Monday, May 28, 2018

NO SURPRISE: BRADLEY PARK IN PALM BEACH WINS STATE AWARD FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION




Everyone is invited to come by and see this beautifully recreated park space on the intracoastal waterway in Palm Beach.  It is serene and peaceful.

Back in 1946, Col. E.R. Bradley donated his beach club and home on the Intracoastal Waterway in Palm Beach to the town. The Gilded Age buildings were razed but the tea house and Artemus Fountain were left, elements from the past.  The Garden Club and the town worked together on new designs for a public park in this 4.4-acre area.  

According to Amanda Skier, executive director of the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach, the comprehensive landscape plan was 71 years in the making.  Spearheaded by the Foundation, this effort is already enjoyed by many who walk through the Park daily.

The Park has become a gathering place and source of community pride at the northernmost entrance to Palm Beach. Five educational panels at the Tea House tell visitors about the beautification, those who worked on and contributed to it, and the town’s prehistoric legacy.  The panels were authored and curated by the Preservation Foundation, Historical Society of Palm Beach County, Flagler Museum and the Archaeological and Historical Conservancy. 
The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, a non-profit dedicated to protecting the state’s heritage and history, founded in 1978, is a partner of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  It has now given the Preservation Foundation its award for meritorious achievement in the field of infill design, acknowledging construction or reconstruction that appropriately fills a gap in a streetscape.  

The beautification project is ongoing.  They note that the Bradley Park beautification is a great example of a revamped outdoor space that the public can enjoy.  This is a statewide honor.
Those who are familiar with local Palm Beach interests know that preservation is a much honored tradition here.
Retained historical elements include the Fountain and Tea House including a 200-year old massive green Buttonwood Tree donated by local homeowner Stephen Levin.  It is 35’ high and 50’ across.  When planted in Bradley Park, the tree was positioned with soil made especially for it, with the same alignment toward the sun that it had in its initial location.  There are orchids growing thruout the branches.  The day after the move, a variety of birds were already hosted by the tree.

The Park’s redesign is being paid for by the Preservation Foundation.  They are covering the cost of construction with donations, which are still being accepted.  To contribute and become part of this effort, call 561-832-0731.

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

GREAT IDEA!



Traditional wallpaper has a bad reputation for being difficult to apply and even harder to remove. That’s why many houses look dated; they still have stubborn wallpaper from the ’80s that won’t budge! In response, the temporary wallpaper trend has taken off. It gives renters and homeowners the ability to experiment with different styles but not be tied down to one look. In many cases, temporary wallpaper is also reusable.
If you are a renter, temporary wallpaper allows you to cover those bland, white walls with something more personal and homey. And you won’t get fined for changing the walls when you move, because the wallpaper comes off easily. 
Temporary wallpaper is also a great option if you don’t plan on staying in your home forever. If you plan to sell your home down the road, choose temporary wallpaper so that when it comes time to put your home on the market, you can strip it away to create a more basic look that will appeal to more people. 
Other uses of temporary wallpaper include in vacation homes (you could decorate your walls with a seashell design), nurseries, guest rooms or even a dorm room. 
You have many options when it comes to choosing where to purchase temporary wallpaper. Various companies offer a range of designs to fit your individual style. Check out these six great sources. 
Swag Paper has a great selection of temporary wallpaper, from vintage maps to classic ikat patterns. Check out their inspiration gallery of photos from real users of Swag Paper to get ideas for your own home.
Wayfair, known for their array of affordable home goods and furniture, has an equally extensive selection of temporary wallpaper at great prices. Check out designs such as birch trees, bricks, arrowheads, peony flowers and more. 
This site allows you to upload your own images to create custom temporary wallpaper. Or browse their many categories, such as teens, nursery, maps and more. 
Spoonflower offers various tools to help you create custom wallpaper designs. You can upload your own images and make use of their color map and guide or test out their products with a sample pack of creative wallpaper swatches. 
Not only does Blik offer temporary wallpaper, but they also carry fun wall decals and stickers if you don’t want to commit to redoing the entire wall space. Check out their dry-erase notepad decal here!
Browse Easywallz for temporary wallpaper that fits your home or office. They have an extensive collection of murals, door murals and table wraps, or you can create your own collage. 

