Loading...
Designation Report - FMSF l 'e„ it PRESS RELEASE MISSING MIZNERS UNCOVERED MARINA DISTRICT FEATURES THREE CLASSICS • Three of Addison Mizner ' s first homes designed for •Boca Raton ' s earliest developments have been discovered in Delray Beach' s proposed Marina Historic District. Floated up the Intracoastal Waterway on barges during the 1930s - 1940s, these structures represent a valuable architectural and cultural footprint. 707 NE 1st Street was designed by Mizner for Spanish Village which predates his Old Floresta development. Built by Harry Vought & Co. ,Inc (who also built Palm Beach's Via Mizner and Via Parigi) , these modest Spanish bungalows were the Mizner Development Company 's first Boca Raton houses. "There were only 19 built, with 16 'still remaining in Boca, the Howard 's home could very well be one of the Lost Mizners" , stated Donald Curl, author of the acclaimed book. on Mizner ' s work. "The two Spanish town- homes at 46 and 48 Marine Way were probably part of Mizner ' s development where Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club has now been built, " Dr. Curl added, "They were the earliest designs in Mizner ' s Boca Raton. " . 46-48 Marine Way were built by the Drucker Company in 1925, and were meant to be part :of a community of 100 homes until the Mizner Development Company went into receivership. They were originally set as "Gems of Beauty . in :the shadow of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel" (now the Boca Raton Hotel and Club) . • During the 1930s , Delray Beach served as a resting point for other Boca Raton homes which were settled in the Palm Trail area. Moving houses was a prime activity during the Depression when building materials were expensive and difficult to find. I , Missing Mizners Uncovered Page 2 "These three discoveries givethe Marina District a special aura, and a distinctive irreplaceable importance" , stated Patricia Healy, Chairman of the Historic Preservation Board. "We hope the entire community will share our sense of celebration in these missing links . Mizners 'have materialized in our own backyard! " . Pat .Cayce, recently appointedAPreservation Planner for the City of Delray Beach stated , "The Marina District' s resources are an invaluable heritage and merit further research and documentation. " t • ,; N. ' ! I i ii i ri I It. Ins --«, .! T..I• i It.l I '( . • DESIGNATION REPORT • MARINA HISTORIC DISTRICT I. PURPOSE. I I . LOCATION. III . DISTRICT INVENTORY.. IV. HISTORICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE. V. PRESENT USE, CONDITION AND' ZONING. VI . IMPACT. VII. RESOLUTION. Delray Beach Historic Preservation Board October 19, 1988, CITY' OF DELAIIY BENCH 100 N.W. 1st AVENUE DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA 33444 305/243.7000 • October 14, 1988 Dear Marina District Residents and Property Owners: A number of homeowners including the Palm/Square Marine Way Homeowners Association have expressed an interest in designating the Marina area as an Historic District. The Historic Preservation Board has researched' the history and architectural significance of the proposed area, and has voted to designate this historic area, pursuant to chapter 174 of the City of Delray Beach Code of Ordinances as an Historic District. This Designation Report is submitted for your information and review. This designation will not prevent ordinary maintenance and repairs of any house that does not change the publicly visible design of the house or change construction materials. Once designated, approval for alteration or repairs to a structure would be made through the Historic Preservation Board. The Board has the authority to grant varinances for properties within Historic Districts. A public Hearing will be held by the Historic Preservation Board on October 27, 1988, at 7:00 p.m. at Delray Beach City Hall, First Floor Conference Room, for the purpose of obtaining public input on the proposed designation of the Marina Area as an Historic Distict. You are cordially invited to attend this meeting and comment on the designation. If you have any questions, please contact Dorothy Ellington at 