Received via email 12.13.23:
Dear Committee Members,
As an owner of a 389 residence since 1996, and long-time Board Director, I have witnessed many issues concerning the building; however, no issue has ever been so crystal clear as this current consideration of the appropriate replacement of the original lattice that totally blocked the master bedroom windows, and denied an alternative egress from the bedrooms. How this was ever approved according to whatever code regulations existed in the late 1950s has always been a mystery to me. We now have the opportunity to correct this obvious and serious SAFETY deficiency. All other considerations must be secondary to this safety mandate, including the other attributes for such alternative remedies (e.g., avoid serious deterioration of the underlying building surface), or any perceived historical architectural value of the original lattice design.
At the time of our original application for removal of the lattice we did not appreciate the impracticality of replacing the lattice with a code compliant method to provide egress from the windows, and in good faith, intended to replace the lattice with a weather resilient material. We now realize that such a design treatment is not possible, and even with escape openings would impair the safe exit upon a fire or related emergency in the building, and might even present a danger to emergency responders.
The paramount issue is that a full lattice covering of these building sections would create a dangerous safety hazard, and this must be the final determining factor in your consideration of alternatives.
Thank you for your serious consideration of this vital matter.
Yours truly,
Mark G. Frantz

Received via email 12.14.23:
First, thank you for dedicated the time to carefully consider the current situation at our beloved 389 building. We have worked so hard over the past three years to restore the building’s resilience and integrity, absorbing many assessments levied upon the shareholders to pay for the extensive repairs. I have worked as an interior designer for the past thirty years, executing on many projects in Palm Beach over the years that required me to take into careful account the history and heritage of the home or commercial building before proceeding with my recommended approach to colors, architectural details and furnishings. When it became inevitable that we remove the brise soleil in order to chip away the crumbling concrete on the south façade so that we could restore that wall properly, we selected local and well-regarded architect David Miller, who recently came before ARCOM to demonstrate his recommended changes to the exterior of Winthrop House and why they were needed. He had just completed a magnificent redesign of an apartment in 389 that belongs to a friend of his, purchased in 2021. Working on that project led him to fully appreciate the grace and style of 389.
When the extent of the damage to the building was fully revealed after the brise soleil came down, in order to begin concrete restoration work on the south side, especially around what we refer to the master bedroom windows, it was clear that if we replace the concrete screening we place ourselves in the exact same situation. We would not have any maintenance access on those covered sections of the buildings, creating the potential for likely structural peril as the years progress not to mention the dirt and airplane fuel grime on our windows and captured in the grid pattern of the concreate screen.
David carefully studied the situation and crafted a logical and graceful design for new ironwork that would fulfill the design element that was there historically and tie seamlessly into the balcony railings. This was then submitted to you for review. When he proposed it to our residents, every single one of them loved it and loved the fact that we could maintain our windows – even wash them which was before totally impossible.
I implore you to please approve his new design so we are not saddled with the same problems that the original designers did not foresee.
Thank you so very much for your time and attention you are dedicating to our situation.
Regards,
Cindy and Chris Galvin

Received via email 12.13.23:
Subject: 389 SOUTH LAKE DRIVE
Dear Sir or Madam,
As an owner at the above address I am writing to urge you to consider the danger of
reinstalling the decorative latices in our building as they would prevent egress in the event of fire. In addition, they will certainly compromise the structural integrity of the building requiring untold maintenance. The proposed decorative railings are quite attractive and the entire building has expressed desire to have them installed.
I hope you will take this into consideration when making your decision.
Sincerely,
Virginia Muecke

