Carlos R.

Lago
Tel. 305-579-0578
Fax 305-961-5737
[email protected]
May 16, 2019
Via ePlan

Warren Adams
Preservation Officer
City of Miami
444 SW 2nd Avenue, 3rd Floor
Miami, Florida 33131

Re: Letter of Intent / Amendment to Historic Designation Report / Central Baptist

Church / 500 NE 1st Avenue, Miami, Florida / PZ-19-2908

Dear Mr. Adams:

On behalf of Christ Fellowship Downtown Campus, LLC (the “Church”), 6 Plaza, LLC,
5 Plaza, LLC (collectively, the “Applicant”), we respectfully submit the enclosed application
requesting approval of an amendment to the historic designation report for the Central Baptist
Church site (the “Designation Report”), pursuant to Section 23-4(c)(8) of the City of Miami Code
of Ordinances (the “City Code”). The proposed amendment to the Designation Report will revise
the historic site boundary to encompass only the property that is currently owned by the Church
and which contains the original church structure, located at 500 NE 1st Avenue, Miami, Florida
(identified by Miami-Dade County Folio No. 01-0106-030-1010) (the “Church Property”).

The Church is in the midst of a multi-million dollar meticulous restoration of the historic
church building which will return this important structure to its original glory. In furtherance of
this historic restoration, the Church seeks to amend the Designation Report to include only the
historic church structure.

I. Property Information

On October 27, 1998, the City adopted the Designation Report for Central Baptist Church
including the Church Property, the Annex Building, and the Parking Lot Property, as generally
depicted below.

GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP  ATTORNEYS AT LAW  WWW.GTLAW.COM

3333 Southeast Second Avenue  Miami, FL 33131  Tel 305-579-0500  Fax 305-4579-0717
Warren Adams
Central Baptist Church
PZ-19-2908
May 16, 2019

The properties subject to the Designation Report include:

• Church Property: Containing the historic church building constructed in 1926 and
currently owned by the Church.

• Annex Building: Developed in 1946 with an annex building and now identified by
Miami-Dade County Folio No. 01-0106-030-1012.

• Parking Lot Property: Currently improved with a portion of a surface parking lot
now identified by Miami-Dade County Folio No. 01-0106-030-1015 (the “Parking
Lot Property”).

The enclosed survey, prepared by South Peninsula Surveying Corp. (the “Survey”)
provides exact legal descriptions for the Church Property (referred to as Parcel 1 on the Survey),
the Parking Lot Property (referred to as Parcel 2 on the Survey), and the Annex Building property
(referred to as Parcel 3 on the Survey).

II. Background

According to the Designation Report, the original church structure was built on the Church
Property in 1926 by Dougherty and Gardner Architects of Nashville, Tennessee. The Designation
Report explains that the original church structure “represents an excellent expression of the Neo-
Classical style of architecture in downtown Miami.” Additionally, the original church structure
contains significant decorative ornamentation within its historically designated sanctuary which is
currently undergoing major renovations. The Designation Report provides extensive details
regarding the architectural, historical and cultural significance of the original church building and
in depth analysis of how the building meets the historic designation criteria.

Unlike the original church building, the Designation Report provides only a passing
reference to the Annex Building and no reference to the Parking Lot Property. The Annex Building
was built in 1946 just north of the original church building. The Annex Building included
additional class room spaces for the church. No building permit records or plans were found for
the Annex Building. The Designation Report provides that Annex Building was “executed in a
modified Neo-Classical architectural style.” As detailed in the enclosed report prepared by
Professor and Architect Jorge L. Hernandez (the “Hernandez Report”), the Annex Building is an
undistinguished utilitarian structure which attempts to use certain neo-Classical elements that end
up creating an incongruity with the historic east façade of the 1926 building. It is important to note
the Designation Report did not apply the historic designation criteria to the Annex Building or the
Parking Lot Structure when the sites were designated in 1998.

III. Historic Designation Criteria

The Applicant is requesting an amendment to the Designation Report to revise the

boundaries of its historic designation to encompass only the Church Property which contains the
sole structure that meets the City’s criteria for historic designation as provided in Section 23-4 of

GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP  ATTORNEYS AT LAW  WWW.GTLAW.COM

2
Warren Adams
Central Baptist Church
PZ-19-2908
May 16, 2019

the City Code. As demonstrated in the Hernandez Report and the Designation Report, neither the
Annex Building nor the Parking Lot Property meet the City’s criteria for designation.

