january 2009 foundation news -...

he 2008Ballinger Award

for outstandingrestoration and reha-

bilitation of historic architec-ture was presented at thePreservation Foundation’sannual membership lunch-eon held Friday, December12th, 2008. This year, theFoundation awarded a 1925British Colonial home that’soriginal key designs were byPalm Beach master architectHoward Major.

Foundation President JohnMashek presented theBallinger medal to Julia Koch for her and her husband David’srestoration of the residence. The residence was moved andconnected to the Koch’s neighboring property, 1991 BallingerAward winner El Sarmiento, creating a special guesthouse forthe family’s children.

The Kochs chose architect Thomas Kirchhoff to do therestoration and renovation. Kirchhoff was previously recog-nized by the Foundation with the 2004 Ballinger Award andthe 2006 Schuler Award. Citing the ‘Art of the Town’ sympo-sium put on in December of 2005 by the Foundation and theFour Arts, Kirchhoff convinced the Kochs to make the projecta preservation initiative. Beyond Kirchhoff, the Kochs alsohired interior designer Rod Winterrowd and landscape design-ers Jorge Sanchez and Phil Maddux to work on the property.

The presentation honoring the home highlighted the faithfulpreservation and adaptation of the original structure andrestoration of interior architectural elements while adaptingthe flow and function to accommodate the lifestyle of theyoungest generation of Kochs. Over 100 images by profes-sional photographer Stephen Leek detailed the architecturalfeatures.

FOUNDATION NEWSJanuary 2009

by The Preservation Foundation of Palm Beachwww.palmbeachpreservation.org • 561.832.0731

2008 Robert I. Ballinger Award Given

The residence, located onOcean Boulevard, was builtin 1925 by an unknownarchitect. The key earlydevelopment of the buildingoccurred in 1931 whenarchitect Howard Major puthis design stamp on it.Owner James H. Kennedyhired Major to alter andredesign the house due toMajor’s expertise in theBritish Colonial or WestIndies style.

After practicing for years inNew York and along the Eastcoast, Major had come to PalmBeach in 1925. Upon first arriv-

ing, he worked for AddisonMizner’s firm as an interior design-

er. He soon became a critic of the pop-ular Spanish and Italian inspired styled

homes he found on the island, claiming they failed to expressan American “national character” as did Greek Revival archi-tecture. In short time he accepted the British Colonial, or WestIndies, style architecture as appropriate for Florida, seeing it asmore suitable for warm weather climates. On September 12th,1925 his break from Mizner was announced and Major’s suc-cessful individual career of nearly 50 years began.

Major took the wood frame cottage design of Kennedy’s prop-erty and transformed it, bringing in aspects of British Colonialor West Indies design such as lofty ceilings, large windows anddoors, and thick external masonry. The ground floor arcades –a key feature of Major’s work – are notable in the residence asbeing presented in a grander form than generally found inPalm Beach architecture of the era. Major’s work was recog-nized by the Landmarks Preservation Commission when thefirst floor East facade of the building was landmarked onMarch 9th, 1990.

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2008 Ballinger Award-winner

continued on page 2

PF Jan news 09 12/31/08 11:22 AM

The Ballinger award was first presented by the Foundationin 1987 and honors the late Robert I. Ballinger Jr., formerchairman of the Palm Beach Landmarks PreservationCommission. Ballinger worked tirelessly for many years toinstill pride in the island’s architectural heritage. Struck bynoted sculptor Edward Grove, the medal itself bears thelikeness of a bust of Ballinger that was sculpted byBallinger’s wife, Didi Ballinger, and, on the reverse, thename of the house being honored and its owners. The Kochswill also receive a special leather-bound photography bookdedicated to their home. The book is made by hand andtakes several months to produce.

January 2009 2

PF Jan news 09 12/31/08 11:22 AM

Preserving Palm Beach3

2008 Ballinger Award-winner

PF Jan news 09 12/31/08 11:23 AM

he Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach is proudto offer an eight-week summer internship program for

undergraduate and graduate students of architecture.The internship program is in honor of the late Anthony K.

Baker, a dedicated advocate of historic preservation, history andarchitecture throughout the United States. Initially announced inJuly, details have now been finalized and applications made avail-able.

The internship will provide guidance and support to an architec-tural student whose work will have a long-term beneficial impacton the town of Palm Beach and the scholarship of its architecturalhistory. Students will be exposed to challenging, professionalopportunities such as working in the office of an architecturalfirm, assisting with documentation of the Town of Palm Beach’shistoric properties, urban planning and design, and a variety ofother related and diverse duties. They will work on historic sitesurveys and detailed architectural studies of Palm Beach homesand styles and assist with applications for the National ParkService’s Historic American Buildings Project by the PreservationFoundation.

Anthony K. Baker supported the Preservation Foundation ofPalm Beach for over 20 years and had long been an advocate forthe cause of preservation throughout the United States. Outsideof Palm Beach, he served as a trustee and Vice President of theSociety for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities and chair-man of its publication committee. He was a member of the archi-tectural firm of Robert Landau and Associates and head of thearchitectural committee at Centreville Partners in Tallahassee.He also co-authored the book Long Island Country Houses andTheir Architects, 1860-1940.

On July 9th, 2008 Baker died while test-flying a small amphibiousplane that crashed into the Tennessee River outside of Athens,Alabama.

To request an application, or for any questions regarding theinternship, please contact the Foundation’s Director ofEducation Janice Owens at 561.832.0731 ext. 107 or via email [email protected].

Applications are also available online at www.palmbeachpreservation.org/baker.htm

Applications must be received by March 16th, 2009.