Received via email 12.12.23:
To Whom it May Concern,
Good afternoon. My name is Mary Fowler and I live at 389 South Lake Drive, Apt 1A. I’m writing to voice my opinion concerning the decorative railings on our building. Both my husband John, who is currently in the hospital following surgery from a broken femur, and I are in favor of leaving the railings off of the building for both safety and aesthetic reasons. Mostly safety. It is highly likely that John will be unable to walk without a cane or walker for the rest of his life and should there be a fire or some other kind of emergency it is imperative that our bedroom windows not be blocked. We purposefully bought a unit on the first floor for that very reason.
We are unable to attend the meeting concerning this issue on 12/15 but we just wanted to let you know our position regarding the railings. Please consider allowing the building to keep our bedroom windows unblocked.
All the best,
Mary Fowler

Received via email 12.13.23:
Dear Committee Members,
As a member of the 389 S. Lake Drive community, I am pleased to report that our building successfully removed the old and deteriorating trellis works from our building in order to repair the damaged concrete walls which had been hidden for many years. That repair work also prevented pieces of loose concrete and plaster from falling off the building onto a possible passerby as well.
The entire building was subsequently repainted and now looks quite beautiful. We do NOT want to put trellis back over our windows again. I thank you for your time.
Brooke & David Laughlin
389 S. Lake Drive, 3D
Palm Beach, Florida 33480

Received via email 12.12.23:
Dear ARCOM:
My wife, Elizabeth, and I are writing in support of the proposed 389 South Lake Drive Renovation project. We fully agree that the proposed exterior renovation of the 389 South Lake Drive building is a solid solution to resolving the deterioration of the concrete lattice while keeping the beautiful aesthetics of this "S" curve building.
As a member of the Board of Directors, I say with certainty that all of the shareholders approve of the proposed design.
The lattice over the master bedroom windows prohibited regular maintenance of the windows for decades due to the fact that there was no access. The removal of the lattice has been met with great excitement from shareholders.
There is a sense of relief that the new design addresses life/safety issues associated with the previous lattice obstructing a potential emergency rescue. In the event of a fire, a ladder truck could reach each unit from the bedroom side of the building if there was a fire in the kitchen area. With a building of primarily older citizens, removal of any life/safety obstacle is paramount.
Additionally, we have heard from residents of neighboring buildings that the removal of the lattice gives the 389 Building a more sophisticated look that blends in well with other similar properties, such as The Villas across the street.
Thank you for the opportunity to submit this letter. We strongly urge ARCOM to think of the safety of the residents of 389 South Lake Drive and approve the proposed design.
Respectfully,
Robin and Elizabeth Roberts
389 South Lake Drive 4-E
Palm Beach, FL 33480

Received via email 12.12.23:
Ladies and gentlemen,
My wife and I own apartment PH-E at 389 S Lake Drive, and before that, apartment 3G in the same building starting in 2015. I am writing to state our opposition to the reinstallation of the masonry façade formerly in place in front of the primary bedrooms on the first five floors of the building. There are a few reasons for this concern; 1. With no way to clean, maintain, and repair the façade, the masonry soon becomes dirty, expensive, and dangerous. For the seven years that we lived in 3G, we rarely opened the blinds in our bedroom because of the dirt we could see but couldn’t clean, due to the tight 3 inch space between the masonry and the glass. Repairs and maintenance for the bottom and top trollies and the locking mechanisms were not an option.
2. Cleaner appearance as it currently stands. We like the well maintained look now, our neighbors in the building have said the same to us, and some of our other Palm Beach friends have said the same.
3. Safety. One possible safety concern and one unavoidable issue if we reinstall the masonry façade. An Emergency crew could access an apartment from the outside without the masonry, but not with it reinstalled. In addition, the greatly increased manual labor hours working at dangerous heights to reinstall, maintain, and repair the masonry, increases the risk of personal injuries, and we don’t want to add to that risk.
Lastly, on the safety issue, when we lived in 3G, the building superintendent reported that some pieces of the deteriorating masonry façade fell from the face. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the result might be different in the future.
Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our request. We hope you will give it your favorable consideration.
Richard and Pia Halloran