The original church structure is the only structure described in the Designation Report that
meets the historic designation criteria. Section 23-4 of the City Code provides that properties may
be designated as historic resources only if they have significance in the historical, cultural,
archaeological, paleontological, aesthetic, or architectural heritage of the city, state, or nation;
possess integrity of design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association; and meet
one or more of the criteria listed therein. According to the Designation Report, the original church
building represents an excellent expression of the Neo-Classical style of architecture and is
particularly noteworthy for the treatment of the projecting porticos, the distinctive roofline, and
the decorative ornament found throughout the interior of the sanctuary. Additionally, the original
building is also significant for its important historical associations with the City as it houses
Miami’s oldest Baptist congregation.

The Annex Building and the Parking Lot Property do not meet any criteria for historic
designation and were not analyzed in the Designation Report. Furthermore, the Designation Report
does not provide any evidence to demonstrate that the Annex Building or Parking Lot Property
meet the criteria for designation. In fact, the Designation Report fails to apply the criteria for
historic designation to the Annex Building and the Parking Lot Property because these properties
simply do not meet any criteria for designation. As the Hernandez Report finds, the Annex
Building and the Parking Lot Property are ordinary works of expedience which detract from the
historic significance of the original church building and were inappropriately included within the
historic site boundary. As such, the historic designation boundaries should be amended to include
only the Church Property.
In addition to not meeting any criteria for historic designation, the Annex Building and the
Parking Lot Property do not meet the exception for the designation of religious properties. Section
23-4(b) provides that religious properties “shall not be considered eligible for listing in the Miami
register of historic places” even if they meet the criteria for designation unless they derive “primary
significance from architectural or artistic distinction or historical importance.” 1 It is undisputed
that the original church building derives its primary significance from architectural distinction and
historical importance. However, the Annex Building and the Parking Lot have no architectural or
artistic distinction or historical importance from which to derive their primary importance. 2 As
provided in the Hernandez Report, the Annex Building is a poor imitation of the Neo-Classical
style of the original church building designed by architects of little or no prominence two decades
following the construction of the original church structure. The Annex Building and the Parking

1
According to the National Park Service’s National Register Bulletin 15, the religious property exception applies to
properties constructed by a religious institution.
2
It appears that the only reason why the Annex Building and the Parking Lot Property were included in the Designation
Report may have been because they were owned by, and associated with, the Church at the time of designation.
However, Section 23-4(b) and the National Register Bulletins strictly prohibit historic designation of religious
properties based primarily on their religious significance.

GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP  ATTORNEYS AT LAW  WWW.GTLAW.COM

3
Warren Adams
Central Baptist Church
PZ-19-2908
May 16, 2019

Lot Property have no architectural or artistic distinction or historical importance and should not be
included in this otherwise meritorious Designation Report.

IV. Request and Conclusion

The proposed amendment to the Designation Report will highlight the historical
importance of the original church building. This historic church building has called Downtown
Miami home for more than ninety years. This beautiful building with its impressive cupola is an
excellent expression of Neo-Classical architecture and is closely associated with the City’s growth
and history. On the other hand, the adjacent Annex Building was built in 1946 and reflects a poor
attempt at imitating the true Neo-Classical style of the original church building. By poorly using
some modified Neo-Classical features and inappropriately grafting these on to a 1946 structure,
the Annex Building actually diminishes the historic prominence of the historic church building.

The Applicant requests a revision of the historic designation boundaries to give prominence
to the masterful Central Baptist Church building and distinguish it from ordinary structures with
no historic value which were inappropriately included within the Designation Report. As
summarized above and in the enclosed documents, the requested amendment to the Designation
Report complies with the criteria set forth in Section 23-4 of the City Code and should be approved.
If you require any additional information or would like to discuss this request further, please
contact me at 305-579-0578. Thank you for your attention and favorable consideration of this
matter.

Sincerely,

Carlos R. Lago

Enclosures

GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP  ATTORNEYS AT LAW  WWW.GTLAW.COM