The late Anthony K. Baker

January 2009 4

Application and Details of Anthony K. BakerInternship Program Released

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PF Jan news 09 12/31/08 11:23 AM

Annual Christmas PartyThe Annual Christmas Party washeld on Tuesday, December 2nd,2008. Starting at 6pm that night, theFoundation opened its building andPan’s Garden to more than 350 guestsfor cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres.A group of young carolers accompa-nied by piano regaled members with arepertoire of seasonal classics. Justdown the street on Worth Avenue, theChristmas tree was lit. Celebratingthe beginning of the Foundation’sevents season, the party was open toall members.


Michael Ridgdill, JoAnna Ballarini, Davis McDuffie, Molly Stringer and Stephanie Rockwell

Tom McCarter and Trustee Frannie Scaife

Gail Coniglio and Gene Pandula Alice, Tennant and Trustee Talbott Maxey

Brantley and Peter Knowles Trustee Pauline Pitt and Jerry Seay

PF Jan news 09 12/31/08 11:23 AM

January 2009 6

Preservation Foundation a Success at Festival of Trees

n December, thePreservation Foundation

proudly sponsored a tree atthe Ann Norton Sculpture

Gardens Holiday Annual, theFestival of the Trees.

Each tree was to represent a chil-dren’s book, as this year’s theme was‘Books Come Alive’. ThePreservation Foundation chose thebook Mizner Mouse: The Pride ofPalm Beach for its tree. The bookwas published in 2003 and is writtenby Peter and Cheryl Barnes andillustrated by Anthony Kramer. Ittells the story of Palm Beach’s archi-tecture and history through the trav-els of one very particular animal,Mizner Mouse.

Marjorie Bennet designed theFoundation’s tree using primary col-

ors that are predominant in the bookand with ornaments of the featuredhistorical sites in the book.Ornaments of the Little Red SchoolHouse, Sea Gull Cottage, TheBreakers, and the Flagler Museum -all places Mizner Mouse visits in thebook – covered the tree. Leah Roschof What a Cookie also createdMizner Mouse Cookies and cookieornaments of things such as the bookand palm trees.

Best of all Mizner Mouse himselfmade several visits.

On December 5th a cocktail recep-tion was held in the evening to openthe Festival of Trees. Then, onDecember 9th and 12th, the PalmBeach County Literacy Coalitionpartnership had nearly 1000 stu-dents visit for book readings and

meetings with book characters suchas Mizner Mouse.

From December 6th to 7th and 11thto 14th, the Festival of the Trees wasopen for regular visitors.

Designed in concert with Sir PeterSmithers, the gardens themselvescontain monumental sculptures andwere the last part to Ann WeaverNorton’s concept for her work, herlegacy. The gardens represent hercommitment to conservation and thepreservation of a quiet retreat in themidst of high rises. The Festival ofTree raises money to support theCommunity Enrichment Programwhich provides cultural opportuni-ties to all populations, through inno-vative programming incorporatingthe visual arts, environmental aware-ness, and interpretive history.

Mizner Mouse watches as students listen to Tammy Pickett read his story

The Preservation Foundation’s Tree

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PF Jan news 09 12/31/08 11:23 AM

n December 9th, 2008 the Port of PalmBeach’s Executive Director Manuel Almira

spoke to the Town Council regarding portand inlet expansion.

The Port is currently undergoing a feasibility study withthe Army Corps of Engineers to investigate the possibilityof expanding the Port’s size. The Port claims, “the successof the Port is dependent upon deep water access throughthe federal channel. The current channel depths wereestablished approximately 40 years ago and the Port isincreasingly losingbusiness opportuni-ties as a result ofchannel limitations.The study will ana-lyze alternatives toimprove access forthe existing fleetand also to allow forincreased vessellength and draft,while avoiding orminimizing impactsto environmentalresources.”

Yet many havewarned that thePort’s proposal todeepen the inlet anadditional 11 feetand widen it anadditional 100 feetwould create a significantly more dangerous storm surgethreat from storms and hurricanes, as well as exacerbate thealready existing problem of beach erosion. Further issuesinclude enhanced homeland security with an expandedPort and an increase in ship size from a now current aver-age of 300 to 400 feet to 500 to 700 feet in size.

Previous to the meeting, the Town of Palm Beach had pro-vided 7 conditions which the Port must agree to if it want-ed to receive the Town’s support of the feasibility study.Almira could offer only an incomplete agreement.

Regarding the 2 conditions of (1) limiting the deepening ofthe harbor and channel by only 5 feet to a total of 38 feetdeep and (2) making sure there is no increase in storm surge

due to deepening or widening, Almira said that since thefeasibility study is as of yet incomplete these issues cannotbe decided upon.

As to the other 5 issues, the Port agreed:

1. No blasting would be utilized in widening and deepen-ing of the channel and harbor.

2. To extend the feasibility study to the South so as toinclude Lake Worth Lagoon and Atlantic Ocean waterbodies.

3. To work with theTown and ArmyCorps of Engineerson upgrading theLake Worth SandTransfer plant.

4. To work with theTown and ArmyCorps of Engineersto place all beachcompatible sandfrom dredging theinlet and turningbasin onto Townbeaches.

5. To limit ship sizeto no more than 700feet.

However, even withapparent agreement

on it, this last issue of limiting ship size proved unresolved.Almira put forth a caveat that the Port’s inlet pilots wouldhave to sign-on to the limiting of ship size to 700 feet aswell. The Town Council questioned whether the pilotsactually had that much say above the authority of the Port.Further, they argued the Port inlet pilots’ say would likelybe more in the direction of limiting how large in ship size,not demanding greater size. As such, the Town Councilfelt the Port could speak on its own and confirm the condi-tions. When Almira then said he could not at thismoment, the validity of the entire agreement was broughtinto question. In the end, the Town Council agreed it couldnot support the study at this time. Almira assured hewould be back to try and obtain the Town’s support.


