21-The Blank HouseJUN-29-1995 8:47am 95--206505
ORB 88 2 Pg lO00
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ORDINANCE NO. 26-95
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, DESIGNATING THE BLANK HOUSE,
LOCATED AT 85 S.E. -6TH AVENUE, AS MORE PARTICULARLY
DESCRIBED HEREIN, AS A LOCAL HISTORIC SITE; PROVIDING
FOR THE AMENDMENT OF THE "ZONING MAP OF DELRAY BEACH,
FLORIDA, 1994" TO SHOW THE HISTORIC DESIGNATION IN AN
OVERLAY MANNER; PROVIDING A GENERAL REPEALER CLAUSE,
A SAVING CLAUSE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, Section 4.5.1 of the Land Development Regulations
of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Delray Beach provides for the
designation and protection of historic sites; and
WHEREAS, Michael D. Bonchak, owner, has nominated the
property described herein to be designated as a local historic site;
and
WHEREAS, a designation report was prepared concerning the
designation of the property located at 85 S.E. 6th Avenue to the Local
Register of Historic Places; and
WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Board of the City of
Delray Beach held a duly noticed public hearing in regard to the
designation of the property as a local historic site; and
WHEREAS, on May 3, 1995, the Historic Preservation Board of
the City of Delray Beach recommended that the property described
herein be designated a local historic site; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission of the City of Delray Beach has
conducted a duly noticed public hearing in regard to the designation
of the property described herein as a local historic site.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. That the following described property in the
City of Delray Beach, Florida, is hereby designated as a local
historic site in accordance with and under the provisions of Section
4.5.1 of the Land Development Regulations of the City of Delray Beach,
Florida, to-wit:
THE BLANK HOUSE, located at 85 S.E. 6th Avenue,
Delray Beach, Florida; more particularly described as
follows:
ORB
Lots 12, 13 and 14, Block 117, DELRAY BEACH (FORMERLY
TOWN OF LINTON), as recorded in Plat Book 1 at Page 3
of the Public Records of Palm Beach County, Florida.
ction 2. That the Planning Director of said City shall,
upon the effective date of this ordinance, amend the Zoning Map of the
City of Delray Beach, Florida, to show the historic designation, in an
overlay manner.
gction ~, That all ordinances or parts of ordinances in
conflict herewith be, and the same are hereby repealed.
Section 4. That should any section or provision of this
ordinance or any portion thereof, any paragraph, sentence, or word be
declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such
decision shall not affect the validity of the remainder hereof as a
whole or part thereof other than the part declared to be invalid.
Section 5, That this ordinance shall become effective
immediately upon passage on second and final reading.
PASSED AND ADOPTED in regular session on second and final
reading on this the 6th day of June , 1995.
ATTEST:
J~fZ~-2 ~~ This instrument was prepared by:
ity ~i~,~k ' Susan A. Ruby, City Attorney
200 N.W. let Avenue
First Reading May 16, 1995 Delray Beach, FL 33444
Second Reading June 6, 1995
2 - Ord. No. 26-95
ORB 8812 P~ ~.002
DOROTHY H. WILKEN, CLERK PI) COUNTY, FL
CE~ IFI CATION
I, ALISON MacGREGOR HARTY, City Clerk of the City of Delray Beach,
Florida, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and
correct copy of ~Ordinanoe No. 26-95 which was passed by the Commission
on June 6, 1995.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the official
seal of the City of Delray Beach, Florida, on this the 26th day of
June, 1995.
City Clerk
City of Delray Beach
sE-~L
3 - Ord'., No. 26-95
MEMORANDUM
TO: MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSIONERS
FROM: CITY MANAGER~
SUBJECT: AGENDA ITEM ~ /~ '~'- MEETING OF JUNE 6, 1995
SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING FOR ORDINANCE NO. 26-95
DESIGNATION OF THE BLANK HOUSE AS A LOCAL HISTORIC SITE)
DATE: MAY 30, 1995
This is second reading and public hearing for Ordinance No. 26-95
which designates the Blank House located at 85 S.E. 6th Avenue as a
local historic site and adds it to the Local Register of Historic
Places. The property consists of three lots containing a single
family residence constructed in 1907, a 3-unit apartment building
constructed in 1947, and a garage apartment constructed in 1950.