4
 CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH
HISTORICAL IMAGES

HISTORICAL IMAGES FOUND AT THE HISTORY MIAMI RESEARCH CENTER

CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORICAL IMAGE, 1927, OF THE CORNER OF (Fig. I)
HISTORIC SANCTUARY, 1926 N.E. 5TH ST AND N.E. 1ST AVENUE
CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORICAL IMAGE, 1922, LOOKING (Fig. II)
SECOND SANCTUARY, NORTHWEST FROM N.E. 1ST AVENUE
DEMOLISHED 1925 - 1926
ANDREA PALLADIO, 1580 VILLA ROTONDA (Fig. III)
ANDREA PALLADIO, 1580 VILLA ROTONDA – FLOOR PLAN (Fig. IV)
CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORICAL IMAGE LOOKING NORTHEAST (Fig. V)
HISTORIC SANCTUARY, 1926 FROM N.E. 5TH STREET
CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH INTERIOR OF WORSHIP SPACE, (Fig. VI)
HISTORIC SANCTUARY, 1926 FROM CITY OF MIAMI DESIGNATION REPORT 10 / 27/ 98
CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH INTERIOR OF BASEMENT LEVEL, (Fig. VII)
HISTORIC SANCTUARY, 1926 FROM CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH
CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH AUDITORIUM FLOOR PLAN, (Fig. VIII)
HISTORIC SANCTUARY, 1926 FROM CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH
CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH BALCONY FLOOR PLAN, (Fig. IX)
HISTORIC SANCTUARY, 1926 FROM CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH
CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH RENDERING OF ANNEX, 1946, LOOKING (Fig. X)
HISTORIC SANCTUARY, 1926 SOUTHWEST FROM N.E. 1ST AVENUE
CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH ANNEX BUILDING, NORTH AND EAST FACADES (Fig. XI)
HISTORIC SANCTUARY, 1926 FACING N.E. 6th ST AND PARKING LOT
CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH ANNEX BUILDING, NORTH FAÇADE FACING N.E. 6th ST (Fig. XII)
HISTORIC SANCTUARY, 1926
CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH ANNEX BUILDING, EAST FAÇADE FACING N.E. 1st AVE (Fig. XIII)
HISTORIC SANCTUARY, 1926
CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH ANNEX BUILDING, EAST FAÇADE FACING N.E. 1st AVE (Fig. XIV)
HISTORIC SANCTUARY, 1926
CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH ANNEX BUILDING, EAST FAÇADE FACING N.E. 1st AVE (Fig. XV)
HISTORIC SANCTUARY, 1926
CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH ANNEX BUILDING, DETAIL OF RUSTICATION (Fig. XVI)
HISTORIC SANCTUARY, 1926
CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH ANNEX BUILDING, DETAIL OF RUSTICATION (Fig. XVII)
HISTORIC SANCTUARY, 1926
CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH ANNEX BUILDING, CORNER OF EAST AND NORTH FACADES (Fig. XVIII)
HISTORIC SANCTUARY, 1926
CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH ANNEX BUILDING, ABUTTING THE PARTI WALL (Fig. XIX)
HISTORIC SANCTUARY, 1926 OF HISTORIC 1926 CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH
CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORICAL IMAGE, 1950, LOOKING (Fig. XX)
ANNEX, 1946 SOUTHWEST FROM N.E. 1ST AVENUE
References

Book
Reiner, Martha L. (1996), Belief in The City, A History of Central Baptist Church. Miami:
Centennial Press.

Journals
“Central Baptist Church: From Dirt-Floored Tent to Majestic Sanctuary”, Miami Herald, 24 July
1971, p. 4-B.

“Sewall Helped Form Baptist Church”, Miami News, 10 November 1984, p. 4-C.

“Miami’s First Baptist Church”, Tropic Magazine, January 1926, p. 14; “Church to Rise”, Miami
Herald, 11 April 1925; and “First in South”, Miami Herald, 7 May 1925.

“Keeping the Church in the Downtown Section Long a Problem”, Miami Herald, 19 April 1925.

“Twelve Skyscrapers Being Built Here”, The Miamian, November 1925, p. 14.

“Work Begins on $500,000 Baptist Church for Flock that First Worshipped in Tent”, The
Miamian, April 1927, p. 6.

“Tram Tax May Move Churches Out of Downtown”, Miami Herald, 4 September 1982, p. 20-A.

Archives
City of Miami, Building and Zoning Department, Building Plans on Microfilm, Roll 14, Plan M-
18.

History Miami Museum, Archives and Research Center. Miami News Photographs Collection and
Post Card Collection.

Designation Reports
Report of the City of Miami Planning and Zoning Dept. Preservation Officer to the Heritage
Conservation Board Historic and Environmental Preservation Board on the Potential
Designation of Central Baptist Church, Dade County, Florida. 10/27/1998.

United States Department of the Interior National Park Services, National Register of Historic
Places Inventory, Nomination, Central Baptist Church. 1/4/1989.
 REPORT TO THE CITY OF MIAMI

HISTORIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION BOARD

ON THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE

DESIGNATION REPORT OF THE

CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH

500 N.E. 1st AVENUE

Prepared by Jorge L. Hernandez

Introduction

The Central Baptist Church is submitting this application to revise the boundaries of its historic
designation to encompass only the property that is currently owned by the church and which contains
the original church structure, located at 500 NE 1st Avenue, Miami, Florida (identified by Miami-
Dade County Folio No. 01-0106-030-1010). The Church is requesting to revise the boundaries of its
historic designation to include only the historically significant structure on the site and remove the
portions of the site that do not meet the criteria for historic designation, as set forth in Section 23-4 of
the City of Miami Code of Ordinances (namely the Annex Building built in 1946 and located directly
north on the original church and a small surface parking area located west of the original church
structure).