Temporary wallpaper is a great way to infuse your home with personal style and creativity. Contact us today for more easy ways to give your home a stylish upgrade.

Tuesday, March 20, 2018





The second oldest home in Palm Beach, Duck’s Nest, has a proposal to demolish and rebuild it which is now postponed another month by the Landmarks Preservation Commission.  Location is 305 Maddock Way.  In February the commission ordered an independent review of the home by an engineer but none was done. Today an engineer will examine the property.


The proposal includes demolishing the 2-story home, enlarging the floor plan and adding a pool and 2-story garage. The decision has now been postponed for another month while the owners of the property, the Maddock Family, incur more expenses.

Sunday, March 4, 2018

FOR FRESH FOOD AND PRODUCE... HERE IS A MUST!

WHERE TO SPEND A WONDERFUL EVENING




The Maltz Theater in Jupiter is featuring this favorite hit show
SOUTH PACIFIC, from Tuesday, March 6th thru Sunday, March 25th.

On an island in the South Pacific, a World War II nurse finds herself in the midst of love and war. Nellie Forbush has fallen deeply in love with Frenchman Emile De Becque, a widowed plantation owner who has lived on the island for many years. But their sweeping romance is tested by the complexities of politics and prejudices of their time. This beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein classic is sure to delight with memorable songs like “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair” and “There is Nothing Like a Dame.”
SCHEDULE & TICKETS
for tickets and map:

Sunday, January 21, 2018

PALM BEACH ART MODERNE STYLE APARTMENT BUILDING MAY GET A HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION



An Art Moderne architectural style Palm Beach apartment building, the first co-operative apartment building in Florida, was unanimously recommended by the Landmarks Preservation Commission to the Town Council for landmark protection.  This style was also called Streamline Moderne. Modern construction techniques and materials were used.  

It created a clear-cut distinction between old and new Palm Beach.
The four-story Lake Drive Apartments building was designed by midcentury architect Howard Chilton, a native Floridian, and is said to be his best and most effective building, and was completed in 1949. He built 15+ buildings and 700 single family houses in Palm Beach County. 

The style is a late type of Art Deco architecture sometimes emphasizing curving forms, long horizontal lines, low-relief stylized graphics, and nautical elements.  Nautical elements are featured in the balcony railings, porthole windows and sundeck design of this apartment building.  The building’s west façade directly overlooks the Lake Worth Lagoon and Town Docks. It is located at the corner of Lake Drive and Australian Avenue.

Constructed of concrete block surfaced with smooth stucco, it was built with two dozen apartments on three upper floors and a lobby, storage space and parking on the ground floor.

This style flourished in the 1930’s and 1940’s and was highlighted at the 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago. Technology that arose after World War I was influential in this style developing.  Simple geometric forms and decorative details created a “less is more” standard.  A zoning law change in 1947 allowed hotels and apartments to be built in the Royal Park and Floral Park subdivisions. Previously only single family homes had been allowed.

One Commissioner said, “It just has a sort of rightness of place and time that I think is very appealing… a great deal of architectural integrity.  Another said, “To me, it’s perfection.”


One Royal Palm Way Condominiums was also built by Chilton and is pictured below.  His 300 South Ocean Boulevard apartment building is landmarked.  He participated in building the Palm Beach County Courthouse.



Saturday, January 20, 2018

PALM BEACH & DELRAY BEACH BOTH HAVE CHALLENGES WITH REDEVELOPMENT OF HISTORIC PROPERTIES



Have you driven by the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Swinton and wished for changes?  Once a proposal to redevelop and build out the area has been confirmed, this will be the start of a renaissance in the area just east of I-95 and the areas to the west.  Delray Beach’s under-developed West Atlantic Avenue will see, sooner or later, many new projects. 

For the past four years, Hudson Holdings has proposed to redevelop and build out this important corner in Delray Beach that has aged.  The sixth revision to keep the residents who focus on historic preservation happy, has been proposed, was rejected by the Delray Beach city commission, and is under appeal.

