors and authored the original "Historic PreseIVation Design Manual" for the City
of Flagstaff, Arizona. He has served on the technical advisory commission for Hurricane
Mitigation of Historic Resources for 1,000 Friends of Florida and served on an affordable
housing task force for the City of Key West.
BERTL.BENDER,ARCHITECT
Registmion
Registered Architect, Florida No. 11,082; Arizona No. 9755
Education
Bachelor of Architecture, University of Illinois at Urbana
Professional Experience
1994-Present: Principal and President of Firm, Bender & Associates Architects, P.A., Key West,
Florida
1991-1994: Principal and President of Firm, Bender & Delaune Architects, P.A., Key West, Florida
1975-1991: President of Firm, Sert L. Sender, Architect,
Flagstaff, Arizona and Key West, Florida
1974-1975: Nelson Architect, AlA, Flagstaff, Arizona
1972-1974: Schoenberger, Straub, Florence & Associates, Phoenix. Arizona
1971-1972: Paolo Soleri: Cosanti Foundation, Scottsdale, Arizona
1970-1971: The Office of Delbert R. Smith, AlA, Urbana, Illinois
Expert Witness
2003: Served as an expert witness on historic preservation for Monroe County in Monroe County vs Eades
2004: Served as an expert witness on hurricane damage and repairs @ Key Plaza Shopping Center, Key
West, for Aubumdale Properties in Aubumdale vs Liberty Mutual Insurance Co.
2005: Served as an expert witness for Monroe County on environment issues vs. property rights: Emmert vs
Monroe County
Honors and Awards
Individual Distinguished Service Award, Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, 2005
AlA Award for Design: Greenwood Memorial Park, Mausoleum Chapel, Phoenix, Arizona. 1974
Fourth Bradley Prize, Design: Champaign Public Library, 1969
Second Earle Prize, Design: Champaign, Illinois, CBO Renewal & Mall. 1967
University Honors: Graduated with Honors, Department of Architecture
Sert Sender has won numerous awards since beginning private practice and these are listed separately under
the heading "Awards: Bender & Associates Architects, P,A."
Professional Interest
Since starting private practice in 1975, I have concentrated my professional career on historic
preservation and restoration, developing a special expertise in that field. The vast majority of my
firm=s awards, listed separately, are for our work with historic properties, and I am considered by
many to be an expert in the field.
I am a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, and
a past member of the Key West Historic Architectural Review Committee and the Flagstaff Historic Sites
Commission. I have extensive experience in the field of historic preservation and was the author of the
"Historic Preservation Design Manual" for the City of Flagstaff.
It is my intent to produce quality architectural and planning projects that are community and ecologically
oriented, and timeless in their designs. Several projects incorporated passive solar design, such as the
Flagstaff Municipal Complex and 50,000 square foot City Hall.
worth doing. These intangible gifts are expressed by craftsmen who took the time to write the
following letters of appreciation to Bert.
From Michael J. Ryan, electrician, who worked on the Jupiter Lighthouse project: '" thoroughly
enjoyed our job at the lighthouse and working wIth you, Ilmllglne you must really love your job,
The sad part for us is we've sort of peaked. Where will we ever have a job liS neat as this,
particularly in our own beck prd? "you're ever workIng anywhere nearby again, please Jet us
know.
Again, thanks for everything. I wish you the best, and keep up the good work. "
And from Dave Wanklin who worked on the Custom House project: "I feel compelled to write you
this letter due to the fact I did not have an opportunity to thank you in pel'Son before leaving Key
West. On beha" of all bricklayers that have preceded me I would like to thank you for your
extremely high standards for quality and restoration perfection. Thank you for restoring not only a
beautiful, precious historical landmark, but for also preserving the craftsmanship of bricklayers from
yestetyear. Hats' off to you Sir.
In my 23 yeats of experience, including 6 yeatS lIS an Opef'atlons Manager for a major mesonI}'
company, I have never been Involved with a more knowledgeable and dedicated architect than
yourself.
It has been a privilege and an honor to have worked on your Custom House Project. I am especially
proud of my work on the historical reconstruction of the building's chimney and second floor
arches.
The worlc I performed at the Custom's House is and will remain one for the highlights of my career.
For this, you have my greatest appreciation. ..