Received via email 12.12.23:
To the Commission,
I have lived at 389 S. Lake Drive for a decade. I live in an end unit that had multiple leaks that could not be repaired at least on side because of the concrete screen. When the building's board voted to do a major repair to all sides of ttie building a few years ago, including removing the screen so for the first time we could access the window area, I was so happy that I could finally clean my master bedroom window and the construction team could repair all the deterioration and damage that was becoming a real danger.
I have some mobility issues and the danger posed by that concrete screen, preventing rescue from the front of the building if there was a fire in the kitchen, for instance, always was a worry at the back of my mind. The solution proposed by our architect is wonderful in my opinion. The railings pick up the design established by the balcony railings and offer the lawful height protection when the windows are open -now that we can actually open our windows.
Sentencing us to facing the same problem by replacing the concrete screen would be heart-breaking for all of us who live here. The residents across the street are all in favor of our proposed design so I hope you will approve the request to solve the 65-year problem that has caused so much damage to our building.
Thank you for your time,
Carol Manning
389 S. Lake Drive, 4H
Palm Beach, FL

Received via email 12.12.23:
Please add my name to 389 Residents who wish to keep to the exterior facade changes that were agreed to last season.
Thank you,
Clair Heise 4-G

Received via email 12.12.23:
First, I’d like to thank you for the time you dedicate to protecting the architectural heritage and character of the Town of Palm Beach. It’s been a central part of my life since the mid-1960s when we moved here to be close to my grandparents. Thanks to the actions of Bob Grace and all who followed him on your commission, it remains easy to time-travel in Palm Beach. We can wander the same places and spaces where we created important memories with friends and family 40, 50 and even 60 years ago. I am someone who will always protect and serve the Town, as I have done over decades.
My husband and I are good friends of the amazing (99-year-old) Jim Arnold, who built 389 in the late 1950s. He has very good recall of the engineering and working with Howard Chilton’s plans. He believes that the panels of concrete screening were added after the building was completed and may not a part of the initial plan. I have not verified that with the Town’s records but that’s what he recalls and it should be easy enough to verify whether that’s accurate. Over the years, in groups of ones and twos, the Town approved drastic changes to the look of the building with permits to enclose the loggias. This radically altered the initial look of the building’s south façade but gave the owners the flexibility to gain more living space under air.
Now, given the urgency to be able to maintain our multi-story residential buildings in Palm Beach (Safety First!), we ask you to approve the beautiful iron railings that David Miller designed to solve the problem inadvertently created by the decision to add that concrete screening once the building’s construction was finished. Replacing the screen replaces the same problem 65 years later—preventing any maintenance access to the exterior of the building under that screen.
You will see the severe degradation the screening caused, not to mention water and insect intrusion – and the horrifying dirt in the presentation on December 15. Once that screen was gone, I moved fast to replace the 1959 window in my bedroom with something clean and hurricane proof.
Please do not put us in the same situation of not being able to protect ourselves and our beloved building.
Thank you so much,
CAREY O’DONNELL & STEPHEN BARRY
389 S. Lake Drive, Apt 4D
Palm Beach

Received via email 12.12.23:
To Whom it may concern:
Our building has been a stalwart member in the Palm Beach community, respecting and adhering to requirements by Arcom and other bodies. You know why we had to remove the BriseSoleil that totally shielded the bedroom windows, and we have compelling reasons for replacing this decorative railing with a lighter/smaller version. Let me iterate a few of these reasons:
1. Resident Safety - the master bedroom is a source of exit in the event of fire, as we can all have access to a ladder in the event of emergency. That gives me great comfort.
- the Surfside tragedy has made us all aware of the importance of fire egress, as well as potential reasons for building collapse.
2. Structural safety - The lattice HAD to be removed to remedy structure failures beneath the lattice, possible due to its weight. It seems dangerous and unnecessary to put it back to its full extent. If its weight caused the concrete failure, will it do so again, and impair the lives of the residents? We cannot take this chance.
3. The unit owners have UNANIMOUSLY agreed to an alternate proposal, supporting the proposal set forth … it fulfills our objective for resident safety, structural safety, and aesthetic appeal.
We sincerely hope you approve this proposal without further delay.
Most Sincerely,
Tania Zouikin
Unit 3G

