After hours of testimony on November 3, Miami’s Historic and Environmental Preservation Board voted 6–1 to approve the amended request to narrow the historic designation at First Presbyterian Church, 609 Brickell Avenue. The church building would remain protected; the hearing centered on removing protections from the annex and portions of the surrounding property. For neighboring Icon Brickell residents, the decision moves redevelopment forward next door while leaving their concerns unresolved.
The church’s representatives argued that redevelopment would help fund restoration and sustain the congregation. Icon Brickell Condominium Association No. 2 and other opponents argued that the broader site deserves protection, raising concerns about historic character, waterfront views and enforceable safeguards.
Board members discussed a covenant addressing future changes to the proposed building’s exterior. The written resolution is still needed to confirm the exact adopted conditions.
And the trees? Our earlier articles reported 54 proposed removals in the original application. Tonight, the applicant described nine removals: eight palms and one canopy tree. That statement needs to be reconciled with the current tree plans and application records.