What is the Fate of Historic Buildings in Miami?
Although some of these historic buildings are still in place, some others are not. With the recent proposal of the New Florida Legislature targeting Florida’s historical coastal neighborhoods, historical buildings are even more prone to demolition and redevelopment. Despite Miami being a fast-paced city with lots of recent development and a vast modernization, it still holds in place several historical buildings. However, with the introduction of this possible change in legislation even the long standing historical buildings are not safe.
Miami holds several historical buildings. Many of them have been redesigned over the years but they still conserve their natural history. Some of these buildings are currently considered national parks, museums, and commercial sites. In a city that welcomes diversity and innovation, we still value our history and would like to preserve the symbolic meaning behind these buildings.
One of the buildings with outstanding historical background in Miami is the Barnacle House. The Barnacle House is located in Coconut Grove. The acres in which the house is built were bought for $400 in 1886. The house was built a year after the land’s purchased. The house was passed down through the family until it was finally sold to the city of Miami in 1973. It currently functions as a park in which tourists or residents can visit and enjoy amenities such as bike trails. Another long standing meaningful building is the Freedom Tower. The Freedom Tower was used as a place of refuge for refugees fleeing Cuba. It is now a cultural museum owned by Miami Dade College. Although it is temporarily closed it has held many popular exhibitions providing Miami residents to be transported into different cultures through Art. It also offers many other programs and events.
In this case, one of the city’s oldest historical buildings is St. Bernard de Clairvenaux church, which was originally built in Spain in the 12th century. Nonetheless, it was later on transported over to the United States and rebuilt in North Miami. It currently continues to be a church and offers church services. It is also a venue for events such as weddings. Another example of this occurrence are the Fort Dallas Barracks. During the Seminole War (1816–1858), the Fort Dallas Barracks were used as a military base. The buildings were also occupied by refugees and were eventually abandoned. The buildings were then owned and reestablished by William H. English. In 1995, the Fort Dallas Barracks were relocated to Luminous Park commonly known as Downtown Miami.
Two famous historical buildings at the time and in the present day were the Biltmore Hotel and the Olympia Theater. Both buildings were characterized by the “glitz and glam” of new Miami bringing life to many popular events and social gatherings. When finished in 1926, the Biltmore Hotel became the tallest building in the city, becoming a landmark symbol seen from anywhere in Miami. The Biltmore still works as a hotel offering its guests many services such as fine dining, spa, a golf course, and others. The Olympia Theater is known for hosting the Miami International Film Festival each year. It also holds special events, concerts, and live entertainment.
The city of Miami is home for many citizens of the United States and from all around the world. Miami is considered a “melting pot” for the lovely way in which it naturally merges the cultural backgrounds of its residents. When looking into the historical background of Miami, specifically Miami-Dade county, one can see the influences of the Spanish and English settlers. These buildings have been preserved over time with great care and dedication, becoming a contrast among Miami’s most recent towering and modern buildings. As the city continues to evolve and develop, it is crucial to remember the historical importance of these buildings and their emotional significance to the city before they are considered for demolition.