Received via email 12.13.23:
Dear Mr. Mittner,
I live on North Lake Way across the street from 300 Colonial Lane.
This is a letter of support for the construction of the new single family home being proposed. The Bermuda style home is very attractive.
I understand that there are variance requests for a slat house which because I live across North Lake Way, I have no objection to the slat house as it will not be visible to me.
The home design is wonderful and I think it will be an excellent addition to the neighborhood.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mary Stanton

Received via email 12.11.23:
I would like to speak to the issue of the buildings exterior. As we have completed a major job to safe guard our home,it is now time to consider the decorative part. I much prefer the new option put forth by our architect.The old concrete was harmful to the underlying stucture.Also it kept maintenance at bay. the bonus is that a room which was dark,is now flooded with sun! Safety is a concern as well.The fire department can reach us at my level[5th floor] and should it be the only way out..why would anyone require a concrete barrier?? I trust the new ,improved and safe option will be approved.Respectfully,Sherri Stephenson

Received via email 12.10.23:
Arcom:
Being a 25 year member and Chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee at The Society of The Four Arts, living in a landmarked home which won the Ballinger Award in 1996, and having spent part of my childhood growing up and attending school in Palm Beach, I have become, over the years, attuned to the esthetics, the “look”, and beauty of Palm Beach Beach and its structures.
I often drive past 389 South Lake Drive, which, with its original concrete trellises had been looking overly heavy, dated, and tired. I would like to add my support for the new proposed railing which matches the existing balconies. They add a welcome lightness and visual update to one of our special buildings. Removal of the concrete trellises with their inherent safety, structural, and visual problems would be a welcome improvement.
Please consider this communication to be an indication of my support. I look forward to the implementation of the new plan.
Sincerely,
Barry G. Hoyt
133 Banyan Road
Palm Beach

Received via email 12.11.23:
dear Arkon members,
I am in very much favor of the new decorative railings.
I do not want the trellises to be put back up.
The new railings will provide more light and enhances the view.
The stucco wall finish is aesthetically and architecturally, appealing without the concrete lattice.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, susan(suebelle)and richard robbins
389 southlake Drive apartment 3 E
Suebelle Robbins

Received via email 12.10.23:
To whom it may concern:
My name is John Turro; I am the co-owner of apt. 5G in the 389 Building (389 S. Lake Drive, Palm Beach). I am writing to indicate my very strong support for the removal of the concreate trellises across the 389 building (specifically closing off the master bedroom window egress for most apartments).
The removal of the trellises and the redesign with new matching balustrades is not only aesthetically pleasing and similar to the architectural design of other buildings in the Palm Beach town area, but also a significant safety improvement for the residents. The original design for the building (with concrete trellises) completely closed off the ability for anyone to exit the apartment through the bedroom window in case of emergency. With the new design, ladders would now be able to evacuate residents if there was no ability to exit the master bedroom in case of fire or other emergency.
It is also very doubtful the original design would have passed muster under today’s building safety standards. The proposed redesign would result in much greater safety to residents as well as provide an interesting architectural design.
Therefore I am strongly urging the committee to approve the 389 building redesign, primarily for safety concerns but also because it updates the building’s look to a more pleasing aesthetic and consequently is a positive development for the surrounding area.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
John Turro
389 S. Lake Drive, Apt. 5G
Palm Beach, Florida

