Editor’s Note: The month of May is Historic Preservation Month across the USA – spearheaded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Preservation Month theme is “People Saving Places” to shine the spotlight on everyone doing the work of saving places—in big ways and small. Do you have a local place or person you’d like us to feature? Contact us here.

About the Freedom Tower

Location: 600 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132

Official Website: www.freedomtowermiami.org

Historic Status: In 1979, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark. In 1983, it was listed on the local City of Miami Register of Historic Places.

Architect of the original building: Schultze & Weaver

Year of Original Construction: 1925

Managed by: Miami Dade College

Current Architect: M.C. Harry & Associates

Current Historic Preservation Architect: R.J. Heisenbottle Architects

Interview with Richard J. Heisenbottle, President, R.J. Heisenbottle Architects

Tell us about your firm’s history with the Freedom Tower

R.J. Heisenbottle Architects, P.A. (RJHA) was commissioned in 1987 by then-owner Zaminco International to conduct extensive restoration work to the rapidly decaying landmark to bring it back to its original 1925 splendor. The program for the restoration and complete rehabilitation of the Freedom Tower consisted of returning the building’s exterior to its original appearance, adding back the elaborate details removed over the years, and ensuring a structurally sound building with completely new mechanical, electrical, and life safety systems.

Historic elements that were either restored or reconstructed included the main entry oak doors, cast iron, decorative transom and balcony above the doors, cherubs above the swans-neck, Spanish Baroque pediment, quatrefoil windows, 73 obelisks and 8 finials, 60 to 70 new balusters, and 19-foot-tall copper weathervane.

The original 1925 “New World 1513” mural was in deplorable condition. Upon inspection, it was decided that the mural was too destroyed and beyond restoration. It was for this reason that RJHA elected to recreate the original mural.

The process was handled by a group of artists called Miami Artisans led by Wade Foy, his partner John Conroy and William Coulthard. Wade had worked for RJHA before and was known for doing a great and precise job. The process consisted of hanging the few remaining pieces of the original historic mural on one wall of a racquetball court in the now-demolished Coral Gables Coliseum. The new 60’ x 20’ canvas was placed on the opposite wall where the artists could sketch and paint on the canvas while referencing back to the original mural.

The recreated mural was then installed in the former press room that was converted into an elegant 550-seat banquet hall in 1989.

The project’s success earned RJHA an award from the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation as well as awards from the American Institute of Architects Miami and Florida chapters.

Today, RJHA is assisting MC Harry Associates (MCHA) and the consulting structural engineer Wood/O’Donnell & Naccarato (WON) with restoration and repairs at the historic Freedom Tower. The proposed recommendations include exterior façade masonry repairs, exterior paint restoration, copper roof repairs, and the restoration of the windows and doors. In the interior, proposed preservation upgrades include the decorative painting of historic spaces, repair and restoration of the lobby stone floors and walls, upgrades to finishes in Freedom Hall, the conservation of the “New World 1513” mural, and much more.

What is the focus of the current project? How is it funded?

The focus of the current ongoing project at the Freedom Tower is to provide full-scale repairs and restoration to the exterior and interior of the building including: Making the structure more handicap accessible; Conducting critical structural repairs; Preserving and restoring historic architectural elements; Installing security and temperature control systems suitable for a museum; Protecting the history of Cuban Americans kept there; Rethinking and rebuilding the exhibits to make the history more captivating to visitors of all ages. The project is currently being funded by the State of Florida, along with two state and federal cultural and historic preservation grants totaling an additional $1 million.

Why is it important to preserve the Freedom Tower?

“The News Tower” later called the “Freedom Tower” was commissioned by James Middleton Cox, a newspaper publisher and former Governor of Ohio. The tower was designed in a Spanish Renaissance Revival style by the New York architectural firm of Schultze and Weaver and was patterned after the 800-hundred-year-old Giralda bell tower in Seville, Spain. On July 26, 1925, The Miami Daily News and Metropolis officially occupied their new headquarters.

Besides being constructed for our city’s first major newspaper, this building is an integral part of Miami’s history. Soon to celebrate its centennial anniversary, the Freedom Tower has stood as a major symbol of unity and hope in a city of constant change.

From 1962 to 1974, the General Services Administration leased it to serve as a Cuban Refugee Center — hence, the name “Freedom Tower” was born. The tower stood out as the Statue of Liberty to the 650 thousand Cuban exiles seeking freedom and opportunity, repressed by the Communist Castro regime.

At the place dubbed El Refugio (The Refuge), thousands of Cubans went through its offices as they sought refuge from the atrocities of a communist dictatorship. To this day, this national historic landmark is referred to as the “Ellis Island of the South.”

The “Queen of Salsa,” Celia Cruz, was honored with a massive memorial service at the Freedom Tower in 2003. Two hundred thousand mourners waited in line under the sun for hours to pay their respects to the singer, who was considered a national treasure. The Freedom Tower has played other important roles throughout the years, having served as the site of numerous political demonstrations and high-profile ceremonies for prominent guests, such as American First Ladies and the King and Queen of Spain.

Today, the Museum of Art and Design (MOAD) and the MDC Special Collections are the home of Miami Dade College’s esteemed cultural programs. A tribute to Cuban exiles and their impact on Miami’s heritage and culture is provided by the Exile Experience program. The Freedom Tower has reclaimed its proper position as an iconic landmark in the heart of Miami as Downtown continues to flourish with new construction and noteworthy art institutions.

What is the current status of the project? What is the expected completion
date?

Currently, the top portion of the tower is under construction and should be completed by June 2024. Repairs of the lower portions of the tower will commence shortly after. Interior repairs and restoration are also underway, including exciting plans to educate the public on the history of the building and why it’s crucial to understanding Miami’s cultural heritage.

Miami Dade College, the current long-term tenant, plans to reopen the Freedom Tower for its 2025 grand centennial celebration.