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Miami-Dade County, in collaboration with the City of Miami, is preparing to commence site work on the Coconut Grove Playhouse project, marking a significant milestone in the revitalization of this cherished cultural landmark.
The project timeline includes a planned re-opening of this historic building to the public in 2027, the 100th anniversary of the Playhouse.
“The Coconut Grove Playhouse is a cornerstone of Miami’s rich artistic and cultural heritage.
Now, after years of planning and collaboration, the county is moving forward with the first phase of work to revitalize this iconic cultural site,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
“We are focused on preserving the unique character of the playhouse, while also bringing new life to the building and the surrounding neighborhood – creating new opportunities for our residents and small businesses,” the mayor added.
“The Coconut Grove Playhouse has stood as an icon of creativity and performance, bridging generations of storytellers and audiences. Its walls have witnessed countless performances and artistic expressions, shaping the cultural fabric of Miami,” said Miami-Dade District 7 Commissioner Raquel Regalado.
“After years collaboration, compromise and commitment, the start of this first phase of work signals the playhouse is on track to re-open in 2027, in time for its 100th anniversary, inspiring a new era of artists, fostering innovation while honoring its historic past,” Commissioner Regalado said.
“Today’s permit marks decisive action forward on a contentious community issue marred by polarized debate,” said Miami District 2 Commissioner Damian Pardo. “While it may not be the desired outcome for some, after almost 20 years of stagnation, we are excited to witness new beginnings and we are committed to working hand in hand with local businesses and residents in this new chapter as we move forward.”
Jorge M. Perez, founding executive chair, Related Group, said, “As an avid supporter of the arts in our great city, and a resident of Coconut Grove, I am delighted that the plans for the construction of the Coconut Grove Playhouse are finally moving forward. The Playhouse plays a great role as an economic driver for the Grove and is a place for the community to gather and experience the magic of great dramatic theater.
“I am so grateful to Commissioner Regalado for her unwavering support and thoughtful participation in moving this important project towards becoming a reality,” Perez added.
“The board and the staff of GableStage are thrilled that long-awaited work on reopening the Coconut Grove Playhouse is ready to commence,” said Bari Newport, producing artistic director of GableStage. “Each and every season, we are continuing to demonstrate our commitment to bring outstanding theater to South Florida audiences.
“We are inspired in this work by the goal of moving into the Playhouse and again making it the hub for our community’s and the world’s great artists, playwrights, performances and outreach. This is both its history and our destiny in reinvigorating this pivotal entry into Coconut Grove and this place where professional theater was born in Miami-Dade County,” Newport said.
Phase 1 of the project will focus on asbestos abatement, extraction and protection of historic elements, structural stabilization, debris removal, and other steps to prepare the site for the restoration of the Playhouse’s distinctive and historic front building. Once finalized, the project will bring back live theater to the Playhouse after 19 years, and re-activate the Coconut Grove business district, creating economic activity and opportunity for small businesses and a new cultural landmark for residents to enjoy.
The county has engaged John Bell Construction to lead the site work, and the project is being implemented with key stakeholders, including GableStage and Florida International University. Updates on the Coconut Grove Playhouse project are shared regularly on the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs website at https://miamidadearts.org/coconut-grove-playhouse-updates.
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