Bert has gained the respect, admiration and gratitude of many for his professional excellence.
passiDn fDr histDriC preservation and selfless dedication to his projects. Kevin O'Brien, fanner
Executive Director Df the Key West Art & Historical Society writes, regarding the Custom House
project: "Bert, your dedication to the success of this project Is greatly enhanced by your personal
passion for the project. You are giving your m/ent, your energies, your professional strength and
your personal support. All are recognized and appreciated." It is this giving that characterizes
Bert's professional career. It is evident in all the projects Bert is involved with. bDth large and
small. Bert Bender's belief and appreciation of the historic built environment and the timeless
beauty of thDse designs have been forged into reality and he has helped to provide both his local
community and the larger statewide community with concrete evidence of prominent contributions
to historic preservation. His talents and abilities have indeed facilitated many ideas and dreams
to become reality. Bert Bender's contributions to historic preservation benefit and greatly
enhance the lives of many and will also benefit and enhance the lives of future generations tD
come. We know that this giving and sharing of his personal talents brings him tremendous
personal satisfaction.
It is with great pleasure that we, Bert Bender's staff, nominate him for this year's individual
distinguished service award. In our minds we cannot distinguish if this particular award was
created for Bert Bender or if Bert Bender was created for this award.
Sincerely,
The Staff at Bender & Associates Architects, P.A..
We, the staff of Bender & Associates Architects, PA, believe that our employer, Bert Bender,
unequivocally deserves the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation award for individual
distinguished service for prominent contributions to historic preservation. When we read the
requirements for this particular award, there was no doubt in any of our minds that Bert, through
his tireless efforts during his entire career, has fulfilled the qualifications of this award many times
over.
Bert Bender relocated to Key West in 1985 from Flagstaff, Arizona where he had already
established a reputation for having a finn commitment to historic preservation. Subsequently, the
City of Key West and the State of Florida have been the fortunate recipients of his natural talents
and dynamic energy, which he has poured into producing award winning historic renovation
projects that today are being enjoyed by residents and tourists alike.
Bert Bender is a highly gifted, professional and imaginative architect with a passion for historic
preservation. Bert's attentiveness to detail, understanding of the needs of a project and the
owners, as well as the constraints involved in a project, have led to the successful completion of
numerous projects that now serve many communities as functional and meaningful buildings,
Historic buildings that once stood abandoned and vacant, have been restored with a high degree
of professionalism. The past has literally been brought to life as Bert applied his knowledge and
abilities to insure that the highest standards were applied to bring about the transfonnation of
these buildings into beautiful rehabilitated historic structures.
The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation is already familiar with several Bert Bender projects
and has awarded the Key West Custom House, The Historic Gato Cigar Factory Building, the Ley
Memorial Church, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and the Wilbur Boat House. Each project exhibits
the high standards that Bert adheres to. There are numerous other buildings, both public and
private throughout the City of Key West, Monroe County, and the State of Florida (and other
states as well) that meet these high standards, Each one contributes to the quality of life in the
community in which they are located and stand as proud monuments to the quality of work and
high standards that Bert applies to any project under his authority.
Not only has Bert Bender made an impact in his local community (and State) by being a
preservation activist, advocate or leader; he has made an impact by being all three. The
accompanying letters of support clearly address the many sides of Bert's preservation activities.
Bert Bender has provided assistance to local governments and organizations that have wished to
preserve buildings that many would prefer to eliminate. One example is the historic Boynton
Beach High School. Bert traveled long distances to attend meetings for this community to
provide infonnation and in order to promote an awareness of the value of preservation and the
meaning of our historic built environment and he will continue to do so until a final decision is
reached. In addition, Bert has time and time again, reduced fees or provided pro bono work in
order to enable a worthy project to become a reality.
It is not possible to list the many historic preservation projects that Mr. Bender has been involved
with and seen to successful completion within the context of this statement. However, George
Born, the Historic Preservationist at the Historic Florida Keys Foundation and Chair of Key West's
Historic Architectural Review Commission states in his support letter that Bert Bender has been
presented over three dozen preservation awards since the late 1980's. Bert has certainly made
his mark and gifted the City of Key West, its residents and visitors with his remarkable talent,
drive, and commitment to the historic built environment.