The proposal prepares the way for some historic structures being demolished and rehabilitated, a few being relocated but remaining on the same block, and condominiums, stores, and an underground garage being created.  The city’s Historic Preservation Board does support a resurgence, but says the proposal is too grandiose for the subtle historic district. Some of the city’s oldest structures are tucked behind lush landscaping.  One board member stated that “It’s losing that whole ambiance of a historic neighborhood”.  Others are pushing for a “moderning up” [editor’s words] of the area.  Nearby are the Public Library and Tennis Center stadium.

City leaders say that this redevelopment could bring “the most important renaissance of the next ten years in Delray Beach”. Everyone agrees that changes are due.  Many refer to the area as “blighted”.

Big changes are hard to come by and sometimes it is not possible to please everyone 100%, but Hudson Holdings has made many changes to please the objectors.  

We are watching these issues re the redevelopment of the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Swinton in Delray Beach with the knowledge that you cannot stop progress, though you can amend and change it somewhat.



Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Garage Door Security Tips to Prevent Break-Ins

You have checked all the windows to make sure they are closed and locked, doubled-checked the doors, let the neighbors know you are going out of town, informed the mail so it does not pile up and activated all the passive security systems in your home. However, one area is often overlooked as you pull out of your garage and leave: The garage you just left.

A modern-day garage is a prime spot for thieves to gain access to your home. 
There are three basic types of garages that your home may have and each one requires its own safety measures. The first two are attached garages, and they can be divided into two categories: The front of the house garage that faces the street and the rear garage, which is out of view from the street.
The third type of garage is the detached garage. It is particularly dangerous if this type of garage is not secured properly because it offers a staging ground for thieves to enter the premises.
Here are a few pieces of advice that will help you protect your home:
Use Your Garage. Park your car in the garage when it is not being used or if you are leaving by other means. Many people leave their garage door remote in their car, and all it takes is something like a broken window in your car to give a thief access to your home. To combat this, you can also make sure to remove the remote if you leave your car outside of the garage.
Disable the Electric Motor. If you are leaving for an extended period of time, detach your electric garage door opener. This is usually a very simple thing to do. Most electric garage door openers have a rope or chain you pull down to disconnect the electric motor from the chain that operates the door. This protects you in two ways: First, if a thief used a frequency scanning device to obtain your code, it will be of no use since it is not operable. Second, it would require a thief to physically go to the door, which the neighbors could see.
Bolt It. Use a manual sliding bolt-style lock on the inside of your garage door that can only be opened from the inside.
Keep It In Good Condition. Make sure the garage door is properly functioning and that there is no damage to the panels through which a thief could access your home.
Keep It Contained. Do not leave important items in the garage and make sure to lock the door to your home. If thieves do break into the garage, you want to make sure that is all they can access. Place a deadbolt and anti-kick device on the door that leads to the garage.
The Same Goes for Detached Garages. For the detached garage, make sure you follow the same principles as if it was connected to your home. If the garage is out of view from the street where neighbors could spot a break-in, these rules become even more essential. Most importantly, do not keep valuables in your garage.

Friday, January 5, 2018

WHERE'S THE NEXT PARTY?


Penthouse with Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway views
in Palm Beach on-the-sand.  Sensational layout, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 
2145 living sq ft.  Spacious, great flow, top security.
#expertrealtor #LiveWonderfully  #C'monAlong
NeverEconomizeOnLuxury #realestate  #buyacondo
#BringAll Offers


Sunday, December 24, 2017

LITTLE KNOWN STORY ABOUT MAR-A-LAGO



The flamboyant New York businessman, Donald Trump, wanted to break into Palm Beach, and unsuccessfully attempted to purchase and combine two apartments in the area.
When he learned Mar-a-Lago was up for sale, Trump offered the Post family $25 million. But, as anxious as they were to sell, the owners rejected him.
Not one to accept defeat, the future Commander-in-Chief paid KFC executive Jack C. Massey $2 million for the land between Mar-a-Lago and the ocean. When Trump said he would use the land to build a house that would block Mar-a-Lago’s lush beach view, its property value declined.
As a result, Trump ended up nabbing the historic estate for just $7 million.


Remember this, George Soros, Mueller, Obama and Hillary: when you challenge President Donald Trump, even if you duck you better watch out.

