Miami-Dade Auditorium to get major upgrade

A design team continues its survey of the Miami-Dade County Auditorium, the first step in a planned five-year renovation, according to Liliana Hernandez-Constenia, marketing officer with the Department of Cultural Affairs.

In June 2022, county commissioners, after a competitive solicitation, approved spending almost $3.5 million to hire Arquitectonica International Inc., a Miami-based design team of architects, engineers and theater consultants, to survey the 72-year-old auditorium at 2901 W Flagler St.

Ms. Hernandez-Constenia told Miami Today that the “design team has been at work assessing the auditorium’s basic structural and building systems (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc.), its theater systems (theater rigging, lighting and sound equipment), front-of-house and back-of-house spaces, vehicle and pedestrian approach, parking, and circulation through the site, and the need for additional spaces for rehearsals, small scale performances, and support areas.”

She noted there is “a major focus on ensuring that the auditorium is reviewed for meeting current safety standards, complies with ADA requirements, and incorporates as many resiliency initiatives as possible to ensure the facility’s long-term viability.”

The 2,372-seat facility opened in February 1951 to a sold-out performance of “Carmen” by the Miami Opera Guild, now known as Florida Grand Opera.

Performers at its official dedication in early March 1951 included contralto Evelyn MacGregor, “the first lady of radio,” accordionist Elaine Dexter, the Phillis Kapp Dancers performing “Tropical Paradise,” and a performance called “Fumed Oak,” by the Coral Gables Country Club Theater.

Tickets to a March 1951 production of “Rip Van Winkle” by the New York Children’s Theater cost 48 cents for children and 70 cents for adults.

“While it has served as a major performing arts center for decades,” Ms. Hernandez-Constenia said, “it is in critical need of renovations, upgrades and expansion to enable it to continue to serve 21st century performances and community activities.”

The survey is expected to conclude in late 2024 and be used to solicit bids for the project’s completion. “The timetable,” she explained, “depends on the time taken for the permit set to be reviewed and the schedule submitted by the construction company selected for the work.”

The Department of Cultural Affairs tentatively has budgeted $98.4 million for the project.

“The cost estimate will be confirmed by the design team at the end of their work to ensure that there is sufficient funding to accomplish the scope of work that is advertised for construction bids,” Ms. Hernandez-Constenia added.

“Miami-Dade County Auditorium has a distinguished track record for showcasing outstanding artists and performing arts organizations as well as serving as a … venue for community events such as graduations, school recitals, and historic ceremonies,” she said. “It provides audiences with affordable and convenient opportunities to experience the wonder of the arts.”

“We are excited about the work being done to improve Miami-Dade County Auditorium and looking forward to providing this venerable cultural facility in the heart of Little Havana with the renewed capability to serve future generations of theater-goers,” she said.

Renovation talk began in 2012 when then Mayor Carlos Gimenez transferred auditorium operations from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces to the Department of Cultural Affairs, Miami Today reported in 2013.