243-7280. Sincerely, c:TgLtc4414;411pi..) • Patricia Healy, Chairman Delray Beach Historic Preservation Board PH:ep • THE EFFORT AL''JAYS MATTERS , 1 CITY OF DELRAY BEACH HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAM DOES! Preserve important buildings in the community. Offer restoration and rehabilitation information to property owners. - Enhance community recognition. Require review of exterior alterations to desig- nated historic properties. - Require review of all demolitions and new con- struction within the boundaries of the City's historic districts. - Improve the economy of the City by promoting tourism and interest in the City's architecture and history. - . Stabilize and improve property values in historic neighborhoods. - Welcome new construction in historic districts and provide design guidelines for new structures. DOES NOT: - Affect interior changes to a house or building. Usurp, individual property rights . - Affect tax assessments or existing zoning levels . Require a building to open to the public. - Restrict ordinary maintenance. - Require restoration of a building . Demand the purchase of a historical sign. MARINA HISTORIC DISTRICT I. PURPOSE The Purpose of the Marina Historic District is to: A. Provide a legal framework and incentive for protecting the significant historic buildings and natural resources in the Marina area. B. Accentuate the existing structures with design guidelines for complimentary alterations or new construction. C. To spotlight the civic contributions by National Register architects Sam Ogren, Sr. , Gustav Maass, John Volk, and Gulfstream's Henry Pope. D. Encourage community pride in Delray Beach's rich and interesting architecture, street scapes, flora and culture. II. LOCATION The Marina Historic District is bounded by East Atlantic Avenue on the north; S.E. 4th. Street on the south; the Intracoastal Waterway on the east. The western boundary is as follows; S.E. 7th. Avenue from E. Atlantic Avenue, south to S.E. 1st. Street (excluding lots 12 through 21 in block 125) , west on S.E. 1st. Street to the alley in the middle of block 118, south through block 119 and the east half of block 120. III. DISTRICT INVENTORY A. The Marina Historic District is comprised of: 1. Contributing Buildings 51 2. Non-Contributing Buildings 45 B. The Contributing Buildings were built in: 1. 1922 - 1938 40 2. 1939 - 1943 11 C. The 50 Contributing Buildings represent the following architectural styles: 1. Art Moderne 2 2. Colonial Revival 2 3. Bungalow 2 4. Vernacular 3 . 5. Mediterranean Revival 14 6. Cottage 23 7. Monterey 2 8. Mission 3 Marina Historic District Page Two IV. HISTORIC AND ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE The Marina Historic District's 51 contributing buildings were constructed between 1922 and 1943. Focused on the 50 year old Delray Beach City Marina and highlighted by beautiful old Florida tropical landscapes and Royal Palms, this district features single family homes, apartments, a church, and commercial buildings. Mediterranean Revival, Mission, Monterey, Cottages and Art Moderne are the principal architectural styles. There are excellent examples of each. Located along the west bank of the Intracoastal Waterway; this prominent neighborhood showcases some of the area's most accomplished architects. The Boyd Building included artist studios and nearby clusters of cottages served as homes for the Artist & Writer's Colony during the 1930's. The human scale and dimensions provide a walking street scape. Prominent American industrialists built winter homes around the Marina where Gulfstream residents also docked their yachts for the season. District attractions include: 1. The Presidential, 700 E. Atlantic Avenue, built in 1940, Henry Pope, Architect, style Art Moderne. 2. The Boyd Building, 840 E. Atlantic Avenue, built in 1939, Gustav Maass, Architect, with 1981 Renovation award to Architect Robert Currie. This was the most progressive structure built on Atlantic Avenue before WWII. It featured retail, offices and the town's first penthouse apartment. Styled in the oceanliner silhouette of the Art Moderne period, the Boyd Building is one of the most excellent examples of its style between Palm Beach and Miami Beach. 