Board continues landmark Granada Road proposal for more evidence; staff previews design‑guideline update and downtown master plan

The West Palm Beach Historic Preservation Board continued a high‑profile landmark application at 254 Granada Road and used its March 26 agenda to preview two city planning initiatives and hold annual officer elections.

At 254 Granada Road (Case 24‑8), designer Yanni Varnava proposed a 1,389‑square‑foot rear addition, expansion of the loggia, replacement of later rear additions, and alterations to front‑façade fenestration, including conversion of a second‑story opening to a French door with a Juliet balcony. Staff recommended approval with conditions (true barrel tile roof, white‑framed clear glass windows, wood decorative outlookers, and railing compatible with mission style).

Several board members said the proposed front‑façade fenestration changes risked adding 'conjectural' historic elements without documentary support. The board requested selective interior demolition evidence showing original opening sizes or comparable precedents from nearby contributing properties, then voted to continue the case to the April 23 meeting to allow the applicant to supply that documentation.

In other business, staff (Benjamin SL and Rick Green) briefed the board on upcoming planning work: a request for qualifications to update the 2005 design guidelines (anticipated one‑year timeline) and drafted code amendments including Article 2 (administrative), Article 4 (downtown master plan update with an associated downtown traffic study and development cap analysis), Article 7 (mixed‑use districts), consolidation of permitted uses (Article 9) and sign code revisions. The city will host the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions conference in West Palm Beach July 31–Aug. 4, 2024.

The board re‑elected Amanda Sky as chair and Kristen Kell as vice chair during its annual meeting and directed staff to require same‑sheet existing/proposed elevations and street‑scapes in future submissions. The meeting concluded after approval of a single consent case (Case 24‑17, 2330 Lake Avenue) and adjournment.