Port of Palm Beach’s Executive Director Fails to GarnerSupport for Port Expansion from Town Council

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PF Jan news 09 12/31/08 11:23 AM

January 2009 8

Building upon last year’s outstandingtrip to Argentina and previous tripsto Cuba and Charleston, thePreservation Foundation is planninga journey to Italy’s Lake Como,Magiorre and Milan regions for thespring of 2009. The trip will takeplace from Thursday, April 30th toSaturday, May 9th and theFoundation is working with AntonyUnderwood to create a truly uniqueexperience, unavailable to the indi-vidual traveler.

In order to schedule the exclusiveevents, tours, and accommodations,the Preservation Foundation hascommitted the initial deposit. Forthose interested in the trip, landarrangements, based on double occu-pancy, per person are $10,300 and fora single room supplement there is acost of $1,800. Please note the priceincludes a $500 tax-deductible dona-tion to the Preservation Foundation.

To secure a place on the trip, theFoundation asks for a promptresponse with a $2,000 deposit,$1,000 of which is refundable if onemust cancel. Due to the high level ofinterest, the Foundation asks forresponses by Monday, January 17th.

If interested, please contact theFoundation’s Director of MemberServices Sharon Kearns at561.832.0731, ext. 105 or via email [email protected]

Lake Como, Magiorre and Milan TripLake Como, Italy

Day 1, Thursday, 30th AprilDepart, travel day

Day 2, Friday, 1st May HOTEL PRINCIPE DISAVOIA, MILAN

On arrival at the international airport,you will be transferred to the 5-starHotel Principe di Savoia, home forinternational travellers since the1920’s. Dominating the Piazza dellaRepublica, its imposing neoclassicalfacade hides one of the world’s mostluxuriously appointed hotels.

Afternoon free time for shopping inthe Via Montenapoleone - Via Spigaarea, or relaxing in the hotel.

This evening, we will meet in a barand have a welcome dinner.

Day 3, Saturday, 2nd MayHOTEL PRINCIPE DISAVOIA, MILAN

This morning we leave the hotel andwalk to the Pinacoteca di Brera, thecity’s most outstanding museum andone of the major art collections in theworld. Housed in a 17th centurypalace, it was founded as a small col-lection by the Hapsburgs in the late18th century and was dramaticallyenlarged during the Napoleonic era.It is rich in the works of Lombard andnorth Italian artists, includingMantegna’s masperpiece “DeadChrist”, as well as paintings byRaphael, Tintoretto, Caravaggio,Tiepolo and Canaletto – and non-

Italians such as El Greco, Van Dyck,Rubens and Rembrandt. We walk onto the charming, intimate MuseoPoldi Pezzoli, the finest “museumhome” in Italy, displaying the collec-tion of 19th century dilettante andcollector Gian Giacomo PoldiPezzoli. The house has been arrangedas a series of themed rooms inspiredby various artistic and decorativestyles designed and decorated bysome of the most innovative artists ofthe time. Just some of the famousartists in the collection are GiovanniBellini, Andrea Mantegna, Piero dellaFrancesca, Botticelli, GiambattistaTiepolo and a possible early Raphael.

Lunch in a restaurant or Villa Necchi..

Private visit to the Museo delDuomo. The museum is in thePalazzo Reale, for centuries home tothe Visconti and other rulers of Milan.It charts the history of the Duomofrom the 14th century origins (and thepre-existing church on its site) untilthe 1886 competition held to redesignits facade. Among the exhibits are16th and 17th century wooden mod-els of the cathedral, and many of theoriginal medieval sculptures – includ-ing figures thought to be GianGaleazzo Visconti and GaleazzoMaria Sforza. There are also stained-glass windows, paintings, tapestriesand a pair of elaborately carved choirstalls.

Dinner will be in the country house ofContessa Oretta RangomiMachiavelli..

Day 4, Sunday, 3rd MayHOTEL PRINCIPE DISAVOIA, MILAN

We drive to the church and convent ofSanta Maria della Grazie, listed aspart of UNESCO’S WorldwideHeritage since 1980. The convent’srefectory is the home of “il Cenacolo(The Last Supper) by Leonardo daVinci, one of the most famous worksof art in the world and included inUNESCO’S LIST. We will be able toview this impressive masterpiece,more beautiful than ever after 20years of restoration. On to SforzaCastle to see the Pietà diMichelangelo.

Lunch in Gallery Vittorio Emanuele

Afternoon is at leisure for those mightwish for any further shopping, or avisit to the Museo AmbrosianoDinner in the private club “IlGiardino” located in the PalazzoMarchesi Spinola

Day 5, Monday, 4th MayVILLA D’ESTE, LAKE COMO

Transfer to Lake Como by privatemotorcoach and check into the Villad’Este Hotel, a former 16th centuryresidence of European aristocrats.This lakeside villa is set in a magnifi-cent park, and has welcomed guestswith its gracious brand of hospitalitysince 1873.

Lunch in hotel

Late afternoon visit Como city wherewe will see the Broletto Palace andthe 14th century Duomo, with its

15th and 16th century reliefs andpaintings, and fine tombs. The 18thcentury dome is by Turin’s famousBaroque architect, Juvarra. Next tothe Duomo stands the Broletto (townhall), charmingly striped in white,pink and grey, and the tall Torre delCommune..