3. The Christian Science Church, S.E. 7th. Avenue and S.E. 2nd. Street. Bui'"It in 1942, by the U.S. Government, it served as a chapel at' the U.S. Army Air Force Base in Boca Raton. In 1949, it was • sold, cut in half and moved by truck to the present site. ' Architect Sam Ogren, Sr. designed and executed the beautiful facade and renovation. He called the style Southern Colonial Revival. 4. The Anchorage, 66 Marine Way, built in 1941 and designed by architects Gustav Maass and Sam Ogren, Sr. in the Monterey style. L . e w Marina Historic District Page Three IV. HISTORIC AND ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE (Continued) District attractions include: 5. Marine Villas, 110 Marine Way, built in 1937 and designed by Architect Sam Ogren, Sr. The villas are Mediterranean Revival in style and are in excellent condition. 6. The Fontaine Fox Cottages at 238, 232, 228 and 222 S.E. 7th. Avenue, between S.E. 2nd. and S.E. 3rd. Streets (west side), built in 1937 are excellent examples of the Florida Cottage Style of the time, designed by Architect John Volk. Fontaine Fox, a famous cartoonist and the creator of "Toonerville Trolly", was a notable winter resident of Delray's artist colony. 7. One of the great visual attractions, which enhances the varied architectural styles, both past and present, of the Marina District is its landscape and Royal Palm trees. Part of the District was once the Blank's Nursery, founded early in the century. 8. 48-46 Marine Way (1924c.) Early Mission Style townhouses barged up the Intracoastal in the 1930's from the Boca Raton Hotel. V. PRESENT USE, CONDITION AND ZONING • A. Condition - The condition of the buildings and the neighborhood include: 1. Most of the buildings are well maintained. • 2. Most. of the contributing buildings are unaltered. 3. A11 of the commercial buildings are well maintained with the exception of 714 E. Atlantic Avenue (Patio Delray) , also known as Ostro Building. 4. Good condition but cosmetic repairs needed. B. Current Zoning - 1. Lots fronting on E. Atlantic Avenue and lots 9, 10, 11, 44, 45, 46, 56, 57, 58, 91, 92 and 93 of Palm Square Unrecorded in blocks 125 and 133 are zoned Central Business District. . Marina Historic District Page Four V. PRESENT USE, CONDITION AND ZONING (Continued) B. Current Zoning - 2. The remainder of Palm Square unrecorded and Blocks 126 and the west one half of block 118 is zoned RM10. 3. Block 127 and 128 and the west one half of blocks 119 and 120 are zoned R-1AA. VI. IMPACT The Marina Historic District designation will give confidence and strengthen the resolve of the neighborhood residents preserving the character and unique quality of the historic district. The designation also encourages restoration and preservation of historic buildings. VII. RESOLUTION The Marina area, with its varied building styles and examples of prominent architects of the time, is a composite of Delray Beach from 1922 to 1943. The District's designation and recognition signifies a vital cultural link and provides a continuity and pride of place that are irreplaceable and showcase priceless heritage and natural resources. It is resolved that the Marina Historic District become an Historic District pursuant to Chapter 174 of The City of Delray Beach Code of Ordinances. a ,-... ., i 111. • \z......, ‘...-2., J\-' •6 .. C. ti.; \IV,,,, 03' --I m 1 . .; ..3 z"' o . ...'l E I ,..... .. ... .. -. o - . . • •-• .., -Tv , . .1 ,... , -1 SY. fo• .. - .. .. .. .. 1 .. a Fe ce ti •• .• •• • •• •• •• • $O 0 Or •t. . .. •• a •• 41. _, 6.*,1•• . -.. ....42. 41. •• It. 1415' It 41. .. .. N..E .... r._.......... _.....--sE-- . ••••••••••dminin....-4.1h..-...--. .-,-.. i AVE .i., ,• ...r•••. seL/* . . . ,... ..1.. " " 1-2 ifi.k, -• •••• .. k . ,.."' "..._ • .17.• . . 6. for_ 64. " " X •• ,.. ....... . ..1.. I .. I• 1 0.• I,. .1 4:,.. t......7.... tr. 1 •rr. I . .. N • zi ,...-- o 0 r, i-, X ID " • N . ...:: ••••V: --- I _ - _ _e....._.....•. . , k..7-2- • a) ...• ,...z...,.-- - -,- . -•....--,• _ I '''. 14 ,_• ._. 0 111 * I il Z I .' ... •••t ••••tlo' SI* •• •• .. •• •• ••• 6,* IN* ' I *CI' .