Opinion
The Clock is Ticking
Open Letter to Mayor Francis Suarez and City Manager Emilio Gonzalez. Seconding the DNA’s position, Terrell Fritz urges the City of Miami to file the covenant to guarantee the renovation of the facade of Miami’s iconic Olympia Theater. The deadline to file is Friday, December 28.
Dear Mayor Suarez and Manager Gonzalez:
There is an immediate opportunity to begin the new year moving forward on a long-neglected project — the renovation of the facade of the historic Olympia Theater. A State of Florida grant provides $500,000 for the first phase, but the deadline to accept the grant is upon us.
Awarded in 2017 to Olympia Center, Inc., a non-profit organization proposing to undertake the project in partnership with the City, this grant offers:
- A streamlined procurement process to engage the consultants to conduct the Phase 1 analysis
- Project management and oversight, at the City’s direction, by a current management team with institutional knowledge of the facility
- A timeline that can be coordinated with the upcoming Flagler Street Beautification project
The time is now!
Downtown Miami’s “Flagler District” has a buzz: new businesses are opening; there are plans for reactivation of long-dormant historic buildings; and in 2019, a new streetscape plan promises to create a “festival street” celebrating authentic Downtown Miami. Imagine the impact of a beautifully restored facade of the Olympia Theater and Office Building. This project could also lay the foundation for future highest and best “cultural” use for the historic tower and continued creative, cultural and community programming in the heart of the Central Business District.
Only one hurdle remains
The required Restrictive Covenants must be filed this week in order to accept the grant, and it is my understanding that the City of Miami has already fully executed the required documents. On behalf of Downtown stakeholders and residents, please file the required grant documents by tomorrow’s (December 28) deadline.
The City of Miami, its residents and visitors will benefit for years to come.
Sincerely,
Terrell Fritz
Executive Director, Flagler District BID.