Dinner.

Day 6, Tuesday, 5th MayVILLA D’ESTE, LAKE COMO

Transfer by bus to Tremezzo VillaCarlotta, containing a collection ofearly 19th century marble statues, andsurrounded by terraced gardensenclosed by a splendid grille and VillaOlmo. Transfer by private boat toLoppia-Bellagio, an elegant resorttown known as the “Pearl of theLake” occupying a magnificent siteon the headland that divides LakeComo in two. In the 18th and 19thcenturies, the aristocracy of Lombardchose Bellagio as the place to buildtheir villas and dreamlike parks, andits scenic location enchanted artistsand writers as well. Our visit starts atthe Parco Villa Serbelloni, a fifty-acre estate that extends to the lake.One of the most beautiful parks inItaly, it incorporates a smallRomanesque church and bell tower.The 16th century villa is now a studyconference centre run by theRockefeller Foundation.

Lunch at Villa Serbelloni.

Afternoon visit to neo-classical VillaMelzi, followed by tea at the GrandHotel Villa Serbelloni.

Return to the hotel where we will havedinner this evening.

Day 7, Wednesday, 6th MayVILLA D’ESTE, LAKECOMO

Day at leisure to relax in the hotel

Dinner in the hotel.

Day 8, Thursday, 7th May GRAND HOTEL DES ISLESBORROMEES, STRESA

We take a boat to Villa delBalbianello, the most beautiful of allComo’s villas. Built by CardinalDurini and designated an ItalianNational Trust home in 1988, it hous-es a museum of relics of the lastowner, Count Guido Monzino,famous for his mountainerring andpolar expeditions.

Lunch at the Villa Balbianello.

Return to the Villa d’Este and transferto Stresa. Check into the GrandHotel des Iles Borromees, situatedin a park facing the enchanting LakeMaggiore; it has a magnificent viewof the Isole Borromee and the sur-rounding Alps. Built in 1861 and ren-ovated in 1991, its original structure iscompletely unaltered – where the“Belle Epoque” seems never to fade.


Day 9, Friday, 8th MayGRAND HOTEL DES ISLESBORROMEES, STRESA

Visit to Islands of Borromeo - IsoloBella, Isolo Madre and Isola deiPescatori.On Isola Bella, the most famous ofthe islands, we will visit the richly fur-nished and decorated 17th centurypalace and its beautiful terraced gar-dens. On Isola Madres, the largestof the islands, we will visit the 18thcentury palace and gardens, and strollthrough the narrow cobbled alleys ofthe medieval fishing village of Isoladei Pescatori.Lunch on Isola Borromeo wherewill be received by Princess BonaBorromeo.


Day 10, Saturday, 9th May GRAND HOTEL DES ISLESBORROMEES, STRESA

Depart by boat to Villa Taranto.The villa on the outskirts of Verbaniahouses one of the best exotic botanicalcollections a beautiful garden.

(If we have time could be very specialto visit to San Giulio in the same area)

Lunch in a typical local restaurant.

Farewell dinner either in the hotel orin a private house.

Day 11, Sunday, 10th MayDepartures.

PF Jan news 09 12/31/08 11:23 AM


y 4, Sunday, 3rd MayTEL PRINCIPE DI

VOIA, MILAN

drive to the church and convent ofta Maria della Grazie, listed as of UNESCO’S Worldwidetage since 1980. The convent’story is the home of “il Cenacolo

e Last Supper) by Leonardo dai, one of the most famous works

rt in the world and included inESCO’S LIST. We will be able to this impressive masterpiece,

e beautiful than ever after 20s of restoration. On to Sforzatle to see the Pietà dihelangelo.

ch in Gallery Vittorio Emanuele

rnoon is at leisure for those might for any further shopping, or ato the Museo Ambrosiano

ner in the private club “Ilrdino” located in the Palazzochesi Spinola

y 5, Monday, 4th MayLA D’ESTE, LAKE COMO

nsfer to Lake Como by privateorcoach and check into the Villaste Hotel, a former 16th centurydence of European aristocrats. lakeside villa is set in a magnifi- park, and has welcomed guests its gracious brand of hospitality

e 1873.

ch in hotel

afternoon visit Como city wherewill see the Broletto Palace and14th century Duomo, with its

15th and 16th century reliefs andpaintings, and fine tombs. The 18thcentury dome is by Turin’s famousBaroque architect, Juvarra. Next tothe Duomo stands the Broletto (townhall), charmingly striped in white,pink and grey, and the tall Torre delCommune..

Dinner.

Day 6, Tuesday, 5th MayVILLA D’ESTE, LAKE COMO

Transfer by bus to Tremezzo VillaCarlotta, containing a collection ofearly 19th century marble statues, andsurrounded by terraced gardensenclosed by a splendid grille and VillaOlmo. Transfer by private boat toLoppia-Bellagio, an elegant resorttown known as the “Pearl of theLake” occupying a magnificent siteon the headland that divides LakeComo in two. In the 18th and 19thcenturies, the aristocracy of Lombardchose Bellagio as the place to buildtheir villas and dreamlike parks, andits scenic location enchanted artistsand writers as well. Our visit starts atthe Parco Villa Serbelloni, a fifty-acre estate that extends to the lake.One of the most beautiful parks inItaly, it incorporates a smallRomanesque church and bell tower.The 16th century villa is now a studyconference centre run by theRockefeller Foundation.

Lunch at Villa Serbelloni.

Afternoon visit to neo-classical VillaMelzi, followed by tea at the GrandHotel Villa Serbelloni.