• . ... • .. .• . . 61. L.., 64. . .. " . 64. .....„,... .,... ,f.,. . ,.. •. .. I 1111111111111111 . :: 0 us - " I 2 '' 1.. .,......... _ -SE.....-..-. ..-I...- .-,-5 i h......-- ...--...-- AVE OLD DIXIE HWY t. Lt.-( ,.. I )•- .,„,• .• ......, ••__,.ci• - do to,) sa •rz I,,.- -..5 • •'• - • A. tr• 7." 1 r.i .. . .. •T . •. •. (4' '''' 4W .• ''' • •• 44* ••••• --- C ....... •Z• .-. •••••• It' .. 4 •- le : e ef•• k II1.24a I rri PI al .. I 1 ._. 4/.... I rs .4 . %. C k r, up 0 0 ' IA 4 g I ,....- 0 a) • ... ....ii. I 1 I I I :7: 1•• v, ..; -I .. Frit ek -, FN.) II i I -‘4 . -. le ea 6..4. ,i,, Or -0 4 k a I II III It ''''' '''''''' SE•-••• ."--- --"61h•"--•----•••- ' •-•AVE•-• I - - -rr-•-• .--- ..---i ( U S I ) - [ - • " .' a • - ."1 4 . gt. .. '.. "N 46.. - " - . 1- " .. - - ". IA •".-". - ^- - - "I PLUM 0 1,... ..... r ; ik o i -I i. f‘) , •••• PI t I 111011 . ..... "in (4 ra ••,' Z - 1:13 Xi , F ,..,......) ;:s r. - .... . 1 CONDO I z i w , 4 r. i IN'hilly_ -.1.,1*. 4 . GP 7 \ 01 . 0 .5; I‘) . Z t .7. itjj M '1/4-, ID f•Ti 'Ns 4. ;,.- --' 1 ... •. as _ 0 I -r1 r. al OZ; 5 :.- i. IV .... -..0 - „,, • . . ..,, i 1 •' :-: Z It --, ‘-;* ob (At i. a. x ...... L I) 1 ..., , t_i .• 8 . 4 111, • rs. - - 0 "1 f'° - - - - •• - - - •• to. iv •--4• •• - - •• -••• - •• ra. ,..0. • •• e. • ter • -. •-••-..--- _,______. ,.-- .........:o -. - 1 142. s• - .. UT ft, . -.) •so• ,0• ' ow re' re-..-‘• - •• a) - ca. 4I-•4‘. ••• 6 1.:;,r ... ' If . "1"c=t .=.."---aerr ® ,.., , is El) CA • „,.. .... . 1 ••••• N i Ir. !(13 2.•4 . t .. 6 • 0 (.0 ..i. C " ka . .. • I .1. . 1 b 53. - . : • .... ... ...1. z.. . , • C - .... ® . ! . .. dr i x co''. ,.. --1,' t 41 i; P•S . U rk) 1 ••••-,. i 1?: • '.> -4 • tri 0 c . 4 .........0 .6::• 0'-'1. 471 41. •-• 1).' 1#‘ ';14''---+4-s----- •-•..... • .".fo ...... # zr"• ' t. al ..ri tst: ,--. PA M ST i. _ IV,• ....... ...._ -". " ''''"'...''.......k. .: ••, 6-1 J,,•• cn •I:, iv. •-rtt ". ht ''. C:0 - eS2121 .-• •- • - \ _.... m 0 . N I' '-!•.i. 14 01 1 C u41411.0.alitilima UI • .... .••- . .. - 1.11•Ji• "0/0114 i.1.•. :ill...' .,. Ill LI. • .... C100. • 1 lill . . ••. t, -.1; r. • , ur • t ...4, .: c-1 k. .1• f :. NitF., - .• . .„ if NImil I n ... I ii 1 , 0 " - .itiii a 3., ;. aiS 4 DESIGNATION REPORT MARINA HISTORIC DISTRICT I. PURPOSE. II. LOCATION. III. DISTRICT INVENTORY. IV. HISTORICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE. • V. PRESENT USE, CONDITION AND' ZONING. VI. IMPACT. VII. RESOLUTION. Delray Beach Historic Preservation Board October 19, 1988 ' . MARINA HISTORIC DISTRICT T. PURPOSE The Purpose of the Marina Historic District is to: A. Provide a legal framework and incentive for protecting the significant historic buildings and natural resources in the Marina area. B. Accentuate the existing structures with design guidelines for complimentary alterations or new construction. C. To spotlight the civic contributions by National Register architects Sam Ogren, Sr. , Gustav Maass, John Volk, and Gulfstream`s Henry Pope. D. Encourage community pride in Delray Beach's rich and interesting architecture, street scapes, flora and culture. II. LOCATION The Marina Historic District is bounded by East Atlantic Avenue on the north; S.E. 4th. Street on the south; the Intracoastal Waterway on the east. The western boundary is as follows; S.E. 7th. Avenue from E. Atlantic Avenue, south to S.E. 1st. Street (excluding lots 12 through 21 in block 125) , west on S.E. 1st. Street to the alley in the middle of block 118, south through block 119 and the east half of block 120. III. DISTRICT INVENTORY A. The Marina Historic District is comprised of: 1. Contributing Buildings 51 2. Non-Contributing Buildings 45 B. The Contributing Buildings were built in: 1. 1922 -. 1938 40 2. 