Editors Note: The Barbara Baer Capitman archives “Historic Threads” project is partly sponsored by the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources, and the State of Florida.
The year was 1986, marking a decade of preservationists’ efforts to protect a precious part of Miami Beach history. Their perseverance was finally paying off: A city ordinance was adopted for the two historic districts in order to help protect the historic Art Deco buildings from demolition.
Quotes from the article
“The long struggle to preserve this aging resort’s buildings of the Mediterranean and Art Deco styles has been bolstered by the City Commission’s creating of two historic districts encompassing the heaviest concentrations of such structures.”
Founder of Miami Design Preservation League, Barbara Baer Capitman is quoted
“The commission took two pieces of the architectural district that have been most recognized and gave them official ordinance powers, it will be harder to demolish buildings now.”
Demolition protections
“A city ordinance mandates a six-month waiting period for a permit to demolish a building inside a historic district. The waiting period is designed to give opponents time to find ways to preserve threatened buildings or to challenge issuance of a demolition permit.”
Different Perspectives
“Some investors believed a revival of its prominence as a resort requires ridding the oceanfront of its aging hotels, while others believed “Miami Beach is an urban seashore that can be best served in the future by restoring the best parts of its storied past.” “Mayor Alex Daoud described the pastel buildings as “one of the greatest assets we have.”
Thanks to this city ordinance protecting the Art Deco district and its historical architecture, Miami Beach has a priceless treasure, true heritage.