Return to the hotel where we will havedinner this evening.

Day 7, Wednesday, 6th MayVILLA D’ESTE, LAKECOMO

Day at leisure to relax in the hotel


Day 8, Thursday, 7th May GRAND HOTEL DES ISLESBORROMEES, STRESA

We take a boat to Villa delBalbianello, the most beautiful of allComo’s villas. Built by CardinalDurini and designated an ItalianNational Trust home in 1988, it hous-es a museum of relics of the lastowner, Count Guido Monzino,famous for his mountainerring andpolar expeditions.

Lunch at the Villa Balbianello.

Return to the Villa d’Este and transferto Stresa. Check into the GrandHotel des Iles Borromees, situatedin a park facing the enchanting LakeMaggiore; it has a magnificent viewof the Isole Borromee and the sur-rounding Alps. Built in 1861 and ren-ovated in 1991, its original structure iscompletely unaltered – where the“Belle Epoque” seems never to fade.


Day 9, Friday, 8th MayGRAND HOTEL DES ISLESBORROMEES, STRESA

Visit to Islands of Borromeo - IsoloBella, Isolo Madre and Isola deiPescatori.On Isola Bella, the most famous ofthe islands, we will visit the richly fur-nished and decorated 17th centurypalace and its beautiful terraced gar-dens. On Isola Madres, the largestof the islands, we will visit the 18thcentury palace and gardens, and strollthrough the narrow cobbled alleys ofthe medieval fishing village of Isoladei Pescatori.Lunch on Isola Borromeo wherewill be received by Princess BonaBorromeo.


Day 10, Saturday, 9th May GRAND HOTEL DES ISLESBORROMEES, STRESA

Depart by boat to Villa Taranto.The villa on the outskirts of Verbaniahouses one of the best exotic botanicalcollections a beautiful garden.

(If we have time could be very specialto visit to San Giulio in the same area)

Lunch in a typical local restaurant.

Farewell dinner either in the hotel orin a private house.

Day 11, Sunday, 10th MayDepartures.

The tentative it inerary is as follows:

PF Jan news 09 12/31/08 11:23 AM

January 2009 10

The Preservation Foundation’s annual membership luncheon held at

the Breakers’ Venetian Ballroom on Friday, December 12th, 2008 saw

some 200 members in attendance. The event was held from Noon to

3pm. Guests were served cocktails followed by a three-course meal.

After dessert was served, the Ballinger and Volunteer of the Year

awards were presented.

2008 Membership Luncheon

Julia Koch with her Ballinger Award,photo by Dr. Richard D’Elia

Trustees Wilbur and Hilary Geary Ross and FoundationPresident John Mashek

Rod Winterrowd

Thomas and Carol Kirchhoff Regine Traulsen and Bill Diamond Trustee Frank Chopin and Kate Ford

PF Jan news 09 12/31/08 11:23 AM


his year, the Preservation Foundation recog-nized Jack Maxey as its Volunteer of the Year.

Foundation President John Mashek presented theaward at the annual membership luncheon in appre-

ciation for Maxey’s service.

Maxey was a key impetus behind the 2008 Palm SaleProject. The project sought to install a row of coconut palmson the west side of North County Road from MirafloresDrive to the beach wall, creating a canopy for pedestriansand automobiles along this well traveled route. Maxey wasone of the originators of the idea, transforming what oncewas a roadside sale to bring back the palms into a project tobeautify public space in the high-residential north end ofPalm Beach, now and for the future.

The original first part of the project began by acceptingdonations in April. Planning moved ahead and over thenext few months several bids from numerous contractorswere taken. Kip Kyle of Kip Kyle Landscaping, Inc. waschosen for his excellent reputation, high integrity, and pastexperience in the town. In early June, landscaping workbegan. The ill and intermittent queen anne palms whichhad been there originally were removed. Next, the site wasmeasured for new trees. Trees were to be approximately 8 to12 feet and placed 20 feet apart. Maxey, Kip Kyle, theFoundation’s Gardens Director Daniele Garson andExecutive Director John Ripley then personally selected 98trees meeting these criteria, one by one from a special nurs-ery. The trees were then brought to the site. Planting fin-ished on July 3rd, with each tree staked in and its palms tiedto encourage full, healthy, and ordered growth. On August1st, the palms were cut open.

Given that initial success, on September 19th the projectexpanded further North with the planting of 12 trees infront of the Palm Beach Country Club at the beach wall. Asin previous plantings with the project, Kyle Landscaping,Inc. installed the 12 trees. These trees at 20-25 feet highwere significantly larger than the others previously plantedby the Foundation.

To help in this expansion of the project Maxey facilitated a$25,000 donation from the Palm Beach Country Club.

Maxey is the husband of the Foundation’s Vice-PresidentTalbott Maxey, with whom he has two children, Tennantand Alice. He is a graduate of Yale University.

The Foundation is grateful for his service.

Jack Maxey named Preservation Foundation’s2008 Volunteer of the Year

2008 Volunteer of the Year

Jack Maxey in Homestead selecting trees for the

Palm Sale Project

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PF Jan news 09 12/31/08 11:23 AM

ver the past few months the PreservationFoundation has increased its engagement

with other organizations around the town, aswell as the state and East Coast.

In October, the Foundation’s Executive Director JohnRipley was sent up to Newport, Rhode Island to partici-pate in their Source Newport Sustainability Conference.The focus of the conference was on the future of historiccities and the processes that are stimulating new business,greater energy efficiency, and stronger communities.Sessions were held on with planning, architecture, finance,construction, and real estate investment leaders as sharingtheir ideas on new paths to sustainable development andthe key role played by restoration and America’s historiccities. Ripley spoke on encouraging restoration overdestruction and the legal hurdles and constraints that facepreservation and development.

