One of Star Island's First Mansions Could be Replaced by Something Glassy and New

The Mediterranean Revival mansion at 31 Star Island Drive was probably built in 1920 by an unknown architect, and had an addition put on in 1926 by Walter DeGarmo, Miami's first registered architect. It was built for Cecil Fowler, a banker and business partner of Miami Beach developer Carl Fisher on the Flamingo Hotel project. Having survived over 90 years, it will go up before the City of Miami Beach's Design Review Board at 8:30 AM tomorrow, where its current owner hopes to have a new and radically different, contemporary replacement by architect Kobi Karp approved.

According to a Change.org petition for 31 Star Island Drive's preservation:

The home at 31 Star Island is under threat of demolition. Its current owner, New York hedge fund manager Wayne Holman has applied to demolish the 13,681 square foot mansion and build a new 9,178 square foot home in its place.

The demolition of this estate would be a tragedy for our community's cultural heritage. The home was built by Cecil Fowler, the owner of the National Bank in Lafayette, Indiana, and a friend of developer Carl Fisher, with whom he co-developed Miami Beach's famed Flamingo Hotel. Not much is known about the original architect of the house, which was probably built in 1920 as one of the first homes on Star Island. Walter DeGarmo, Florida's first registered architect, built an addition to the property in 1926. For many years, it was the home of CR Dashiell, a Chicago automobile dealer and one of the original members of the Committee of 100 in Miami Beach. UPDATE: The house has been saved, for now.

· Save 31 Star Island Drive petition [Change.org]
· Star Island manse spared the wrecking ball... for now [Real Deal]