While two of the structures are not historic, it is recommended
that the entire parcel be designated to ensure that inappropriate
development does not adversely affect the historic house. The
Blank House, built for the John R. Blank family who came to Delray
in 1903 from Michigan, is a good example of early wood frame
vernacular style of architecture constructed by the City's
pioneering families. It contains all of the major features of the
style and is largely unaltered.
The Historic Preservation Board conducted a public hearing on this
matter on May 3, 1995, at which time the Board voted 5 to 0 to
recommend the designation of the Blank House as a local historic
site. At first reading on May 16, 1995, the Commission passed the
ordinance by unanimous vote.
Recommend approval of Ordinance No. 26-95 on second and final
reading.
ref:agmemol7
A PU6LIC HEARING Will ~ hel~ ~
ll~ing pr~ ~dinanc~ at
t~ (~ at any c~tinuation ~ suc~
ch, at ~ich t~ ~ Ci~ Commi~
tNG CLAUSE, AND AN E~FECTIV~
DATE.
C I T Y C O M M I S S I O N D 0 C U M E N T ~i~,.,,.I~O N
f~ ..-,. i[: f- i ~, ~"i: ~'.
TO: DAVID T. HARDEN, CITY MANAGER ~f ~ 0 ~995
THRU: DIANE DOMINGUEZ, DI~CTOW ............
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND ZONING
FROM: PAT CAYCE,
HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLANNER
SUBJECT: MEETING OF MAY 16, 1995
FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATING THE BLANK
HOUSEd 85 S.E. 6TH AVENUE, TO THE LOCAL REGISTER OF
HISTORIC PLACES.
ACTION REQUESTED OF THE COMMISSION:
The action requested of the City Commission is that of
approval on first reading of an ordinance designating a
property as a local historic site.
The property consists of a single family residence
constructed in 1907, a 3 unit apartment building
constructed in 1947, and a garage apartment constructed in
1950, located at 85 S.E. 6th Avenue. The legal description
of the property is Block 117, Lots 12. 13 and 14.
BACKGROUND:
The building was constructed in 1907, the architect and
principal contractor are unknown. The structure is a good
example of early wood frame vernacular style of architecture
constructed by the City's pioneering families. It contains all
of the major features of the style and is largely unaltered.
The Blank House has a high threshold of cultural significance.
It was built for the John R. Blank family who came to Delray in
1903 from Bay City, Michigan. The Blank family founded the
first tropical plant nursery in the area and was associated
with the financial growth of the City. The house has been in
continuous ownership by the Blank family until it was sold to
the present owner six months ago. It is appropriate that this
building be listed on the Local Register of Historic Places for
it is worthy of the protection and special consideration
afforded by that designation.
Though two of the structures on the site are not historic, it is
advisable to designate the entire three lot parcel, as was done
City Commission Documentation
Meeting of May 16, 1995
Designation of a Local Historic Building
Page 2
with the Sundy House and the Seaboard Air Line train depot,
in order to assure that inappropriate development does not
adversely affect the historic house. The historic house and the
garage apartment (1950) are built across the property lines of
Lots 12 and 13, the apartment building (1947) is located across
the property lines of Lots 13 and 14; and the buildings are
aesthetically linked by proximity. The property ks located in
the Central Business Zoning District (CBD), and it is reasonable
to assume that the historic house will not remain residential.
Adaptive reuse of the historic house can best be accomplished by
utilizing the site as a whole. By designating the entire site,
the garage and apartment building become noncontributing
structures to the historic site. Exterior modifications to
noncontributing buildings are reviewed by the Historic
Preservation Board through the Certificate of Appropriateness
process, thus protecting the site from inappropriate renovation
or new construction, which might have a negative impact on
successful reuse of the historic house. The attached designation
report provides a more complete analysis of the structure's
historic significance.
This request for designation is being made by the owner, Michael
D. Bonchak.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD CONSIDERATION:
The Historic Preservation Board formally reviewed the
designation report at its meeting of April 19, 1995 and made
positive findings to LDR Section 4.5. i(B), (2) (a) and
and 4.5.1(B)(3) (a) and (b), Criteria for Desiqnation of Historic
Sites or Districts, and set a date for a Public Hearing to allow
the public to comment on the designation.