On November 17th after the successful landmarking of theRoyal Poinciana Plaza the week before, Ripley visited thePalm Beach Chamber of Commerce to explain how land-marking is not anti-development. Founded in 1929, thePalm Beach Chamber of Commerce serves the Town ofPalm Beach through its representation of the businesscommunity.

“We have now an opportunity to show that the landmarkspreservation ordinance we have in this town works,” hesaid, “that people can revitalize, people can redevelop, peo-ple can come together and make decisions.”

“It definitely does not mean that the town killed the plan,”Ripley assured the Chamber.

On December 10th, the Colonial Dames visited thePreservation Foundation offices to hear a report fromRipley. Founded in 1890, the Colonial Dames is an inter-national society of women members whose direct ancestorsheld positions of leadership in the Thirteen Colonies. Thepurpose of the society is to support educational and historicpreservation projects. There are thirty-two chapters of theColonial Dames, extending geographically from SanFrancisco to Rome. The Palm Beach chapter is the 27thand was chartered in 1964.

Ripley spoke to the Colonial Dames on the work comingout of the University of Miami School of Architecture’sPreservation Studio. As part of the PreservationFoundation’s advocacy during the Royal Poinciana Way

January 2009 12

OPreservation Foundation Increasing Engagement with Other Organizations

The Foundation’s Executive Director John Ripley speaking tothe Colonial Dames

After Executive Director Ripley’s UM Studio Presentation,the Colonial Dames enjoy tea and hors d’oeuvres in the

Foundation Library.

PF Jan news 09 12/31/08 11:23 AM


Area Charrette, as well as for general urbanplanning and smart growth for the Town ofPalm Beach, a partnership was formedbetween the Foundation and the Universityof Miami’s School of Architecture. Aunique preservation design lab and studiofor the university’s architecture studentswas created.

The first half of the studio focused com-pletely on accumulating baseline researchand information on the study area. Thestudents researched the archives of thePreservation Foundation and HistoricalSociety as well as measuring locationsonsite. They studied and reproduced draw-ings of the prevailing architectural styles inPalm Beach, and how these styles haveadopted a Palm Beach vernacular, by usinglocal buildings in the drawings as theirexamples. They studied and produceddetailed maps of “special places” in PalmBeach that exemplify the town’s architec-tural heritage, such as Vias Mizner andParigi, Phipps Plaza, and Major Alley. They producedaccurate maps of Palm Beach detailing zoning, buildingheight, streetscapes, and block-form plans of what currentzoning allows. The students also produced a first-of-its-kind map identifying the landmark structures in the studyarea, giving perspective far beyond the existing list ofaddresses. In addition to these maps, they produced a his-torical map which includes the Royal Poinciana Hotel,railroad spur, and Bradley’s Beach Club. As far as isknown, no similar map existed previously, and they creat-ed it using the archives from the Town as well as thePreservation Foundation.

Following the Charrette, the Studio changed its focus tothe work of historic preservation with guidance on specificstudy areas by the Preservation Foundation. The studentsdrew streetscapes and elevations of Royal Poinciana Way,Bradley Park, The Royal Poinciana Plaza and Playhouse,and the potential Breakers PUD. They produced masterplans individually at first, then with several of their class-mates, and finally they reached a consensus master planfrom the studio as a whole. This consensus plan was notone of the original goals of the studio, but the students feltstrongly enough to put one together anyway.

The studio produced a wealth of resources including maps,architectural style sheets, and design recommendationsthat explore and promote Palm Beach’s history, not a desireto build, or increase density. This Preservation Studioproject and the findings made by the JANUS Report arethe only efforts to date that applied specific study topreservation or potential rezoning that is compatible withour architectural history. The studio was a terrific experi-ence for the students and faculty at the University ofMiami, as well as the Preservation Foundation.

On January 15th and 16th Ripley will take part in theFlorida Trust for Historic Preservation’s ‘The UltimateRecycling Tool’ workshop in Fort Pierce. The workshop isco-sponsored by Fort Pierce Academy of Town Design.The workshop is designed to teach participants how ener-gy-saving and conservation strategies can be incorporatedinto historic buildings and communities. Participants willalso gain an understanding of Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) Certification for existingbuildings as it applies to historic resources.

Plan and elevations of Via Mizner from UM Studio

ng Engagement with Other Organizations

PF Jan news 09 12/31/08 11:23 AM

January 2009 14

Dickse Fitzgerald Speaking on the architecture surrounding Central Park

Foundation Executive Director John Ripley receiving asigned copy of Fitzgerald’s book Window on the Park

n Wednesday, December 17th, 2008the Foundation was privileged to hear

from one of Manhattan’s top real estatebrokers – Dickse Fitzgerald. She came to

speak and sign copies of her book Window on the Park:New York’s Most Prestigious Properties on Central Park.

Currently a Senior Vice President, Associate Broker atBrown Harris Stevens, she is also the creator andfounder of Haus Fitzgerald a website which featuresratings, reviews and overviews of some of Manhattan’sgreatest buildings.

Her career has allowed Fitzergald to develop andindulge a love of New York City’s architectural history,specifically the buildings that line Central Park.

She has taken that passion and put it into the bookWindow on the Park: New York’s Most PrestigiousProperties on Central Park. She offered, as the bookoffers, a truly rare access and insight into some of theNew York City’s most acclaimed homes and buildings.