Received via email 12.9.23:
Arcom Members
Dear Sirs,
As President of the Nassau Square Cooperative Apartments, inc. next door to 389 South Lake Drive, I wish to express my opinion regarding the trellis work on the front facade of 389 South Lake Drive.
Now that the trellis work has been removed, I can appreciate what a burden the trellises must be. The bolt holes and delamination of concrete around them cannot be good for the structure of the building not to mention the maintenance issues of cleaning, caulking, painting and repairing vital areas such as windows and balconies.
My building 381 South Lake Drive is immediately north of 389 South Lake Drive. I often walk to Worth Avenue along South Lake Drive and take notice of the wonderful 60’s
modern architectural style that 389 offers. I love everything about it except for the trellises which seem like an incongruous design choice to me.
I feel that decorative railings over the master bedroom windows which match the existing balcony railings would be a much better design choice for the building and would provide better egress from the master bedrooms in the event of an emergency which is very important.
The South Lake Drive community is a special place which is why I own an apartment there. With the renovation of Royal Park the area has been enhanced enormously. I think each of us should feel compelled to maintain the highest degree of aesthetic initiatives in order to preserve the precious character of this important part of Palm Beach. In my view re-introducing the 389 Trellises is a step backwards in this regard.
Yours truly,
Peter M. Turino
Peter M. Turino, President
BHS of the Hamptons, LLC
27 Main Street
East Hampton, New York 11937

Received via email 12.10.23:
Dear Architectural Committee Members,
As a long term resident of 389 South Lake Drive I wholeheartedly support the permanent removal of the dangerous concrete lattice that is a threat to all residents, staff and visitors who enter and live in our building. It is a threat to the overall structure of the building which cannot sustain the weight and stress re-attaching would cause.
Also, I have always thought that these concrete lattice structures impede the possibility for a timely, safe and accessible evacuation should the need arise. Reattaching them is unsafe.
I am 100% against reinstalling these hazardous structures.
Thank you for the time and effort you all spend preserving our uniquely beautiful town.
Yours Sincerely,
Cassandra Henderson
PH-B

Received via email 12.10.23:
Members of ARCOM Committee:
My wife Lorraine Tuohy has been President of 389 for the last 4 years.
First, I respect your mission to steadfastly preserve Palm Beach tradition, as I understand it, in architectural matters. I agree with this as an ideal. But as we know life is a balance between the ideal and the practical. Our proposed decorative railings represent this balance. Now more than ever, safety and structural maintenance considerations are increasingly foremost. Function over form. Function in architecture and design has a beauty of its own.
That having been said, 389 has done a highly commendable job in developing a proposed architectural solution that addresses both of our needs. It’s hard to view the renderings without appreciating the new design's simplicity, that it breathes better in terms of light and air, and its compatibility and continuity with the existing railings. This has been the universal reaction of our internal and external constituents.
Finally, having been a silent witness to this project, I would like to put to rest any possible thought that 389 was not fully prepared to replace the old trellise when we applied for the permit to take it down. I trust you can respect that the circumstances and backdrop in Florida have changed.
Thank you for your open mind and posture on this project.
Sincerely,
Lorraine and John P. Tuohy
389 South Lake Drive, 5C

Received via email 12.10.23:
To whom it may concern:
My name is Maria Turro; I am the co-owner of Apt. 5G in the 389 Building (389. S. Lake Drive). I am writing in support of the proposed redesign of the facade of the building by removal of concrete trellises completely blocking most master bedroom windows in the building.
The redesign is a significant safety improvement to the building. Reinstallation of the concrete lattices over the master bedroom windows would block a means of egress in the event of an emergency. In the wake of the Surfside tragedy, it is more important than ever to maintain all possible means of egress in the event of an emergency. In addition, reinstalling the concrete lattice would reintroduce maintenance and structural concerns that our Building Engineer recently discovered when removing the concrete lattice.
The proposed redesign, which is fully supported by all residents in the 389 Building, is aesthetically pleasing and fully in keeping with the design of other buildings in the Palm Beach town area.
For these reasons, I strongly urge you to approve the proposed redesign of the building’s façade.
Sincerely,
Maria Turro
389 S. Lake Drive, Apt. 5G
Palm Beach, Florida

