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Another Miami Beach Mansion heading for Rubble

By
Real Estate Agent with Beachfront Realty 3220434

 

The Mediterranean Revival mansion at 31 Star Island Drive was probably built in 1920 by an unknown architect, and had an addition put on in 1926 by Walter DeGarmo, Miami's first registered architect. It was built for Cecil Fowler, a banker and business partner of Miami Beach developer Carl Fisher on the Flamingo Hotel project. Having survived over 90 years, it will go up before the City of Miami Beach's Design Review Board at 8:30 AM today, where its current owner hopes to have a new and radically different, contemporary replacement by architect Kobi Karp approved.

 

            Here is the replacement

 

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Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

NO!  I love the revival mansion, it's beautiful, they can't tear it down!

Aug 31, 2015 08:19 PM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Marco, not sure how I would vote. It might have a lot to do with the condition of the existing structure! Enjoy your day!

Aug 31, 2015 08:20 PM
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

Hi Roger D. Mucci although I love modern all glass architecture I have a problem tearing down magnificent structures such as this mansion. As I kid I watched them tear down one stunning mansion after another in my neighborhood in the name of progress. Now all that history is gone forever.

Aug 31, 2015 08:28 PM
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

Thanks for your comment Wayne Martin and have a terrific Tuesday!

Aug 31, 2015 08:29 PM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Both buildings are striking in their own way, but I would opt to restore the older home. You just can't replace those!

Aug 31, 2015 08:40 PM
Conrad Allen
Re/Max Professional Associates - Webster, MA
Webster, Ma, Realtor

Hi Marco.  The older home has more style and class.  Save it.

Aug 31, 2015 08:49 PM
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

Oh, how I hate seeing that happen, what a lovely old place. 

Aug 31, 2015 10:00 PM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Marco. I guess money talks. I think it so sad that the old one is being torn dow. I think the new one is stunning but I still am sad about the other.

Aug 31, 2015 10:27 PM
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

Good morning Marco,

Looks like it will depend on the age group of the board! I would like to see the old if it is feasible to do so.

Make yourself a great day.

Aug 31, 2015 11:11 PM
Chris and Dick Dovorany
Homes for Sale in Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero, Florida - Naples, FL
Broker/Associate at Premiere Plus Realty

Well, what can I say.  I love them both.  The first would be difficult to live in with most likely lots of small rooms and limited views then there is the new steel and glass which I do gravitate towards.  I think for Miami I'll take #2 and for in the woods in CT, I'll take #1.

Aug 31, 2015 11:38 PM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Marco,

It is nice when people preserve the past, especially when it is exceptional and different.  The mid century replacement is nice, but there are so many already that were built in the mid century.  A

Aug 31, 2015 11:47 PM
Nicole Doty - Gilbert Real Estate Expert
Zion Realty - Gilbert, AZ
Broker/Owner of Zion Realty ZionRealtyAZ.com

I have to say I'm not a fan of completely tearing down old buildings unless it's justified due to dilapidation. Althought that being said, the new design is fabulous. 

Sep 01, 2015 02:20 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

Wow, very different indeed and I definitely like the new one a lot better.  What an amazing looking home!

Sep 01, 2015 04:48 AM
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

Good morning Marco - Both homes are pretty cool, but I bet the new one is a lot more efficient.

Sep 01, 2015 06:49 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Marc0 - I would hate to see that happen.  While I like the home that looks like mid-century modern to me, you can find those anywhere.  

Sep 01, 2015 08:40 AM