Miami News editorial photograph by A.G. Montanari with the caption “Protesters chained to Senator Hotel”. Description says “The waiting game at Miami Beach’s Senator Hotel continued today, as Ray Halm, left and Bill Robedee chained themselves to the front door of the building to protest the imminent razing of the art deco landmark at 13th and Collins Avenue. Architecture buffs are trying to stave off demolition of the building, which is slated to be torn down this month and replaced by a parking lot”. On the building was spray painted “Don’t Kill History Save Me Please” and “Demolition is Forever!”. Sadly, the razing of the hotel started on October 12th, 1988. MDPL’s efforts delayed demolition for more than a year. The public outcry that MDPL created resulted in the Miami Beach’s City Commission passing a strengthened local preservation ordinance that could prevent demolition.