Received via email 12.10.23:
Dear ARCOM Members:
This letter serves to support our 389 South Lake Drive Building’s application to the Town of Palm Beach to install decorative railings in accordance with David Miller’s design, where decaying concrete lattice panels had to be removed for safety reasons. Removal of the decaying 5-story panels has provided us with another form of egress in case of fire, plus more light and views from master bedroom windows.
All of our residents are in favor of installing these decorative railings after removing the unsafe and decaying latticework panels from the facade, which had more than 50 years of damage from salt and weather. I feel that replacement of the concrete lattice panels would only repeat the problems we have seen in the past with deterioration. Also, the building is far more aesthetically pleasing to us, our families, guests and neighbors without the concrete lattice panels. The entire building facade and roof have been fully renovated during the past several years to preserve and protect the building.
For these reasons, I urge you to approve David Miller’s decorative railing design, so we may enhance the safety and appearance of our 54-year old building at 389 S. Lake Drive in Palm Beach. Many thanks for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Grace B. Martin
389 S. Lake Drive, Apt. 2 H
Palm Beach, FL 33480

Received via email 12.11.23:
Hello,
This letter is to inform you that I support the new decorative railings. We do not want the trellises to be put back up and am writing to you in hopes you will consider the following in your decision.
As I designer, I feel the building is aesthetically more attractive without concrete lattice. The stucco wall finish is aesthetically and architecturally more appealing and is a vast improvement over the concrete lattice. It also provides more natural light into each apartment which enhances views and ultimately increases the value of the overall property.
Moreover, it is important to note that all unit owners in the 389 Building unanimously support the exterior façade changes. There have been no negative comments with the look of the building. In fact, neighbors have also been uniformly positive in feedback as to the look of the building without the concrete lattice.
Thank you for your consideration.
Regards,
Suzanne Kasler Morris

Received via email 12.7.23:
To Members of the Committee:
It is my hope that you will approve the beautiful new design for decorative railings that will replace the previous lattice work that covered the master bedroom windows in our building. My friends and neighbors in other buildings have exclaimed how much more aesthetically pleasing our building is, now that the lattice work has been approved, as well as all of my fellow residents here at 389. The designs for the decorative railings are extremely attractive and will be very well received by all.
I am delighted with the light that now floods into my bedroom in the mornings, along with a very pleasant view of the surrounding greenery. It is truly life enhancing.
Thank you for your consideration.
Susan and Henry Mortimer

Received via email 12.7.23:
Dear Arcom Committee Members,
I reside at 425 Worth Avenue, Apt. 4A, Palm Beach, FL. and, as a result, everyday I see the building on the other side of Peruvian Avenue, 389 South Lake Drive. I am writing to say that the Board of 389 South Lake Drive has the right idea in having decorative railings over the master bedroom windows, as opposed to installing large replacement trellises over the master bedroom windows. The proposed decorative railings would match the decorative railings that are already on other window areas of the building, The consistent design would significantly enhance the attractiveness of the building.
The original trellises over the the master bedroom windows were never a good idea. The trellises presented a fire rescue risk for the master bedroom occupants and the trellises were also a problem for building maintenance because the concrete behind the large trellises could not be reached for repair. Window cleaning in the master bedroom was also impeded due to the original large trellises.
All the owners at 389 South Lake Drive have approved the proposed new decorative railings for the master bedroom windows, and nearby residents welcome this proposed improvement.
The Arcom Committee should go ahead immediately and approve the proposed decorative railings for 389 South Lake Drive.
Yours sincerely,
Adele R. Grant

Received via email 12.8.23:
My wife , Rosemarie , and I are the owners of Unit 4B at the building located at 389 South Lake Drive in Palm Beach. We are writing to support our building’s request not to reinstall the concrete lattice on the building. We base our position on the following considerations.
1. Reinstalling the concrete lattice would block a means of egress in the event of an emergency. In the wake of the Surfside tragedy, it is essential to maintain all possible means of egress.
2. The stucco wall presentation results in a building the is both aesthetically and architecturally more appealing than one with Concrete lattice. In addition, it would allow for more natural light to enter the apartments.
3.Finally, there is unanimous support amongst unit owners not to reinstall the concrete lattice.There have been no objections. Furthermore, there are no objections from any of our neighbors to our request.
I trust that the members of ARCOM will agree with us.
Sincerely,
Kevin and Rosemarie Bottomley

