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Front Page » Top Stories » $1 million aid would put Olympia Theater restoration $16 million shy

$1 million aid would put Olympia Theater restoration $16 million shy

Written by on January 10, 2023
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$1 million aid would put Olympia Theater restoration $16 million shy

The Miami City Commission is to decide today (1/12) whether to appropriate $1 million to fund the ongoing restoration of the historic Olympia Theater and Tower.

The commission is to consider a resolution to accept $500,000 from the Florida Department of State Division of Historical Resources to repair the Olympia Theater. The city is required to match the grant funds, doubling the state’s contribution.

Background information on the item details that the funds will be used to restore the historic city-owned theater that has existed as a landmark at 174 E Flagler St. for nearly a century.

Work is to include restoration of at least 25 windows, interior finishes from floor to ceiling, repainting of common areas and replacement of Carrera marble in the box office. Improvements to marquees, signage, electrical and lighting upgrades are also included.

The state’s funding is contingent upon a city match up to $500,000, of which 25% must be cash on hand.

If the commission approves the resolution and allocates $1 million to fund the theater’s repair, there is still a long road ahead before the project is finished.

According to the City of Miami’s proposed budget for capital improvement projects for this fiscal year, estimated costs for the theater’s restoration total $25 million. Contributions from the general fund, special revenue fund, and homeland defense bonds would provide $6,080,094. The other roughly $18 million needed for renovations is currently unfunded.

On Aug. 24 of last year, the city requested proposals for the improvement and lease of the theater to find a responsible operator for the aging landmark. The period for solicitation ends Jan. 20.

The 10-story Mediterranean revival-style theater opened in 1926. It was built for Paramount Enterprises and designed by architect John Eberson. The 88,000-square-foot structure has offices and 89 apartments, including 10 for theater operations. The Olympia theater has featured world-class performers including B.B. King, Etta James and Luciano Pavarotti.

The theater was saved from demolition in 1976 by South Florida philanthropist Maurice Gusman, who subsequently deeded it to the City of Miami. The Olympia Theater building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

One Response to $1 million aid would put Olympia Theater restoration $16 million shy

  1. Charles L Ruffner

    January 11, 2023 at 9:32 am

    My friends and I went to Saturday matinees there in the 1940’s. I remember it well and fondly.

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