In order to help a local builder/redeveloper retain a classic old streamline modern structure on Harding Ave. and incorporate it into their new building project, the City of Miami Beach Design and Review board at their July 5 meeting unanimously approved modifications, specifically three variances, to a previously approved plan for the spot. The site plan is for a four-story boutique hotel that will be built on four parcels at 8011-8035 Harding Avenue.Proposed Project Site. Courtesy of Behar FontSpider Investments, a local real estate investment company, will now build on this land that was acquired by them last year. According to the company website Harding Excalibur LLC, an entity controlled by Spider Investments principal Andres Goldenberg, paid $5 million for the 22,000-square foot-plot.Back on June 7 Harding Excalibur LLC received approval from the Design and Review board to build a 44-room hotel that includes ground level covered parking. The approval included the retention of a classic Art Deco style building at 8035 on the northern end of their land. Once known as the Casa D’Or Apartments, the 2 story structure was built in 1937 by architect B. Kingston Hall.8011 8035 Harding Ave Proposed Project Rendering frontBeloved by many in the neighborhood, the 8035 building will now be cleverly incorporated into the design scheme of the new project.This part of North Beach lies within the North Shore National Register Historic District which features an extremely extensive grouping of modernist mid century architecture.  In what board staff member James G. Murphy described as “a great victory for preservationists,” local activists were able to convince the builders, including architect Behar Font and Partners of Coral Gables, to retain it. “I think they blended it nicely, I think that they pleased everybody in the area by keeping the building,” said Design and Review board chair Carol Housen.Aerial View of Existing Structure. Courtesy of Behar FontTo accommodate the 8035 building, Harding Excalibur LLC needed three variances from city code regarding three non conforming setbacks that the 1930’s era structure did not comply with. The rest of the new hotel plan complies with code. According to the Spider Investments website, the new 27,500-square-foot hotel will include an open lobby, a breakfast area and a rooftop pool. For more information on this project or future projects in North Beach, contact 305.403.8686. Urban Resource is the leading expert in North Beach real estate, property management, and development consulting.All renderings courtesy of Behar Font Partners.