Historic Preservation Board approves additions for 1008 Alhambra Circle with conditions; 5‑ft wall deferred

Coral Gables — The Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board on May 21 approved an application for additions and alterations to the contributing resource at 1008 Alhambra Circle, issuing a special certificate of appropriateness with 18 staff conditions and a directive to explore the reintroduction of historic glass-block ribbon windows where feasible.

Owner Alex Volsky told the board the home has been in his family for about 60 years and asked the board to allow modest changes that retain the residence’s historic character while accommodating modern living needs. “My family and I are very honored to be here and presenting the plans that will hopefully be our future home for many years to come,” Volsky said.

Architect Nelson De Leon presented plans for a two‑story addition tucked behind the existing garage, an expanded kitchen in a former loggia, two covered terraces, and a pool shaped to reflect the home’s semicircular sunroom. De Leon said the additions are set back from primary facades to keep the original elevations dominant.

During discussion the owners asked to expand the garage door opening slightly and to raise a perimeter wall to 5 ft in height for privacy; staff advised the board that a 5‑ft masonry wall may not comply with code and withdrew that item from the current application. Staff and several board members preferred to defer any change to the city’s standard 4‑ft masonry wall and suggested landscaping and other alternatives for privacy.

Board members and the architect also debated window configurations for a family/media room, where the applicant proposed a larger three‑bay opening to bring light into an interior vista; several members asked the applicant to work with staff to study a compromise that would retain the original openings or insert a sympathetic third opening.

Ms. Shield moved to approve the design as presented with 18 conditions in the staff report and an amendment directing the applicant to work with staff to assess reintroducing historic glass-block ribbon windows; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The motion did not resolve the wall request; staff said the wall proposal may require a separate zoning variance and should return as a separate application if the owners pursue it.

The approval allows the applicant to proceed with permitting subject to the staff conditions and final detailing requested by the board. Staff will coordinate with the architect on the ribbon-window feasibility and final elevation details before issuance of building permits.