Not only has Bert Bender provided his community with concrete evidence of his accomplishments
and contributions in the field of preservation through the final product of beautifully restored
buildings, he has provided intangible benefits, To his employees he passes on his extensive
knowledge and allows additional time to be spent on issues in order to aget it right." Quality is
never sacrificed. Also, by his preservation efforts. Bert has been able to preserve the
craftsmanship of artisans of days gone by and provided joy to many in a job well done and well
AWARDS
2008 Historic Florida Keys Foundation:
Armory Building, Key West, Award for Excellence in Rehabilitation
2007 Florida Trust for Historic Preservation:
Stuart Welcome Arch a/kla Rio Arch, State Road 707 at Arch Street. Stuart, Florida,
Outstanding Achievement in the field of Restoration/Rehabilitation
2007 Historic Florida Keys Foundation:
1403 Catherine Street, Key West, Award for Excellence in Rehabilitation
520 Southard Street. Key West, Award for Excellence in New Construction
1024-1030 Eaton Street, Key West, Award for Excellence in Rehabilitation
2007 Florida MonthlY Maaazine:
Key West Custom House, 12th annual Best of Florida Award for "Best Renoyated
Building" in the state.
2006 Florida Monthly Maaazine:
Key West Custom House, 11th annual Best of Florida Award for "Best Renovated
Building" in the state.
2006 Historic Florida Keys Foundation:
504 Elizabeth Street, Key West, Award for Excellence in Restoration
Calleja Building, 715 Caroline Street, Key West, Award for Excellence in Restoration
Songer Residence, 1310 Newton Street, Key West, Award for Excellence in Rehabilitation
2005 Florida Trust for Historic Preservation:
Bert L. Bender, Individual Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding contributions to
Historic Preservation in Florida
2005 Florida Trust for Historic Preservation:
Southernmost Church of God in Christ, 729 Fleming Street, Key West, Outstanding
Achievement in the field of Restoration/Rehabilitation
2005 Historic Florida Keys Foundation:
Southernmost Church of God in Christ, 729 Fleming Street, Key West, Award for
Excellence in Rehabilitation
AA remarkable community preservation project that drew upon many resources to
achieve exemplary results. Critical structural issues were addressed. An outstanding
project. What a gift to Key West.@
Phillips= Residence, B09 Fleming Street, Key West. Award for Excellence in Rehabilitation
Emma Courtyard, 713-715 Emma Street. Key West, Award for Excellence in New
Construction
Bender & Associates ARCHITECTS p.a.
410 Angela Street D KeyWest, FL 33040 a 305/296-1347
2004 Historic Florida Kevs Foundation:
Corns Residence, 1430 Catherine Street, Key West, Award for Excellence in New
Construction
Pearl=s Rainbow, 525 United Street, Key West, Award for Excellence in Rehabilitation
2003 Florida Trust for Historic Preservation:
Historic Gato Cigar Factory Building, Key West, Florida, Outstanding Achievement for
Restoration/Rehabilitation
Key West Custom House, Key West, Florida, Outstanding Achievement for
Restoration/Rehabilitation
Jupiter Inlet lighthouse, Jupiter, Florida, Outstanding Achievement for
Restoration/Rehabilitation
Ley Memorial Church, Key West, Florida, Meritorious Achievement for
Restoration/Rehabilitation
2003 Historic Florida Kevs Foundation:
Affordable Housing Units. 227 Virginia Street and 1031 Howe Street, Key West. Award
for Excellence in New Construction
Barquin Residence, 916 Terry Lane, Key West, Award for Excellence in New Construction
Weinbaum Residence, 823 Georgia Street, Key West. Award for Excellence in New
Construction
2002 Florida Trust for Historic Preservation:
Wilbur Boathouse, Wilbur-by-the-Sea, Florida, Honorable Mention for Restoration and
Rehabilitation
2002 Historic Florida Keys Foundation, Inc. Awards:
The Gato Building, 1100 Simonton Street, Key West. Award for Excellence in Rehabilitation
The Delaney House, 625 Truman Avenue, Key West, Award for Excellence in Rehabilitation
2001 A.S.C. Florida Gulf Coast Chapter:
Jupiter Inlet lighthouse, Jupiter, Florida
AExcellence in Construction@ Award
2001 Historic Florida Keys Foundation. Inc. Awards:
Ley Memorial, 1304 Truman Ave" Key West. Award for Excellence in Rehabilitation.
East Martello Fort, Key West. Award for Excellence in Preservation.
2000 Historic Florida Keys Foundation, Inc. Awards:
Key West Custom House, 281 Front Street, Key West. Award for Excellence in
Historic Restoration.
Salisbury Residence, 1405 Olivia, Key West. Award for Excellence in Rehabilitation,
2000 National Trust for Historic Preservation:
The Belton Chalet, Montana, Honor Award, Consulting Preservation Architect
Bender & Associates ARCHITECTS p. a.
410 Angela Street D Key West, FL 33040 0 305/296-1347
1999 Historic Florida Keys Foundation. Inc. Awards:
Bender & Associates Architects Office at 410 Angela Street with 2 upstairs living
units. Award for Excellence in New Construction.