Background

Designed by Dougherty and Gardner Architects of Nashville, Tennessee, the original 1926 structure
(Fig. I) is an excellent example of Neo Classical Revival architecture and exhibits unique and
distinctive planning characteristics exceptional in design. Edward Emmett Dougherty, the firm’s lead
designer, had a prolific career which included the design of numerous civic buildings many of which
are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The historic 1926 church is the third structure to house Miami’s oldest Baptist congregation. The
original building for the Central Baptist Church congregation was a wooden structure, built on nearby
land donated by Henry Flagler. The second building was built in masonry on the current site (Fig.
II). It was centrally planned but smaller in scale and less accomplished in design than the existing
1926 historic building. This second structure was demolished in 1925 to make way for a larger
project, the congregation’s third house of worship, consisting of a new church and an office building,
23 stories in height. The decision to build a new sanctuary and a 23 story tower, was a commitment
to remain downtown in spite of the rapid growth of suburbs towards the west. The parti wall on the
north side of the 1926 historic building hints at the possible location of the office tower, which was
abandoned after the Florida real estate bust, late in 1926.
1
The Historic 1926 Central Baptist Church

Sited on the corner of N.E. 5th Street and 1st Avenue, the building (Fig. I) is a four story block, square
in plan, whose elevations are subdivided in three horizontal zones: a rusticated base, a “piano nobile”
capped by a prominent cornice, and a zone that includes an attic frieze, roof and lantern. The Church’s
east and south twin facades address the street corner and identical arcuated monumental porticos are
symmetrically disposed on each of these two faces. This composition is organized around a diagonal
axis forming a crescendo from the street corner up the body of the building to the cupola and lantern
above. Mirror imagery and symmetry prevail. The design is inspired by Andrea Palladio’s Villa
Rotunda, 1580, (Fig’s. III and IV) here adapted and embedded into an urban block of downtown
Miami. Erudite referencing of historical architecture of the distant past is the central tenant of the
revival architecture of 19th and early 20th century eclecticism, a period typified by the design of this
building.

2
The exterior (Fig. V) architectural elements: the recessed panels of the attic frieze with garland swags
over casement windows, the triptic of recessed arches between engaged Ionic columns in the porticos,
the corbels in the entablature frieze of the porticos, and the rustication at the base are inspired by the
late works of Raphael, the work of Gulio Romano, Michaelangelo and Andrea Palladio. These
architects contributed to the Late Renaissance style known as Italian Mannerism, which lasted from
the sack of Rome (1527) to the Counter Reformation. Elements of that style are incorporated into the
design of the facades of the 1926 Central Baptist Church structure.

Inside, (Fig. VI) approached by both south and east porticos, entryways lead upwards to the sacred
space, a centrally planned rotunda elevated from the ground floor to the piano nobile level, well
above the street. The rotunda is majestic, beautifully ornamented and finished by a dome, where near
3
its spring point a ring of ocular windows draws a celestial light from all quarters of the sky into the
worship space, capped by a lantern. The interior of the rotunda, adorned with the colosseum motif,
is inspired by French Neoclassical sensibilities and recalls the architecture of the Ecole des Beau
Arts, where Dougherty trained after attending the School of Architecture at Cornell University.

The 1926 Central Baptist Church is exceptional in its planning. Autonomous and self sufficient, the
structure houses all the congregation’s various needs into one constructive unit, under one roof, with
the worship space at as its nucleus. The ground floor (Fig. VII) housed support spaces for the
congregation: a gymnasium, locker rooms, classrooms, meeting rooms, clinic, etc. The upper plans,
composed as a circular room within a cubic volume accommodates additional support spaces: offices,
choir room, additional classrooms, etc., lodged between the rotunda, and the exterior walls of the
second and third floors (Fig’s. VIII and IX). These spaces are lit by oversized casement windows
which occur on the piano nobile level of the façade, while the rotunda is lit only from the ocular
windows and lantern above. This compositional strategy harkens back to antiquity, to a time honored
iconographic tradition of planning sacred space as a sphere inside a cube (Fig’s. III and IV). Vested
with iconographic symbolism, this is a traditional plan typology for Christian churches, mosques and
antique temples. The Pantheon in Rome, Hagia Sofia in Istanbul and the original Bramante plan for
St. Peters in Rome being among the most iconic examples.