1939 - 1943 11 C. The 50 , Contributing Buildings represent the following architectural styles: 1. Art Moderne 2 2. Colonial Revival 2 3. Bungalow 2 4. Vernacular 3 5. Mediterranean Revival 14 6. Cottage 23 7. Monterey 2 8. Mission 3 Marina Historic District Page Two IV. HISTORIC AND ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANNCE The Marina Historic District's 51 contributing buildings were constructed between 1922 and 1943. Focused on the 50 year old Delray Beach City Marina and highlighted by beautiful old Florida tropical landscapes and Royal Palms, this district features single family homes, apartments, a church, and commercial buildings. Mediterranean Revival, Mission, Monterey, Cottages and Art Moderne are the principal architectural styles. There are excellent examples • of each. Located along the west bank of the Intracoastal Waterway, this prominent neighborhood showcases some of the area's most accomplished architects. The Boyd Building included artist studios and nearby clusters of cottages served as homes for the Artist & Writer's Colony during the 1930's. The human scale and dimensions provide a walking street scape. Prominent American industrialists built winter homes around the Marina where Gulfstream.residents also docked their yachts for . the season. District attractions include: 1. The Presidential, 700 E. Atlantic Avenue, built in 1940, Henry Pope, Architect, style Art Moderne. 2. The Boyd Building, 840 E. Atlantic Avenue, built in 1939, Gustav Maass, Architect, with 1981 Renovation award to Architect Robert Currie. This was the most progressive structure built on Atlantic Avenue before WWII. It featured retail, offices and the town's first penthouse apartment. Styled in the oceanliner silhouette of the Art Moderne period, .the Boyd Building is one of the most excellent examples of its style between Palm Beach and Miami Beach. 3. The Christian. Science Church, S.E. 7th. Avenue and S.E. 2nd. Street. ,Built in 1942, by the U.S. Government, it served as a chapel at the. U.S. Army Air Force Base in Boca Raton. In 1949, it was . sold, cut in half and moved by truck to - the present site. Architect Sam Ogren, Sr. designed and executed the beautiful facade and renovation. He called the style Southern Colonial Revival. 4. The Anchorage, 66 Marine Way, built in 1941 and designed by architects Gustav Maass and Sam Ogren, Sr. in the Monterey style. Marina Historic District Page Three IV. HISTORIC AND ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE (Continued) • District attractions include: 5. Marine Villas, 110 Marine Way, built in 1937 and designed by Architect Sam Ogren, Sr. The villas are Mediterranean Revival in style and are in excellent condition. 6. The Fontaine Fox Cottages at 238, 232, 228 and 222 S.E. 7th. Avenue, between S.E. 2nd. and S.E. 3rd. Streets (west side) , built in 1937 are excellent examples of the Florida Cottage Style of the time, designed by Architect John Volk. Fontaine Fox, a famous cartoonist and the creator of "Toonerville Trolly", was a notable winter resident of Delray's artist colony. 7. One of the great visual attractions, which enhances the varied architectural styles, both past and present, of the Marina District is its landscape and Royal Palm trees. Part of the District was once the- Blank's Nursery, founded early in the century. 8. 48-46 Marine Way (1924c.) Early Mission Style townhouses barged up the Intracoastal in the 1930's from the Boca Raton Hotel. V. PRESENT USE, CONDITION AND ZONING A. Condition - The condition of the buildings and the neighborhood include: 1. Most of the buildings are well maintained. • .2. Most of the contributing buildings are unaltered. 3. All of the commercial buildings are well maintained with the exception of 714 E. Atlantic Avenue (Patio Delray) , also known as Ostro Building. 4. Good condition but cosmetic repairs needed. B. Current Zoning - 1. Lots fronting on E. Atlantic Avenue and lots 9, 10, 11 , 44, 45, 46, 56, 57, 58, 91, 92 and 93 of Palm Square Unrecorded in blocks 125 and 133 are zoned Central Business District. Marina Historic District Page Four V. P ES r'T USE, CONDITION AND ZONING (Continued) B. Current Zoning - 2. The remainder of Palm Square unrecorded and Blocks 126 and the west one half of block 118 is zoned RMIO. 3. Block 127 and 128 and the west one half of blocks 119 and 120 are zoned R-1AA. • VI. IMPACT The Marina Historic District designation will give confidence and strengthen the resolve of the neighborhood residents preserving the character and unique quality of the historic district. The designation also encourages restoration and preservation of historic buildings. VII. RESOLUTION The Marina area, with its varied building styles and examples of prominent architects of the time, is a composite of Delray Beach from 1922 to 1943. The District's designation and recognition signifies a vital cultural link and provides a continuity and pride of place that are irreplaceable and showcase priceless heritage and natural resources. It is resolved that the Marina Historic District become an Historic District pursuant to Chapter 174 of The City of Delray Beach Code of Ordinances. 