Dade Heritage Trust, in partnership with History Miami, will offer a bus tour of Miami-Dade County’s 11 most endangered and historically significant sites on Saturday, Oct. 8. The tour, led by Dr. Paul George, will include lunch at Dade Heritage Trust headquarters.
Tour stops showcase a variety of areas, architectural styles, eras and uses and include: Bay Harbor Islands Apartments, DuPuis Medical Building, Lummus Park Cottage, Coconut Grove Playhouse, Dorsey Memorial Library, Dorsey House, Miami Marine Stadium, Miami Woman’s Club and the neighborhoods of Shenandoah and Little Havana.
“The 11 most endangered sites are so designated due to their cultural and historical significance and their contributions to Miami’s sense of place. These remarkable spaces deserve not only recognition but also protection, inspired plans and restoration so they are not lost in the ever-evolving story of Miami,” said Christine Rup, Dade Heritage Trust executive director.
“These venues are threatened due to neglect, potential demolition, lack of planning, code enforcement issues, political snafus and sometimes a combination of these factors,” Rupp said. “Learning about the history, current condition and future plans for these venues is essential if we are to preserve them for future generations.”
For tickets — $45 for Dade Heritage Trust members and $50 for non-members — call Dade Heritage Trust at 305-358-9572 or go to http://bit.ly/2bYHjcT.
In addition to the 11 most endangered sites, Dade Heritage Trust has assembled a watch list of structures that deserve continued observation to secure their place in our community’s historic building inventory. The 2016 watch list includes many sites in Coconut Grove and beyond: Ace Theater, Anthony Arcade-Grove, Charles Avenue, Mariah Brown House, Stirrup House, Office in the Grove, 1st Church of Christ Scientist – interior, Downtown Miami Historic Buildings, Miami Beach Waterfront Homes, Olympia Theater and the Pan Am Training Center – designated but future unknown.
As Dade Heritage Trust continues to advocate for the preservation of Miami’s history, it has also launched a campaign for a permanent home. On Nov. 8, voters in the City of Miami will be asked to approve a charter amendment, approving a long-term lease for the non-profit organization. “For 40 years Dade Heritage Trust has operated out of the historic office built in 1905 by Dr. James Jackson, namesake of Jackson Memorial Hospital. Today DHT needs the security of a long-term lease to qualify for grant funding, for the upkeep of the historic building,” Rupp explained.
Dade Heritage Trust (DHT) is Miami-Dade County’s largest preservation organization. Founded in 1972 as a grassroots organization to save and protect Miami-Dade County’s historic buildings, DHT’s mission is to preserve our community’s architectural, environmental and cultural heritage. Through a variety of programs, advocacy projects, special events, exhibits and presentations, DHT furthers the mission by engaging Miami-Dade residents and visitors in preservation education.