It was at the end of the 19th century – the time depict-ed so well in the novels of Edith Wharton and HenryJames - when New York’s elite families came together in

that beautiful area of the city stretching from 59thStreet to 94th Street along Fifth Avenue. At that time,it became known as ‘Millionaires Row’ though now it ismore often referred to as ‘The Museum Mile’.Fitzgerald, as in her book, profiled some 50 of thebuildings which now occupy this area. Most originallydate from that late 19th, early 20th century period,though Fitzgerald has wisely included some morerecent constructions – an important example as to hownew buildings are integrated into an evolving, historicarea.

Fitzgerald presented brief histories of the major build-ings surrounding the Park, noting the architects anddesigners, significant details about each building’samenities (wine cellars, gyms and other services), inter-esting facts, and notes on the cost of these aeries. Ofparticular interested was the attention she paid toarchitects like Schwartz and Gross who are well knowfor 55 Central Park West, nicknamed the‘Ghostbusters Building’ after its use in the 1984 movie;Robert A. M. Stern and his design for 15 Central ParkWest; and Henry Janeway Hardenbergh’s French-stylework on The Dakota.

Dickse Fitzgerald on the Architecture of Central Park

O

PF Jan news 09 12/31/08 11:23 AM


he Preservation Foundation Film Nightwill offer the chance to examine the point

where the artistic disciplines of architectureand film meet.

On Monday, January 12th, 2009, at 6pm in theRosenthal Lecture Room at the Foundation’s offices,the 1984 film Antonio Gaudí by the director HiroshiTeshigahara will be shown.

Largely silent except for the music of composer ToruTakemitsu, the film attempts with its long caressingcamera moves over, under, around, and into the worksof Catalan architect Antonio Gaudí (1852 – 1926) toconcentrate the viewer’s eye and reveal the wonders ofone of the most audacious, eccentric and talented archi-tects the world has ever known. As camera and struc-ture mimic and reflect one another, Teshigahara’sAntonio Gaudí takes viewers on a tour of Gaudi’s trulyspectacular architecture, from Casa Batlló to Casa Milàde Pedrera to Casa Vicens to The House of Güell andGüell Park, culminating in Gaudí’s massive, still-unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia Cathedral,Barcelona’s most famous architectural landmark.Gaudí designed some of the world’s most astonishingbuildings, interiors and parks; Japanese directorHiroshi Teshigahara constructed some of the most aes-

thetically audacious films ever made. In Antonio Gaudítheir artistry melds in a unique, enthralling cinematicexperience.

Critic Stephen Holden wrote of the film in The NewYork Times: “If any film could be described as an archi-tectural symphony, it is Hiroshi Teshigahara’s 1984movie Antonio Gaudí. Much of the imagery in Gaudí isnothing less than astounding in its beauty and bold-ness, and the blending of a neo-Gothic mysticism andgrandeur with an Art Nouveau line and a surreal appre-hension of the power of nature. The erotic connotationsof much of the work are so blunt as to be almost shock-ing.”

The Foundation’s Media Director Alexander C. Iveswill present a short introduction to the film. After thefilm is over, Ives will guide and encourage gueststhrough a discussion of the film. Ives has written filmcriticism for publications such as The Film Journal,Images Journal, PASTE Magazine, Industry Magazine,Day Night Life Magazine, Senses of Cinema, and LaPlume Noire, among others. He has also contributedessays for the Melbourne Cinematheque of Australia’sclassic film series. At Boston College, he studied cine-ma under film scholar Richard A. Blake, S.J.

Preservation Foundation Film Night: Antonio Gaudí (1984) by Hiroshi Teshigahara

Sagrada Familia CathedralCasa Milà de Pedrera

T

PF Jan news 09 12/31/08 11:23 AM

Presorted First ClassU. S. Postage

PAIDWest Palm Beach, FL

Permit No. 1151 311 Peruvian AvenuePalm Beach, Florida 33480

NEW MEMBERS

Mrs. Barbara AnnanMs. Karlyn E. AskelandMr. and Mrs. Kane K. BakerMs. Kathleen O. BeatonMs. Denny BellingrathDr. and Mrs. Joel BermanMs. Gina BormanBradley Park HotelMr. and Mrs. William B.

BruderMs. Madeleine CalderMr. Paul W. CarmanMr. Sam CollierMs. Cara ConiglioMr. Edward Austin CooneyMr. Michael CurcioMr. Joseph Paul DavisDr. and Mrs. David DesmondMs. Stacey A. Dowdle,

The American HeartAssociation Palm BeachChapter

Ms. Sandy McCartney EhlersMr. and Mrs. Sanford B.

EhrenkranzMs. Meredith K. Finch

George L. Ford III, PaintingContractor, Inc.

Mr. John M. FosterMr. and Mrs. Christopher B.

GalvinMr. and Mrs. Lawrence

GarsonMr. and Mrs. Jamie GordonMrs. Michelle GreenwaldMs. Sara C. GroffMs. Susan M. GubelmannMs. Hillary GuldenMs. Wilma HansonDr. Elaine L. HarringtonMs. Helene HerzigMr. and Mrs. Landon

HilliardHillsinger Brackett InteriorsMr. Ronald E. G. HirschelMs. Madeleine A. HomesMr. Stuart Howard-SmithMr. Scott HughesMr. and Mrs. Robert W.

JonesMr. and Mrs. Keith JonesMs. Cynthia Kasper

Mr. and Mrs. DanielKaufman

Mr. E. Hewlett KentMr. and Mrs. Dana KochMr. and Mrs. John D. KochMr. Charles F. LaniganMs. Lynne D. LarsenMr. Christopher LeidyMr. Robert LeidyMr. and Mrs. Peter T.