4
5
The Annex Building

In 1946, an Annex to the Central Baptist Church structure was constructed just to the north,
abutting the north parti wall of the historic Church. The Annex Building is identified by Miami-
Dade County Folio No. 01-0106-030-1012 (the “Annex”). The Annex included additional class
room spaces for the congregation. Although no architectural sets of plans were found in the City’s
archives for the Annex, a rendering (Fig. X) of the front of the building was found in the book
titled Belief in The City: A History of Central Baptist Church by Martha L. Reiner with Donna
Knowles Born. The names of architect’s Loyd Frank Vann, AIA and John M. Lyell, AIA are
included in the lower left corner of the drawing. The building is an undistinguished (Fig. XI) three
story structure with factory style awning windows dispersed on all facades (Fig. XII). The building
is devoid of character. The interiors are utilitarian and functional. However, on the east façade of
the Annex (Fig’s. XIII and XIV), the rusticated base of the Church building was extended across
the façade which includes a classically ornamented doorway, though not of the same pedigree as
the (Fig. XV) Mannerist details of the historic building. This extended rustication stops abruptly
at the corner, a thin and gratuitous gesture. The window style follows the awning pattern, typical
of the midcentury, as seen in the rest of the Annex facades, instead of the casement windows of
the historic Church. More importantly, the modulation of window openings is lacking classical
symmetry. This irregular distribution results in an incongruity with the historic east façade of the
1926 building. This is most evident by the unusual pattern of Jack arches (Fig’s. XVI and XVII)
and rustication resulting in the lack of rhythm in window placement along the wall.

6
7
8
9
The Annex building does not possess the architectural or aesthetic significance of the 1926 structure.
Mr. Vann and Mr. Lyell never acquired the reputation of accomplished architectural masters like
Dougherty and Gardner. The Annex is not of historical significance. Although the cast stone door way
is a fine piece of architectural detailing grafted onto the façade, it is incongruous with the remainder
of the east façade of the Annex which appears from the corner to be a false front common to the
architecture of gold rush main street towns in the West (Fig. XVIII). The references to classicism are
a feeble attempt to enjoin the Annex to the Dougherty and Gardner design, which by adjacency only
heightens the lack of distinction of the Annex east façade (Fig’s. XIX and XX). When considered by
itself, the incongruity of the east façade to the architecture of the remaining facades of the Annex the
result is a composition disjointed in nature and lacking a uniformity of style.

10
11
Criteria for Designation of Religious Properties

Section 23-4 of the City Code provides that properties may be designated as historic resources only if
they have significance in the historical, cultural, archaeological, paleontological, aesthetic, or
architectural heritage of the city, state, or nation; possess integrity of design, setting, materials,
workmanship, feeling, and association; and meet one or more of the criteria listed therein.

With regards to the designation of religious properties, as pertains to the Central Baptist Church site,
Section 23-4(b) provides that religious properties “shall not be considered eligible for listing in the
Miami register of historic places” even if they meet the general criteria for designation unless they
derive “primary significance from architectural or artistic distinction or historical importance.”

It is clear that the original 1926 church building meets the criteria for designation and derives its
primary significance from architectural and artistic distinction and historical importance. It is also clear
that the Annex Building and the portion of surface parking lot being proposed for exclusion do not
meet the criteria for designation and do not derive their primary significance from architectural or
artistic distinction or historical importance. As such, the historic designation boundaries should be
amended to include only the original 1926 Central Baptist Church structure.

According to the Designation Reports of the National Register of Historic Places (1/4/1989) and to the
City of Miami (10/27/1998, Ord. 10496), the original Central Baptist Church structure has significance
in the historical, architectural heritage of the City and possesses integrity of design, setting, materials,
workmanship, feeling, and association and meets criteria 3, 5 and 7 as listed below:

3. Exemplifies the historical, cultural, political, economic, or social trends of

the community.

Central Baptist Church is significant for its important historical

associations with the City’s history. The building houses Miami’s oldest
Baptist congregation.
12
 5. Embodies those distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style, or
period, or method of construction.

Central Baptist Church represents an excellent expression of the Neo-

Classical (Revival) style of architecture.

7. Contains elements of design, detail, materials or craftsmanship of

outstanding quality or which represent a significant innovation or adaptation
to the South Florida environment.

The building is particularly noteworthy for its distinctive planning and

architecture, as seen in the treatment of the projecting porticos, the
distinctive roofline, and the decorative ornament found throughout the
interior of the sanctuary.

