In a recent government meeting, the Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board addressed a contentious case regarding the roof of a historic property located at 1801 Cordova Street. The property, a contributing resource within the Obispo Avenue Historic District, was the subject of an application for a special certificate of appropriateness after the installation of an S tile roof, which was not in accordance with the originally approved permit for a barrel tile roof.

The discussion revealed a series of miscommunications and procedural errors that led to the current predicament. The roofing company, represented by Arthur Winborn, acknowledged that the initial permit application was ambiguous, leading to the installation of S tile instead of the specified barrel tile. Despite the confusion, the city’s approval process failed to include the historic preservation review on a subsequent permit revision, which allowed the installation to proceed without proper oversight.

Homeowner Lauren Fine expressed her frustration, detailing the urgency of replacing the roof due to leaks and mold, especially as she was pregnant and had a toddler at home. She emphasized that the S tile was a direct replacement of the existing tile, which had been in place prior to the home’s historic designation. Fine criticized the city for approving a contradictory permit and highlighted the emotional and financial toll the situation had taken on her family.

Board members debated the implications of allowing the S tile to remain, with some expressing sympathy for the homeowners while others stressed the importance of adhering to historic preservation standards. The board has previously allowed exceptions for financial hardship cases, but in this instance, no such argument was presented.

As the meeting progressed, suggestions were made to potentially allow a compromise, such as permitting a starter course of barrel tile with the rest being S tile. However, concerns were raised about the aesthetic impact and the precedent it might set for future cases.

Ultimately, the board is faced with the challenge of balancing the preservation of Coral Gables' historic character with the practical realities faced by homeowners. The decision on whether to allow the S tile roof to remain or require its replacement with barrel tile is pending, with the board considering the broader implications for historic preservation in the community.