The Dade Heritage Trust recently unveiled its list of the Most Endangered Sites of 2018 during its annual meeting at the Historic Miracle Mile Theater in Coral Gables.
This year’s list showcases a variety of areas, architectural styles, eras and uses from a variety of neighborhoods, and for the first time the nonprofit has named 12 sites instead of its customary 11.
“This year, Dade Heritage Trust has added another site to make it an even dozen endangered,” Christine Rupp, Dade Heritage Trust executive director said, adding that most of the sites listed are carryovers from 2017 as work continues toward the preservation/restoration of these sites.
“In several cases, we are working on partnership strategies to ensure these historic sites don’t end up on the list next year,” she said.
Among this year’s sites are the Shenandoah Neighborhood and the Miami Marine Stadium.
Shenandoah is one of the first neighborhoods in the City of Miami. It was established in 1919 by developers from Virginia, and hence the name. The “Shenandoah” area was farmland and piney wood until the real estate boom of the 1920s. Home to historic wood frame vernacular, Mediterranean Revival and bungalows, the neighborhood appears ripe for historic designation.
Meanwhile, Miami Marine Stadium, designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, was recently named to the National Register of Historic Places. The 6,566-seat stadium was designed by Cuban-born architect Hilario Candela, and was brought to life in 1963. However, the stadium has been closed since it was damaged during Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and fallen into disrepair.
Though the owner, the City of Miami, is committed to the restoration of the stadium, the full funding and business plan are not yet in place. The Virginia Key Advisory Board wants to see a renewed master plan for Virginia Key that would ensure the xtadium is set up for success.
Architect Richard Heisenbottle has been awarded a contract for schematic design and design development.
In addition to the 12 endangered sites, 14 awards were presented to those organizations and individuals.
“We honor these individuals and organizations, that have made it their mission to preserve Miami’s historic sites and our South Florida legacy,” Rupp said.
To learn more about the Dade Heritage Trust call 305-358-9572 or visit dadeheritagetrust.org.
Dade Heritage Trust’s Endangered Dozen Sites for 2018
Anderson’s Corner, 15700 SW 232 St.;
Coconut Grove Playhouse, 3500 Main Hwy.;
DuPuis Medical Office and Drugstore, 6041-6045 NE Second Ave.;
Mariah Brown House, 3298 Charles Ave.;
Flagler Worker’s House, Fort Dallas Park, 60-64 SE Fourth St.;
Downtown Miami National Historic District;
Historic Buildings of Overtown — Lawson Thomas Law office, 1021 NW Second Ave., and X-Ray Clinic, 171 NW 11th St.;
S & S Diner, 1757 NE Second Ave.;
Little Havana/Riverside — Corner stores, bungalows and 1920s apartment buildings;
Miami Marine Stadium, 3501 Rickenbacker Causeway;
Shenandoah Neighborhood, bordered by Calle Ocho, Coral Way, SW 12th Avenue and 27th Avenue, and
White Way Lights Coral Gables, Riviera Drive.
In addition, Dade Heritage Trust has added three sites to its Watch List: Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, Miami-Dade County; Marjory Stoneman Douglas Cottage, Coconut Grove, and Sylva Martin Building, South Miami.