Received via email 12.8.23:
RE: Decorative Railings 389 S. Lake Drive
To ARCOM Board Members:
We are in support of the proposed Decorative Railings for the master bedroom windows at the 389 building. The concrete lattice that previously existed over the windows had to be removed. There were many reasons:
1. Dangerous because there was no point of egress from the exterior in case of a fire
2. The lattice made it impossible to clean the existing bedroom windows. There was mildew and mold forming on the exterior concrete and it was invading the walls of the interior room becoming an obvious health problem.
3. The concrete lattice was weakening the structure of the building.
This proposed plan for Decorative Railings has been met with unanimous approval by all the shareholders of the 389 building. Our neighboring buildings have been positive as to the look of the building without the concrete lattice.
We hope you will consider all these points and that you will approve the “Decorative Railings” for the Master Bedroom windows in the 389 building.
Sincerely,
Suzanne and Doug Lake
389 S. Lake Drive 5E
Palm Beach, FL 33480

Received via email 12.8.23:
Gentlemen:
I write to implore the Board of Arcom to allow the positioning of decorative railings outside of the bedroom windows at 389 South Lake Drive which will replace the ugly concrete lattice that was demolished some time ago.
For you information not only did this lattice obstruct my beautiful view, the inside of the concrete in certain spots was filled with black mold which I could not get at to clean
never mind trying to wash the windows on the outside. I live alone and in the event of
an emergency it would give me additional peace of mind to know that people would have access through this window. The concrete lattice was unhealthy and unsightly and gathered dust, dirt and mold and I am happy to see it gone. Additionally the unobstructed view allows lots of light Into the apartment which was not the case with the concrete latticework.
Given the above, I ask that the Board allow the railings to be installed which will greatly enhance the beauty of the building
Very truly yours
Jane Scott

Received via email 12.8.23:
As an owner, I write in support of the reimagined aluminum window guards and enhancements carefully selected and architecturally correct as a replacement to the concrete lattice that was removed due to its deteriorated condition. The design enhances the uniqueness of this serpentine gem of 389 Southlake Drive. It is simple, appropriate, and, most importantly, necessary! The cement trellis wall was designed and installed without regard to safety requirements that newer building codes demand, namely the safe evacuation of the occupants in the main bedroom. A fire or the tragedy of a building collapse would hinder a safe rescue with the cement lattice, a concern of mine as a newer owner at 389. The fear of entrapment was a consideration that forced me not to use this ill-designed honeycomb tomb as our primary bedroom. The Surf Side disaster wisely prompted our board to restore 389 immediately. At great expense, I am relieved they did. I appreciate the work of Arcom, but please consider the valid reason why this installation should be appropriately modified as proposed.
Alan Glatt. Apartment 5F
389 South Lake Drive
Palm Beach Florida

Received via email 12.9.23:
Ladies and Gentleman of the Architectural Commission,
Laura Evans and I live at 389 South Lake Drive Apartment 1C and are long time residents of Palm Beach.
· Together with all of 389’s shareholders we strongly support the installation of the decorative railings along the master bedroom line of the building.
· It is clear to us the concrete lattice that was covering the master bedroom windows was a catalyst for meaningful weather damage to the structure of the building and adversely affected the integrity of the windows.
· In addition, the sheer volume of concrete lattice that was previously installed was certainly a dangerous structure to residents, our employees, guests and, importantly, our town’s first responders.
Please approve 389’s plan regarding the decorative railings.
Very truly yours,
James Diack & Laura Evans