Friday, December 22, 2017

126-YEAR OLD “DUCK’S NEST” HOME SUFFERS FROM “OLD AGE”




Needing to be demolished and reconstructed, “Ducks Nest” is located at 305 Maddock Way in Palm Beach, between North LakeTrail and North Lake Way on the Intracoastal Waterway side of The Island. The house is owned by the Maddock family. They have lived there since 1891.

One can “go to school” with this property to watch the steps that must be taken for similar homes needing rebuilding and reconstruction.

The original modular house was shipped by Henry Maddock from Long Island, by barge and train, as two portable frame houses that formed a modest 1-story home. At that time it was among ponds, marches, pineapple fields and coconut trees. The property is adjacent to the Old Bethesda Church. The 15-room house is supported by rough-hewn joists and rafters numbered for placement.  Porches, terraces, and distinctive rooflines are featured, with rooflines trimmed with scalloped barge boards.



The wild ducks that gave the name to Palm Beach’s oldest residence have vanished, but the home endures, needing many changes to be livable and up to code.

As The Island of Palm Beach seeks to grow with the times, more than 500 homes have been demolished in the last twenty years. This Maddock Way home has problems that include weather intrusion, water damage and structural deficiencies and the windows do not meet wind-resistance requirements.  

With building code and life safety issues, the owner’s plan is to demolish the wood frame walls and replace them with concrete-block walls. The plans are focused on staying as true as possible to the original concept. 

The current asphalt shingle roof would be replaced with same material; shingles currently are a fish-scale pattern. Wind-load glass would be installed to protect stained-glass windows.  A pool and changing room would be added to replace the existing garage to meet setback rules. A new 2-story garage would be built on the south side of the property, within the setback. 2000 sq ft will be added bringing the total to 6,000 sq ft.  

Expansions were made several times including alterations designed by John Volk in 1954.  It appears that permission to demolish a landmarked house is being sought and is favored by some landmarks commissioners, with an eye to preserving the charm of the house. 
“I have never seen a house with more charm or whimsical nature than this one,” said one of the Commissioners, and he also said, “I have never seen a house with such poorly constructed materials…. But it is the charm and its story that is historical, not the materials.”

We can find you the home of your dreams, historic or not!

Thursday, December 7, 2017


3 Trends in Kitchen Hardware to Keep an Eye On

You don’t have to transform your entire kitchen to feel like your kitchen has been upgraded. All you have to do is update some of your kitchen hardware, like the knobs on your cabinets or the handles on your drawers. You’ll get that new kitchen feel for a fraction of the cost. However, choose your new hardware wisely. Here are 3 trends in kitchen hardware to keep an eye on.
1. Artsy knobs
The great thing about the term “artsy” is that it’s totally up to your interpretation and discretion. You can take your pick of colorful knobs, varying sized knobs and knobs of many different styles. Got a theme for your kitchen? Go all out by getting knobs that matches your vision. 
Whatever your method of madness, personalize your kitchen in the subtlest and classiest of ways so you can impress guests. You can peruse the knob section at Home Depot or Lowes for ideas, or you can check out what’s new in the DIY section of the internet.
2. Bar handles
You can make your kitchen seem more modern and sleek without replacing a single panel or backsplash tile. Just incorporate long, straight lines in your kitchen with bar handles.
These handles are most commonly seen in restaurant kitchens: They’re long and slim metal bars that run the length of drawers. They’re not only great for design but also for utility. You can be completely engrossed in a recipe, reach over to grab a drawer handle and grasp it every time, without fail.
Now, if you have a theme for your kitchen, these handles are maybe not the best way to go. If you’re going for minimalist and even futuristic vibe, these handles are for you.
3. Finger handles
Although they may look like it, finger handles aren’t actually tiny shelves for mice (knock on wood that there aren’t really mice in your kitchen). These flat, stainless steel handles work great for the lower, base cabinets in your kitchen. Just slip a finger or two under the small lip of the handle to open your cabinets.
They look great and they’re completely functional. No more bending down to open a cabinet just to discover the pot you were looking for wasn’t even in there.
Pro tip: Updating the hardware in your kitchen is a great way to spruce up your kitchen before showing your house to prospective buyers. When you’re ready to sell your home, give us a shout. We’re here to help.