1 - . �i) ,,Li . i t i4� • +I� _ Zi:41110 . �23 -_ il t0 7 •. — j � fQ�' j 1S :3 S( v``-e i • �i,r r; .i _ • .; I +• �,. N' AVE p fJ'If�C , , ,.. ., 3 � , i J11 .if - -- • • . 0 1,3 x : 11111 • mom OF EN11111a- ID r — „r•y � , �, ON DO 1• 04 E. flZ i - 1 O Em y a•i� . r „- y. I _ ONDO ...�1:. �� Ist J MBEjo. , ST —.�. --� . fj c68 [ t ...zi .. , f ) �% kin1 r - ,___IL, ,, 4,::„,.!3 12, . e ,„ II is ,„..:, . 2 f y 1 I _ t ,� THE [� L•J i, I { W - OORIN 15 - a ZS' a Q I i 1. E ` RESUB. � p..�: I BLOCK 1 ' BLOCK $tom_1 t1 1 GR A EY— t e : Q ` !11 IMI __ l ; 20&27 ( ) 1 . ' t ' (13- 46) I _ii� • • tiijmm , 11 f 1=� +-ST__ ` 111.'1Z lJ,ri• rl/ ` ; , �[)' • , lim _ "� 111 1 1111 Z 4 1 "7; .i LAN•.: NICHOL. K , ` . OS .. •I• , (Mili � f k. SUB,. ;1i � ' I ' � E-7_ -B 2e ,. YT v Wi 112ME - b 1, .. • 1• I , ( 3 2� t TOW OF D RAY tusuillil � �'i i3 .a f i .= C , I—3 ) t4.,.•'G u k, r•/3 u' ''..c a. .I., is t u se I` . ST - 1 �.».. — ...�. 1 Sys______.,...witod .. _ _ „. . _ . . . CITYaF OELRAY REACH ---„,... _yr,. __1.11 4iimm. 1 1.1440 - 'r'' '?e- 9NQTTD 772 74 I -CLPTQ()V -n `e e,' /O Jn. ne i9tW one .10 L9L4cuA4 the pnopo-ed 41anina DL4.tnic.t ti. ,(, ,'6 T,e home o:,' ri1n. an ',IAA. fonn liamii 719 See° Tin 74venue !!.mC%V ThunAdari, Novem6en 17.th, 1988 6:00 .to 7:00 p.m. r,. em'ie, o, -the Delitcrt Peach. HL ionic P4e4eAvation !'oand will 3e in attendance to anAwen ?noun que4Aion4. hsto3ilcdistrict I a hindrance, Tsa3S D r- Defray co resident D 4... fiLi By ANGELA BRADBERY 2 • • Palm Beach Post Staff Writer o DELRAY BEACH—What is"historic"and what is "decrepit"lies in the eye of the beholder— lar- ly the property owner, according to residents uwho voiced opinions Thursday on a proposed historic dis- trict. o Turning the area near the city marina into a historic district would unjustly restrict property own- ers from making changes to their homes,said Richard oo0 Raab, spokesman for a group formed to oppose the creation of the Marina Historic District. 0 Residents he talked to about the matter"don't like co a body deciding what they can and can't do with their N most prized possession — their home,"Raab told the 0o Historic Preservation Board. The proposed district is bounded by Atlantic Ave- coo ° nue, Southeast Fourth Street, the Intracoastal Water- 0o I way and Southeast Seventh Avenue. Some say the buildings there,such as the Boyd Building,are classic. Others say they are rundown and sorely need to be refurbished — and not necessarily in their original style. In a designated historic district, property owners would need the approval of the Historic Preservation Board for all construction,alterations and demolition. Homeowners don't want another layer of bureau- cracy in the form of the historic board,Raab said. The proposed district also would jeopardize city redevelop- ment efforts,he asserted. Sandy Simon, owner of the Atlantic Plaza, said he favors trying to save Delray Beach's quaint character but was concerned about the proposed district because it would include some buildings that desperately need , to be refurbished. "I'm concerned that the ability of property owners to expand, improve and regenerate be allowed, per- mitted and welcomed and facilitated rather than hindered,"Simon said. i The city's quaint ambiance can be preserved I imposing historic standards on facades only, rather than whole buildings,Simon suggested. Members of the Historic Preservation Board re- i II sponded that they believed people misunderstood the board's mission. Board members visit sites and try to I help homeowners with construction projects, not hin- [ I der them, they said.