1. HAMED RODRIGUEZ
Architecture
Planning
3250 Mary St. # 305 Coconut Grove Fl. 33133
(305) 244-5626
hamed@hr-architects-inc.com
Architect, Inc.
Interiors
Sustainable Solutions
AA26002034
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November 19 , 2013
Historic Resources Report
The 846 Lincoln road Building commonly known as the Van Dyke Building on the
Southeast corner of Lincoln Road and Jefferson Ave in Miami Beach Florida.
This building was designed by Architect August Geiger (1887 – 1968) in the
Spanish Colonial (also called Mediterranean revival style). This style not being
truly Spanish, the style was inspired by the current architecture of California with a
trace of the architect’s Beaux Arts training. This style had become increasingly
popular at the time and made Mr. Geiger the leading architect in this style in
Miami. Refer to photograph of original design Section “Historic Photos” page 1 (a)
& (b).
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The building area is 18,556 sf comprised of a 7 story tower and an 8 story
machine room. This iconic building was originally developed in 1924 as a hotel by
Mr. Carl Fisher, who developed several projects on Lincoln Road and was the
pioneer developer in Miami Beach. The ground floor was originally the Hotel
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lobby, the 2 through 6 floors were hotel room suites and the 7 floor was the
development office for Mr. Carl Fisher. This build originally had two elevators of
which the original motor is still in place in the machine room, refer to image
“Current Photo” Page 5.
Notable exterior features of the original design included the following:
• Symmetrical arched transoms (with details) over double doors with large
picture window in the center on the Lincoln Road elevation,
• Two Large picture window with divided lite transom and arched door at
elevator lobby along Jefferson avenue.
In the 1950’s the building’s use changed along with the introduction of the
Jefferson Ave low rise building in 1952. The two buildings are linked by a
transformer structure on the East ally side. As noted in photograph “Historic
Photo” Page 9 (b) from 1961 the original first floor doors and windows were
removed and openings were made to expand the transparency into the building
with new storefronts (this was the end of the use of the first floor as a hotel lobby.
The remaining floors were modified into apartments; additionally the original
storefront just North of the Elevator lobby was closed in. It is noted in this picture
that the floor height was raised approximately 13” to its current elevation. In this
July 1962 picture “Historic Photos” Page 6 (a) it is noticed that the exterior
elevated platform with railings was constructed. The railings are no longer in
place today.
The uses during this time changed from Hotel to Restaurant “Lums Mall Café” as
noted in historic photographs from 1962 “Historic Photos” Page 3, 4 & 13 (a) and
as noted in “Tax Jacket” Page 1 (a). The second floor was converted into an
extension of Lums Café. This is likely when the openings were made in the floor
(Removal of historic floor F.A.R.)

2. Picture “Historic Photos” Page 12 shows evidence of a fire approximately in 1993
which ended the use by Lums Café. Also at this time the photographs indicate the
vacancy of the entire building as all the windows have been removed.
The later renovations as found in microfilm of 1993 show the introduction of the
Van Dyke Café (currently in use) included the following as per “Microfilm section”
Page 2:
New wood and glass folding doors
The enclosed opening to the North of the elevator lobby was again closed
The service elevator was removed (elevator closest to Jefferson avenue)
Elevator lobby opening was increased in width and height, the top of the
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new arch transom extends past the 2 floor level.
Introduction of awnings currently in use
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Conclusion:
It is the intent of this report to trace the time line of events and changes of style
which have altered the building from its original architectural style. It is our intent
to restore the East and West elevations at the first floor level as per “Proposed
West Elevation” A3.0 #1.
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The 2 floor through 7 floor maintains its original features. The adjacent low rise
Jefferson Ave building is historically intact and will be preserved as it is currently.
Respectfully submitted:
Hamed Rodriguez AR93261