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Take a room-by-room tour of the inaugural Kips Bay Palm Beach Show House

Villa Belmont in El Cid was built in 1925 and is open for tours until December 19th with 15 different designers presenting very interesting decorations.

Don't miss seeing this article from the Shiny Sheet and photos of these innovative ideas.

http://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/business/real-estate/take-room-room-tour-the-inaugural-kips-bay-palm-beach-show-house/jXmAkWuqLILimtbAIulRpI/


Wednesday, November 22, 2017

SPECTACULAR NEW LISTING



Emeraude Condo in Palm Beach with ICW and Ocean views. 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, 2145 living sq ft.  $1,075,000.  Come and take a look.  Penthouse (5th Floor). Call or text 561-302-3388~Marilyn Jacobs with Donohue Real Estate in Palm Beach.  RX-10383764.  Furnished Cabana included.  Fitness center, Library, High Security, Doorman, 27 units in the building.  Best unit available on the beach. HOA is $1100/month.  

 










Fitness Room, Library, Club Room in Building
Furnished Cabana Included

Short Walk to Lake Worth Beach and Bridge
and to 
Charming Downtown Lake Worth with
shoppes, Museum, eateries

Call Marilyn at 561-302-3388 for listing copy with 44 pix

GREAT LIFESTYLE!!!


Friday, November 10, 2017

WITH FLORIDA STARTING TO BE SETTLED IN THE 1920’S, DESIGN ISSUES COME UP IN MANY CITIES


Currently, Lake Worth has issues re hurricane protection for historic homes. Not a new issue for Lake Worth, the owners of designated historic homes have been complaining to city officials.  There are problems replacing doors, roofs and windows relating to application approvals taking a long time.

This past week, the city commissioners unanimously passed an updated an ordinance relaxing the rules and making it easier to get hurricane protection but design guidelines will need to be put in place. The Historic Resources Preservation Board has expressed fears that these changes could jeopardize the city’s program and possibly its state certification. Rules are set by the state’s Department of Interior.

At the second reading a Commissioner stated, “I’m very excited about the design guidelines, but I’m also very concerned about the design guidelines.” “I’m concerned they’re not here. And why are we going out to get someone else to write our design guidelines? We have all this staff on board.” 

Yesterday The Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach presented an interesting Historic Properties Workshop on, “Redevelopment in Historic Neighborhoods”. One Palm Beach resident, whose family owned a 1939 north end cottage for many years, went through the history of the property since it was built with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, showing photos of various stages of development with additions and changes.

Examples of traditional and big box homes:







The Big Box designs vs traditional styles was discussed regarding St. Petersburg on Florida’s west coast. Photos were shown illustrating the traditional styles clashing with big box styles in predominately traditional neighborhoods, disturbing the homogeneous appearances. Some were next door to each other or across the street. 

The benefits of the historic tax credit were also discussed. Giving tax abatements for ten years when changes are approved, illustrates a reason a buyer might consider purchasing a historic home and doing renovations that are paid for by tax abatements.


Historic preservation is a subject dear to many residents’ hearts in various early-settled cities.

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

FLAGLER MUSEUM EXHIBIT “KNIGHTS OF THE AIR: AVIATOR HEROES OF WORLD WAR I”



The former home of railroad magnate Henry Flagler, “Whitehall,” America’s first museum, is a National Historic Landmark known as the Flagler Museum.  It was completed in 1902. The architectural style is Neoclassical and Beaux-Arts.

Take a guided tour and see the changing and special exhibits.  The Gilded Age DĂ©cor is elaborate and beautiful. Many original furnishings and art are in the building. It is located at One Whitehall Way in Palm Beach.
The exhibit depicting our WWI “swashbucklers in the skies” in the early days of aviation, runs through December 31, 2017.  This year is the 100th anniversary of America’s 1917 entry into WWI.  Aviators were daring, patriotic, and adventurous.  Included will be works of art, artifacts, and printed materials, all on loan from the private collection of Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf.