1998 Historic Florida Keys Foundation. Inc. Awards:
Section Gang Quarters, Pigeon Key Historic District, Florida. Award for Preservation.
Florida Kevs Maaazine:
Pigeon Key, ABest of Florida Award@ 1998.
(edged out the Biltmore Hotel in Miami. first runner up. and the Lightener Museum in S1. Augustine, second runner up.)
1997 A.RC. Florida Gulf Coast Chapter:
Cape Florida Lighthouse, Key Biscayne, Florida
One million dollars and under AExcellence in Construction@ Award
1996 Historic Florida Keys Preservation Board Awards:
St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Key West, Florida. Award for Preservation.
1995 Historic Florida Kevs Preservation Board Awards:
The Gingerbread House (Kramer Residence), 615 Elizabeth Street, Key West, Florida.
Award for Rehabilitation, Award for Master Craftsmanship
Montessori Children1s School, 1127 United Street, Key West, Florida. Award for
Rehabilitation
1994 Historic Florida Keys Preservation Board Awards:
The Mansion at Simonton Court, 523 Eaton Street, Key West, Florida. Award for
Rehabilitation.
The Conch House, 615 Truman Avenue, Key West, Florida. Award for Preservation,
Community Development Block Grant, Bahama Village, Certificates of Achievement.
1993 Historic Florida Kevs Preservation Board Awards:
Davis Residence, 408 William Street, Key West, Florida. Awards for Preservation and
Master Craftsmanship.
East Martello Tower, Key West, Florida. Award for Preservation,
Montessori Children1s School, 1221 Varela Street, Key West, Florida. Award for New
Construction.
Wicker Guest House, 508 Olivia Street, Key West, Florida. Certificate of Commendation for
New Construction.
Campbell Residence, 620 Elizabeth Street, Key West, Florida. Certificate of Commendation
for New Construction.
Odom Residence, 509 Margaret Street, Key West, Florida. Certificate of Commendation for
New Construction.
1992 Historic Florida Kevs Preservation Board Awards:
Collee Residence, 1014 Southard Street. Key West, Florida, Award for Preservation and
Exterior Restoration.
Mertinn Guest House, 811 Simonton Street, Key West, Florida. Award for New
Construction.
Bender & Associates ARCHITECTS p.a.
410 Angela Street D Key West, FL 33040 a 305/296-1347
1991 Mallory Square Desion Competition:
First Place Award
1991 Historic Florida Kevs Preservation Board Awards:
Key West Lightstation Phase 11/. Keeper's Quarters and Grounds. Award for Restoration.
Key West Lightstation Phase IIi Museum Store, Oil House and Well. Awards for
Preservation, Rehabilitation and New Construction,
Bender Residence, 619 Elizabeth Street, Key West, Florida. Certificate of Commendation for
New Construction.
1990 Historic Florida Kevs Preservation Board Awards:
Bob Sykes Residence. 320 Peacon Lane, Key West, Florida. Award for New Construction.
Montessori Children's School of Key West, Addition to an existing Historic Structure
1221 Varela Street, Key West, Florida. Award for New Construction.
Davidson Residence, 6 Hurricane Alley, Key West, Florida. Award for New Construction.
1990 Florida Trust for Historic Preservation:
Preservation Award for Outstanding Preservation Project, Non-Residential Restoration
1990 Florida Historical Confederation:
Conspicuous Achievement in Historic Preservation and Conservation
1989 Florida Historical Confederation Award:
Key West Lighthouse
1989 Historic Florida Kevs Preservation Board Awards:
Kaufelt Residence, 524 Frances Street, Key West, Florida. Awards for Preservation and Master
Craftsmanship.
Key West Lighthouse, Key West, Florida. Awards for Restoration and Master Craftsmanship.
1988 Historic Florida Keys Preservation Board Awards:
Bender Residence, 613 William Street, Key West, Florida. Award for Historic Preservation of
Exterior.
Knight Realty Office. 336 Duval Street, Key West. Florida. Award for New Construction.
1987 G.S.A. Project Award:
G.S.A. Motorpool, Flagstaff, Arizona
1985 G.S.A. Proiect Award:
B.L.M. Offices, Needles, California
1974 AlA Award for Desion:
Greenwood Memorial Park, Mausoleum & Chapel, Phoenix, Arizona
Bender & Associates ARCHITECTS p.a.
410 Angela Street a Key West. FL 33040 D 3051296-1347