Both designation reports applied the designation criteria to the original church structure but failed to
apply the criteria to the Annex. Both reports include only a passing reference to the Annex as an
afterthought. Neither document puts forth a substantial or competent argument that explains why the
Annex and the surface parking area were included in the original site boundary even though such
evidence is a requirement of both the National Register and Chapter 23 of the City Code.
Additionally, neither report explains how the Annex building derives its primary significance from
architectural or artistic distinction or is significant in historical importance to the City. The reason
this evidence is not provided in the designation reports is because it is not evident.

The 1946 Annex building and the surface parking area do not meet the criteria for designation of
religious properties. The Annex building and the and the surface parking area were never analyzed
for compliance with the City of Miami and the National Register criteria for designation of religious
properties because they did not and do not meet said criteria. Nonetheless, both the Annex building
and the surface parking area were erroneously included in the initial designation report.

It appears that the only reason why the Annex Building and the surface parking area were included
in the original designation report is because, at the time, the Annex and the small surface parking lot
were owned by, and associated with, the Church. However, Section 23-4(b) of the City Code and the
National Register strictly restrict the historic designation of religious properties. As previously
stated, to qualify for designation, a religious property must derive its primary significance from
architectural or artistic distinction or historical importance at the local, state or federal level. The
Annex building poorly imitates the Neo-Classical revival style of the original 1926 Church. In this,
the incongruity of the east façade with the remainder of the design, relegates the totality of the
structure as lacking in artistic integrity and unity. It was designed by architects of little or no
prominence two decades following the construction of the original 1926 Church. The Annex
Building and the surface parking area have no architectural or artistic distinction or historical
importance and should not be included in the otherwise meritorious Central Baptist Church
designation report. It is for these reasons that we request the revising of the boundary of this historic
designation to disassociate the masterful Central Baptist Church building from ordinary works of
expedience with no historic value which were inappropriately included within the historic site
boundary.

13
References

Book
Reiner, Martha L. (1996), Belief in The City, A History of Central Baptist Church. Miami:
Centennial Press.

Journals
“Central Baptist Church: From Dirt-Floored Tent to Majestic Sanctuary”, Miami Herald, 24 July
1971, p. 4-B.

“Sewall Helped Form Baptist Church”, Miami News, 10 November 1984, p. 4-C.

“Miami’s First Baptist Church”, Tropic Magazine, January 1926, p. 14; “Church to Rise”, Miami
Herald, 11 April 1925; and “First in South”, Miami Herald, 7 May 1925.

“Keeping the Church in the Downtown Section Long a Problem”, Miami Herald, 19 April 1925.

“Twelve Skyscrapers Being Built Here”, The Miamian, November 1925, p. 14.

“Work Begins on $500,000 Baptist Church for Flock that First Worshipped in Tent”, The Miamian,
April 1927, p. 6.

“Tram Tax May Move Churches Out of Downtown”, Miami Herald, 4 September 1982, p. 20-A.

Archives
City of Miami, Building and Zoning Department, Building Plans on Microfilm, Roll 14, Plan M-18.

History Miami Museum, Archives and Research Center. Miami News Photographs Collection and
Post Card Collection.

Designation Reports
Report of the City of Miami Planning and Zoning Dept. Preservation Officer to the Heritage
Conservation Board Historic and Environmental Preservation Board on the Potential
Designation of Central Baptist Church, Dade County, Florida. 10/27/1998.

United States Department of the Interior National Park Services, National Register of Historic Places
Inventory, Nomination, Central Baptist Church. 1/4/1989.

14
JLH JORGE L. HERNANDEZ ARCHITECT
Jorge L. Hernandez, PA Principal

Education:
• University of Virginia –1985 M. Arch.
• University of Miami –1980 B Arch.

Academic
• Full Professor, University of Miami School of Architecture, 1987 to present
• Adjunct Professor, University of Virginia School of Architecture, 1985 – 1987

Professional Practice:
• Jorge L. Hernandez Architect, P.A., Principal 1987 - present

Membership and Professional Service:

• Registered Architect: Florida (9843), Virginia 0401005765, NCARB 49371
• Vice Chairman, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Board of Trustees (2011 - 2014 )
• Trustee, National Trust for Historic Preservation (2008-2011)
• Member State of Florida Historic Site Marker Committee (2008- 2011)
• Advisor, Dade Heritage Trust (2012 – )
• Member, American Institute of Architects, Miami Chapter (2010 - )
• Trustee & Vice President, Dade Heritage Trust (2007 - 2012)
• Vice-Chair, Florida Historical Commission, January 2003 – December 2003
• Member, State of Florida Historic Preservation Advisory Council, Fall 1999-2002 (Chair, 2001-2002)
• Florida Trust for Historic Preservation Board of Trustees, 2001 - 2004
• Member, Miami Circle Planning Committee, in conjunction with U.S. Gov. 2001 – 2004
• Member, Coral Gables Planning & Zoning Board, 2001 – 2003
• Chairman Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board, 1998 – 1999
• Member, Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board, 1996 – 1998