Pursuant to Section 4.5.1(C) Designation Procedures, the Public
Hearing was held on May 3, 1995. The Board voted 5-0 to
recommend that the City Commiss ion approve the ordinance
designating the Blank House as a Local Historic Site.
RECOMMNEDED ACTION:
By motion, approve on first reading the ordinance designating
the Blank House, 85 $.E 6th Avenue (Block 117, Lots 12, 13 and
14 to the Local Register of Historic Places.
Attachment:
Letter of approval for designation from the owner.
Designation report.
file/y:blank-2
March 12, 191::)5
Historic Preservation Board
Historic Preservation Planner
City of Delray Beach
100 North West 1st Avenue
Delray Beach, Florida 33444
Dear Patricia Cayce,
Please except my letter as a formal request to have the property located at 85 South East 6th
Avenue Delray Beach, be designated as a "Historical Site." This property, formerly the Blank
Residence, surely meets the guidelines set fourth by the City Commission. The Blank's were the
eight family to become permanent residence in this area. At the time this house was built, 1907,
it was called the City Of Linton. The house has remained pretty much the same as it appeared
then.
The site is located at 85 South East 6th Avenue, which is in the central b~siness area. This area
is a very populated and visible area. This site would be ideal for show casing another Delray
Beach historical landmark.
I hope the Historical Preservation Board will feel as I do, and present this site to the commission
for consideration of being designated to the Local Register as a historic site.
Thanking You In Advance,
Michael D. Bo~chak
1995
PLANNING & ZONIN~
DE S I GNAT I ON REPORT
HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD
DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA
THE BLANK HOUSE
85 S.E. 6TH AVENUE
CONSTRUCTED 1907
Designation Report
85 S.E. 6th Avenue
Page 2
DESIGNATION REPORT: 85 S.E. 6th AVENUE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
II. LOCATION MAP
III. ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
IV. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
V. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
VI. BIBLIOGRAPHY AND SOURCES
VII. PHOTOGRAPHY
Report prepared April, 1995 by Patricia Cayce, Historic
Preservation Planner, City of Delra¥ Beach.
Designation Report
85 S.E. 6th Avenue
Page 3
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
Location: 85 S.E. 6th Avenue, Delray
Beach, Palm Beach County,
Florida
Date of Construction: 1907
Architect: Unknown
Builder: Unknown
Present Owner: Michael D. Bonchak
90 S.E. 5th Avenue #1
Delray Beach, FL 33483
Present Use: Single Family Residence
Vacant
Future Use: Commercial
Present Zoning: Central Business District (CBD)
Legal Description: Block 117, Lots 12, 13, and 14,
Delray Beach, formerly Town of
Linton, Palm Beach County,
Florida. Plat Book 1, Page 3
of the Records of Palm Beach
County
Classification for
Designation: Architectural and historical.
Designation Rep6rt
85 S.E. 6th Avenue
Page 4
I I. MAP
Designation Rep6rt
85 S.E. 6th Avenue
Page 5
III. Architectural Siqnificance
This house was constructed for Delra¥ Beach pioneer John R.
Blank and his family in 1907. It is a two story residence built
in the early frame vernacular style.
Overview of the Early Vernacular Style (1898-1915)
Delray Beach's earliest structures were turn-of-the century
frame or masonry buildings designed and built by local
craftsmen. Materials generally had to be obtained from West Palm
Beach or Miami, as the town did not have a building supply
company until 1911. Early vernacular houses were plain. They
were planned to provide protection and security. There was
little emphasis on decoration.
The City's inventory of early vernacular house are often
reminiscent of northern farm houses, as the style and method of
construction were consistent with what the pioneering families
transferred to their new location. Some adaptation from their
northern counterparts to Florida's climate can be found in large
open porches, larger windows and roof overhangs, and masonry
pier foundations rather than a basement.
Typically, early vernacular houses were rectangular or square in
plan. Roofs were gable or hip and the eaves extended out over
the house walls to provide protection from the rain and sun.