LiebmanMr. and Mrs. John A.

MarshallMs. Denise McCannMr. and Mrs. Joe McGloneMrs. Averil P. MeyerMr. David Miller and Mr.

Ray WakefieldMs. Kim MocklerAnn Norton Sculpture

GardensMr. and Mrs. Charles O’NeillParc Monceau LtdMr. Todd PeterMr. Andrew B. QuinnMr. Oliver H. Quinn

Mr. Thomas H. QuinnMr. Thomas H. Quinn, Jr.Mrs. Kamila F. RemingtonMr. and Mrs. Simon M.

RobertsMs. Vanessa Rooks and

Mr. Troy PortelanceMr. Tanner Rose, Jr. and

Mr. Ross RoseMr. and Mrs. David A.

RosowThe J. M. Rubin FoundationMs. Alice RudinMs. June G. SalnyMs. Amanda C. SmithMr. and Mrs. John P. SteinleMr. Carl StiboltTruffies of Palm BeachMrs. Wynant D. VanderpoelMr. and Mrs. Steven E. VogelMs. Joanne WagnerMr. and Mrs. J. William

WeeksMrs. W. W. WolbachMr. Jack Young

PF Jan news 09 12/31/08 11:23 AM

5

2pmWalking Tour

3

ELECTION DAY

4

2pmLecture/BookSigning:The CountryHouses of David Adlerby Stephen Salny

21

15 16

PRESIDENTS' DAY

17 18

9am-5pmLandmarksComm.

19

2pmLecture: Peg Breen,President of the NewYork LandmarksConservancy

20 21

22 23 24 25

9am-5pmArchitecturalComm.

26 27 28

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

February 2009

8 9 10

9:30am-5pmTown CouncilMeeting

11 12

2pmLecture/BookSigning:Houses in My Heartby Carleton Varney

13

4pmMusicale: Florida Brass

14

The Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach • www.palmbeachpreservation.org • 561.832.0731

1

NEW YEAR’S DAY

2 3

11 126pmPreservationFoundation Film Night:Antonio Gaudi (1984) by Hiroshi Teshigara

13


14


15 1610:30amMichael Kors Breakfast& Fashion Show

4pmMusicale: Jazz Quintet

17

18 19

DR. MARTINLUTHER KING, Jr.DAY

20

INAUGURATIONDAY

21

9am-5pmLandmarksCommission

22 23 24

25 26 27 28

9am-5pmArchitecturalCommission

29 30 31

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

January 2009

4 5 6

9:30am-5pmPlanning & ZoningCommission Meeting

7

NoonTrustees Meeting& Polly Earl Award

8

4pmTown CouncilMeeting to CallFebruary 3rdElection

9 10

76

** invitation only * all events subject to change

Calendar of Events for the 2008-2009 Season*

The Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach • www.palmbeachpreservation.org • 561.832.0731

J a n u a r y 2 0 0 9

Wednesday, January 7, 2009 Noon Trustees Meeting & Polly Earl Award** 311 Peruvian Ave./Bice

Monday, January 12, 2009 6-8pm Preservation Foundation Film Night: 311 Peruvian Ave.Antonio Gaudí (1984) by Hiroshi Teshigahara

Friday, January 16, 2009 10:30am Michael Kors Breakfast & Fashion Show** 226 Worth Ave.

Friday, January 16, 2009 4pm Musicale - Jazz Quintet Pan’s Garden

F e b r u a r y 2 0 0 9

Wednesday, February 4, 2009 2pm Lecture/Book Signing: 311 Peruvian Ave.The Country Houses of David Adlerby Stephen Salny

Thursday, February 5, 2009 2pm Walking Tour 311 Peruvian Ave.

Thursday February 12, 2009 2pm Lecture/Book Signing: 311 Peruvian Ave.Houses in My Heart: An International Decorator’s Colorful Journey by Carleton Varney

Friday, February 13, 2009 4pm Musicale - Florida Brass Pan’s Garden

Thursday, February 19, 2009 2pm Lecture: 311 Peruvian Ave. Peg Breen, Presidentof the New York Landmarks Conservancy

M a r c h 2 0 0 9

March TBD 2-4pm Gruss Master Lecture The Colony Hotel

Friday, March 6, 2009 8pm Annual Gala** The Breakers

Friday, March 13, 2009 4pm Musicale - Palm Beach Atlantic University Pan’s GardenSchool of Music and Fine ArtsFaculty Quartet, Quartetto Stringendo

Tuesday, March 17, 2009 2pm Lecture/Book Signing: 311 Peruvian Ave.Preservation of Modern Architectureby Theodore Prudon

Thursday, March 19, 2009 7:30pm-10pm Preservationist Club Dinner** Pan’s Garden Guest Speaker: Nick Foulkes

Friday, March 20, 2009 3pm Lecture/Book Signing: 311 Peruvian Ave. High Society: A History of America’sUpper Class by Nick Foulkes

A p r i l 2 0 0 9

Thursday, April 2, 2009 Noon Schuler Award Presentation/Lecture 311 Peruvian Ave.

Friday, April 10, 2009 4pm Musicale - Yale Whiffenpoofs Pan’s Garden

April 23, 2009 2pm Lecture/Book Signing: 311 Peruvian Ave.Hotel: An American Historyby Dr. A.K. Sandoval-Strausz

M a y 2 0 0 9

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 Noon Bridge Party 311 Peruvian Ave.

Friday, May 15, 2009 7:30pm May Garden Party** 311 Peruvian Ave.

january 2009 foundation news -...

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