Guided tours are available Wednesdays at 10:30 am and 3:30 pm. Museum admission is free to active duty, reserve, and retired US Military (with proper identification). Check out the illustrated lecture that will be presented to museum attendees on Saturday, November 11 at 11:30 and 2:30 pm. RSVP to 561-655-2833. The 1927 Hollywood film, “Wings,” tells the story. Enjoy the price fixed lunch ($22) at the CafĂ© des Beaux-Arts in the museum which reopens on Friday, November 24th.


A series of lectures will cover WWI in more detail.  Take your children, especially teens, to learn about past history: “Learning about past history will help prevent making the same mistakes.” For current brochure: https://www.flaglermuseum.us/. Museum Membership information can be found at:

https://www.flaglermuseum.us/membership/individual-membership and other memberships are available as well. For more information call 561-655-2833.  This is a popular site for weddings and special events.



Monday, October 23, 2017

WHAT IS THE BEST INVESTMENT? REAL ESTATE!


In a quiet corner of West Palm Beach's Presidential Estates, where luxury homes abound, some on the waterfront, you will find WHITEHALL CONDOS.  There are sparkling white buildings with catwalk designs that bring N'Awlins to mind.  Beautiful gardens, flowering bushes, and palm trees are meticulously cared for.  It is quiet, peaceful, and there are a beautiful Olympic-size pool and a small clubhouse on the grounds.  Meandering paths have pretty views and an occasional bench to sit on and rake in the colorful pastoral views.

The new Banyan Cay Country Club is being built next door with a Nicklaus golf course, hotel and clubhouse, and they accept outside members.  Guard gated at the north and south ends, this is a safe secure community.

All units have 1385 living sq ft. They are spacious with a huge walk-in master closet, two bedrooms, two full baths, laundry room with storage space and a bonus room for storage or other usages.  There is a wall of windows at the end of the living room. Some overlook water views, some overlook the golf course.  Others overlook gardens. Kitchens have all the "usual" appliances and a small area for a snack. Some kitchens are updated, some are not. There is a pass-thru window from the kitchen to the dining area.

A property manager can handle "fix-up" that renters request and collect 
the rent for you.

If you are a large investor, this could be a way to start off younger members of your family learning about real estate investments "as they go."

Some of the Whitehall condo owners have two, three or four units that are rented out. Priced at market value, they sell and rent quickly. The units can cost from $114,000 to $140,000, and with many upgrades can cost more.

If you like this idea, give me a call or text me at 561-302-3388 and let me show you some units and the grounds.

Marilyn Jacobs, Realtor

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

THE BREAKERS IS GROWING , GOING UPSCALE, AND PALM BEACH TOO, AS WELL



The Frisbee Group is developing the former Testa property, at the east end of Royal Poinciana Way, as you may have heard.  Many new condos will be going up, and underground parking built-in, a much-needed project.




The Breakers Hotel, a Palm Beach gem, has entered into an agreement with The Frisbie Group to buy the commercial ground floor of the mixed-use development for a restaurant and retail space.  ETA is 2020.  The Frisbie Group will retain ownership of the 2nd-floor luxury condos to be built there.  The plan is for the condos to have four or five bedrooms.  The public areas and parking garage will be owned by The Breakers.  Some refer to this area as Palm Beach’s Main Street, and with the new changes coming, that is predictable.



Location is at the north end of the Breakers golf course between the ocean and Cocoanut Row.  The Testa Family’s restaurant opened in 1947 and quickly became a popular eatery where you could eat outside (and watch the passing parade) or inside.  They may open a new restaurant on the site or elsewhere.

The Flagler Memorial Bridge, after undergoing about five years of fixup, has completed construction and that may revive the historic Royal Poinciana Plaza, with its restaurants, real estate offices and more.  Renovations in Bradley Park, including moving beautiful large historic tree there, and other additions and changes are being made.  


The area may become as booming as Worth Avenue, which is adding Lilly Pulitzer, an art gallery, a salon, and a cafĂ©.  You won’t find Cartier, Tiffany, and Hermes there anymore, but there are still plenty of beautiful upscale shops and some great restaurants, like Taboo.  Look forward to celebrations of all the openings that will be coming.  Enjoy the essence of Palm Beach and attend as many openings as possible.  Whether you live in Palm Beach or just love to eat and shop there, be part of the fun.