Awards:
• Venice Biennale 2018, European Cultural Center; “Space, Time, Existence” Exhibition. Palazzo Bembo, Venice,
Italy, 2018
• Inst. of Classical Architecture and Art, Addison Mizner Award in Civic Design for the Resotration and addition of
the Coral Gables Museum, 2018.
• Dade Heritage Trust Outstanding Restoration and Adaptive Reuse of an Historic site, Coral Gables Museum,
Coral Gables, 2011
• Florida Trust for Historic Preservation Award in Recognition of Outstanding Achievement in the Field of
Restoration/Rehabilitation, Coral Gables Museum, 2011
• Florida Trust for Historic Preservation Award in Recognition of Outstanding Achievement in the Field of
Restoration/Rehabilitation, Phineas Paist’s Art Center & Architectural Headquarters/Old Spanish Village Sales
Center, Coral Gables, 2009
• Dade Heritage Trust Outstanding Renovation of an Historic Site, Phineas Paist’s Art Center & Architectural
Headquarters / Old Spanish Village Sales Center, Coral Gables, 2008
• 40 UNDER 40, 1995
• Williamsburg James City County Courthouse Competition, 1995: First Place, design executed November 1999
• Orovitz Award for documentation of small houses of Coral Gables, 1992
• Brickell Bridge Competition: First Place Design executed, Downtown Miami, FL, 1991
• Orovitz Award for study and publication of the Governor’s Green in Williamsburg, VA, 1990
• Dade County School Board, 50-year Anniversary Design Competition, Honorable Mention, 1985
• Cintas, Fellowship in Architecture, 1983-1984
• AIA Design Award, Gingras Dental Center, 1983

337 Palermo Avenue │ Coral Gables, Florida 33134 │ tel 305.774.0022 │ fax 305.774.0055 │ www.jlharchitect.com
JLH JORGE L. HERNANDEZ ARCHITECT
Jorge L. Hernandez, PA Principal

Selected Projects:

The firm has completed over 60 civic, resort, master-planning and custom residential projects (list available upon
request). The following is a representative sample list:

• Trinity Chapel at Palmer Trinity Episcopal School

7900 S.W. 176 Street, Miami, FL 33157
A new 600 seat, 11,000 SF chapel at the epicenter of New Campus.
• Miami Beach Community Church
1620 Drexel Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Restoration of the campus Sanctuary by Walter De Garmo (1919) and, the design of the campus master plan
featuring a network of green spaces that link historic buildings.
• Chapel of Our Lady, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
500 SW 127 Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
A new 600 seat, 14,000 SF chapel.
• Central Courtyard for Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
500 SW 127 Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
Reorganization and renovation of the central courtyard.
• Chapel of the Asumption, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
500 SW 127 Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
Renovation of a small m id-century chapel.
• Paseo de la Riviera
1350 South Dixie Highway, Coral Gables, FL 33146
Master Plan and architectural design of Paseo de la Riviera, a mixed-use transit oriented development project
including a 252 key hotel, a 236 unit apartment building and 30,000 square feet of retail space.
• Coral Gables Museum
285 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Restoration and adaptive reuse of the National Register listed historic Police and Fire Station, now to serve as the
Coral Gables Museum and Archive. This also includes the design of a new gallery, public loggia and piazza for the
City lot north of the building consisting of a masonry, stucco, and coral stone building. This preservation project was
developed with LEED certification.
• Old Spanish Village
2901 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL 33134
Master plan for 7 acre mixed-use development in the Historic Craft Section of Coral Gables including the design of
existing and proponed parks, park structures, and historic renovation of 1925 Art & Architecture Center.
• Saint Philips Episcopal Church and School
1142 Coral Way, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Master Plan and architectural design of Saint Philips Episcopal Church and School classrooms, labs, and
library/media center.
• Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Day School
3439 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Campus master planning and programming, design and full architectural services for a 25,000 S.F. class room
building in a historic and environmentally sensitive campus in Coconut Grove.
• Temple Judea
5500 Granada Blvd., Coral Gables, FL 33146
Remodeling and addition to Synagogue originally designed by Morris Lapidus. Planning, programming, design,
interiors and full architectural and construction administration services.
• Williamsburg James City County Courthouse
5201 Monticello Avenue, Williamsburg, VA 23188
90,000 S.F. courthouse for Williamsburg and James City County in Williamsburg,Virginia, a historical setting
of national significance. Planning, programming, design and interiors for a new county courthouse in Williamsburg,
Virginia.