Rafter tails were exposed and without carving, knees braces, if
used, were also plain and undecorated. Exteriors were covered
in plank or simple horizontal clapboard, occasionally batten and
board was used vertically on additions or outbuildings. Wood
shingles in decorative shapes were sometimes used to compliment
the simple clapboard. Shutters were usually batten & board and
windows were double hung, some with a four over four pane
configuration. Window surrounds and porch posts were plain.
Major Features
Rectangular or square plan
Horizontal clapboard
Open front porch with simple porch posts
Plain window surrounds
Batten and board shutters
Double hung windows
Foundation piers with ventilation
Gable or hip roof with overhanging eaves.
Designation Report
85 S.E. 6th Avenue
Page 6
Subject Property
The house contains all of the classic early vernacular features.
It is almost square in plan with a small ell on the south which
may have been a later addition. The hip roof has overhanging
eaves and exposed rafter tails. An open porch runs the length
of the front facade on the second story and larger open porch
wraps around the front and south facades on the first floor. It
is of frame construction with a horizontal clapboard exterior
finish. The windows are double hung and the window surrounds are
plain. A secondary shed roof covers the front porch and is
supported by ten simple posts. It is built on a masonry pier
foundation with ventilation areas left open.
IV. Historical Significance
The John Rudolph Blank family came to Delray in 1903 from Bay
City, Michigan, which makes them part of the early "Michigan
Connection" as the settlers from the Saginaw area were called.
They founded the first tropical plant nursery in the area and
were successful in shipping palms and other tropical house
plants north on the Florida East Coast Railroad. This was a
period when palms and other exotics were in great demand for
hotel lobbies and public spaces as well as for home decoration.
The nursery was centered in the area of the Marina Historic
District, which accounts for the many beautiful trees found
within the district.
The house has been in continuous ownership by the Blank family
until it was sold to the present owner six months ago. Several
family members still live in Delray Beach.
V. Statement of Siqnificance and Criteria for Desiqnation
Statement of Siqnificance
This house is one of the best examples of the early vernacular
style of architecture to be found in the City. It is in almost
original condition and features all of the major physical
elements typical of early vernacular construction. It is
considered eligible for individual listing on the National
Register of Historic Places. It was built by the pioneering
Blank family who migrated to Delray in 1903 and were part of the
core of successful settlers whose energy and resourcefulness
helped the town to prosper. The house has been in continuous
family ownership until it was sold six months ago.
Additionally, while the date of construction is generally
thought to be 1907, the City's Building Cards indicate that it
was constructed in 1903. This date coincides with John Rudolph
Blank's arrival in the area, additional research may more
accurately confirm the date of construction.
Designation Report
85 S.E. 6th Avenue
Page 7
It is appropriate that this building be listed on the Local
Register of Historic Places for it is worthy of the protection
and special consideration afforded by that designation.
Criteria for Desiqnation
Section 4.5.1(B) of the Land Development Regulations of the City
of Delray Beach outlines the criteria for designating properties
br sites to the Local Register of Historic Places. It suggests
that at least one criteria from paragraphs (2) or (3) must be
met to justify designation. Listed below are the criteria which
relate to this property.
2) A building, structure, or site will be deemed to have
historical or cultural significance if it meets one or more of
the following criteria:
a) Is associated in a significant way with the life or
activities of a person important in the City (for example,
the homestead of a local founding family).
3) "A building, structure, site of district is deemed to have
architectural or aesthetic significance if it fulfills one or
more of the following criteria."
a) "Portrays the environment in an era of history
characterized by one or more distinctive architectural
styles."
b) "Embodies those distinguishing characteristics of an
architectural style period, or method of construction."
This building is worthy of being designated to the Local
Register of Historic Places. It more than fulfills the criteria
for designation as set forth in Section 4.5.1(B), which requires
that only one paragraph of the above criteria be met.
Designation Report
85 S.E. 6th Avenue
Page 8
VI. Bibliography and Sources
Delray Beach Design Guidelines, Delray Beach Historic
Preservation Board, 1990
Historic Preservation~ A Design Guidelines Handbook, West
Palm Beach Historic Preservation Board, 1992
Historical Structure Form, Florida Master Site File
City Building Card records
City Tax Records, 1912 and 1913
Viola Blank Henderson, oral history
Delray Beach Historical Society Archives
H. Haild Zeder, Information Form for Dates and Migration of
Early settlers, 1895 - 1915
file/y:blank