Received via email 12.9.23:
To whom it may concern :
I’m writing today as the Vice President of Nassau Square —the building immediately North of the 389 building. Basically, I totally support their decision NOT to re-install the trellis work covering their facade. Apparently, it causes numerous problems in terms of general maintenance, window cleaning and actually compromises the building’s stucco finish. I was never a fan of the trellis’s appearance either—sort of a throwback to 1960’s dated design and unnecessary. The new look of the building is much simpler —a “clean” look., if you will. Pleas don’t hesitate to contact me at (203) 561-0583 should you need anything further,
Sincerely , Thomas Wynne

Received via email 12.9.23:
To Arcom members,
My name is Dinah Fulton. I am the unit owner at 389, apt 1D.
I am in agreement with other unit owners in support of the new decorative railings. I do NOT want the trellises to be put back up for the following reasons:
· Safeguard Life/Safety of Unit Owners
o The master bedroom windows are a potential point of egress in the event of a fire or other emergency, as the fire department can extract people from all six floors using ladder trucks.
o Reinstallation of concrete lattice over the master bedroom windows would block a means of egress in event of an emergency.
o In the wake of the Surfside tragedy, it is more important then ever to maintain all possible means of egress in event of emergency.
· Prevent Future Structural and Maintenance Issues
o Reinstalling concrete lattice would reintroduce maintenance and structural concerns that our Engineer discovered when removing the concrete lattice.
o Because concrete lattice would be positioned inches from the exterior of the building, it would be impossible to adequately maintain the exterior of building and the master bedroom windows.
If you need to speak to me to discuss, please call to set up a time.
Dinah Fulton

Received via email 12.9.23:
To whom it may concern:
With regard to the imminent Arcom Meeting I like to mention, that the
building 399 South Lake Drive, Palm Beach Florida 33480, is looking
much lighter since the heavy concrete over the master bedrooms
has been removed, and I hope that the lattice never will be reinstalled.
As well I am supporting the decorative new design of the Railings over
the Master bedroom.
With kind regards
sincerely
Hilke Brinkmann (389 PH-D)

Received via email 12.11.23:
Dear Members of Arcom:
By way of introduction, I am currently the president of Eliot House Condominium at 434 Chilean Avenue, which sits immediately to the northeast of the building at 389 South Lake Boulevard. Moreover, I have been present at the Eliot House for over thirteen years.
We would like to offer our support for the position of the Board of 389 South Lake to forgo replacing the concrete lattices in front of the bedroom windows. We offer our view for one important reason. While the aesthetics of the lattices are entirely subjective (beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder), objectively, the lattices have apparently had a deleterious impact on the building from water intrusion. Condominium and cooperative associations are facing increasing regulation and expense to inspect and maintain the structural integrity of their physical assets. Compelling the Association to reinstall the lattices knowing the likelihood of future damage to the exterior of the building runs counter to the intentions of the current regulatory environment.
We hope you will concur with and will look favorably on the request made by our neighbors at 389 South Lake Boulevard. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
Sincerely,
Kevin F. Berry
Received via email 12.10.23:
Dear ARCOM Members,
This letter serves to support our 389 S. Lake Drive Building's application to The Town of Palm Beach to install decorative railings in accordance with David Miller's design, where decaying concrete lattice panels had to be removed for safety reasons. Removal of the decaying 5-story concrete panels has provided us with another form of egress in case of fire plus light and views from master bedroom windows.
All our residents are in favor of installing these decorative railings after removing the unsafe and decaying lattice panels from the fac;:ade, which has more than 50 years of damage from salt and weather. I feel that replacement of the concrete lattice panels would only repeat the problems we have seen in the past with deterioration. Also, the building is far more aesthetically pleasing to us, our families, guests and neighbors without the concrete lattice panels. The entire building fac;:ade and roof have been fully renovated during the past several years to preserve and protect the building.
For these reasons I urge you to approve David Miller's decorative railing design, so we may enhance the safety and appearance of our 54-year old building at 389 S. Lake Drive in Palm Beach, FL. Many thanks for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Grace B. Martin
389 S. Lake Drive, Apt. 2H
Palm Beach, FL 33480