337 Palermo Avenue │ Coral Gables, Florida 33134 │ tel 305.774.0022 │ fax 305.774.0055 │ www.jlharchitect.com
JLH JORGE L. HERNANDEZ ARCHITECT
Jorge L. Hernandez, PA Principal

Publications / Exhibitions:

• Venice Biennale 2018, European Cultural Center; “Space, Time, Existence” Exhibition. Palazzo Bembo, Venice,
Italy, 2018
• Arc Magazine. “Balancing Act” (by Matt Waring), March 2019.
• Hernandez, Jorge, L., “Durability, Stewardship & Sustainability: The Coral Gables Museum Durability in
Construction,” in Durability in Construction, ed. R. Economakis (Great Britain: Papadakis, 2015), 118-127.
• People Saving Places, Preservation, The Magazine of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “Miami
Romance, Saving South Florida’s Iconic Marine Stadium” (by Carlos Harrison), Spring 2013.
• Forum Journal. “Miami Marine Stadium: Making the Case for Exceptional Significance” (by Jorge L. Hernandez),
Vol. 26, No. 1, Fall 2011.
• Veranda. “Play of Light, South Florida Mediterranean” (Linda E. Clopton), October 2008.
• Hernandez, Jorge, L., in A Decade of Art & Architecture 1992 – 2002, Intro by Robert A. M. Stern, The Institute of
Classical Architecture, 2002. 149-151
• Florida Architecture. “An American Country Classic” (by Jo Werne), 66th Edition, August 2002.
• Casas / Houses, Jorge L. Hernandez: Miami. Kliczkowski Publisher, CP67, February 2002.
• Architectural Digest. “Architecture: Cuban Classicism – Jorge L. Hernandez Draws on His
Heritage in Florida (by Victoria Newhouse), May 1999.
• Casas International: Miami. Kliczkowski Publisher, CP67, January 1999.
• Florida Architecture. “Romantic Retreat in Coconut Grove (by Roberta Klein), 59th Edition, January 1999.
• Florida Architecture. “Utopian Lake House” (by Roberta Klein), 57th Edition, 1997.
• The Classicists, “Portfolio…Competitions.” W. Brockschmidt. No. 3, 1997.
• “Trienale Di Architectura” Milan, Italy (1996) and Istanbul (April 1996). United Nations Habitat
• Conference & Exhibition
• “Cities of the New Renaissance”: (Exhibitor & Lecturer). University of Bologna, Italy. 1996.
• Urban Renaissance. “Inside a…Garden-Cities.” G.Tagliaventi Ed., 1996.
• Between Two Towers: The Drawings of the School of Miami. Vincent Scully with Jorge Hernandez
Catherine Lynn and Teofilo Victoria, 1996.
• Architecture. “On the Boards, Williamsburg Courthouse”, March 1996.
• Architectural Record. “Historic Town…Courthouse”, March 1996.
• Competitions. “Back to Behrens?” Spring 1996. Archi & Colonne. “The Renaissance in the
Countryside”, October, 1996.
• Casas Internacional: American Houses; Kliczkowski Publisher, CP67, April 1996.
• Miami, Trends and Traditions. Beth Dunlop and Roberto Schezen, 1996.
• “The Art of Building Cities”: Chicago Art Institute: Chicago, IL. July 1995.
• 40 Under 40 Beverly Russel, 1995.
• Metropolitan Home.” 40 Under 40”, December 1995.
• Interiors. “40 Under 40”. September 1995.
• Florida Architecture. “Adapting Pallacio…Environment.” R. Klein. 55th Ed., 1995.
• Art + Architecture= Miami”: Museum of Contemporary Art; N. Miami Beach, Fl. 1994.
• New City II. J.F. LeJeune, Ed. “Williamsburg: The Geesis of a Republican Civic Order from Under
the Shadows of the Catalpas.” J.L. Hernandez, 1993-94.
• Miami: Architecture of the Tropics. M. Culot and J.F. LeJeune, Ed., Center for the Fine Arts,
Miami and Archives D” Architecture Moderne, Brussels, 1993.
• “Miami, Architecture in the Tropics”: Archive D’ Architecture Moderne: Brussels, 1992.
• Architectural Record. “A Small Restudy of Regionalism.” Charles Gandee, October, 1982.

337 Palermo Avenue │ Coral Gables, Florida 33134 │ tel 305.774.0022 │ fax 305.774.0055 │ www.jlharchitect.com