HomeMy WebLinkAboutM-87-0498CITY 23
City OF MIAMI. FLORIDA �J; �-ICE
RL-C' 1►�ED
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUVGISLA T I'IcMAY 20
g 52
TO. Cesar Odio DATE: May 20,1987 nLc:
City Manager
SUBJECT: Agenda Item
FI10M: REFERENCES:
Xavier L. Suarez 52087/XLS/LCG
Mayor �rf - ENCLOSURES:
Please place on the agenda for the next regularly scheduled
Commission Meeting on May 28th; 1987, a discussion item by
Mr. Peter J. Andolina regarding the Brown House on Watson Island.
XLS/LCG/Om
8'7-498
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Submitted into t. public
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All
Historic 11resemation Center
190 Southeast 12 terrace
Miami. Florida.13131
305 358-9572
1987
OFFICERS
Chairman of the Board
Marty Lee-Stofik
President
Michael J. Maxwell
President Elect
Becky Roper Matkov
Ist Vice President
Jeanie McGuire
2nd Vice President
Dora Valdes-Fauli
Secretary
Margo Newton
Treasurer
Gerald A. Stilwell
TRUSTEES
Peter Andolina
Les Beilinson
S.J. Boldrick
Sharon Clark
Malinda Cleary
Martha Gentry
Stanley Glasgow
Richard Groden
Jay Hirsch
Ralph Johnson
Ruth Jacobs
Nancy Liebman
Doris B. Littlefield
John Meyer
HbeRP J
record in connection with
item„ on -5 2 s %1 .
Matty Hirtu
20 May 1987
The Honorable Xavier L. Suarez and
Members of the City Commission
P. 0. Box 330708
Miami, Florid•a- 33233-0708
Dear Mayor and Commissioners:
I an writing on behalf of Dade Heritage Trust
regarding the Brown House, the coral rock
house that partially collapsed while being
moved to Watson Island in 1984.
Two-thirds of the house are in place on the
northwest portion of Watson Island just north
of the Japanese Gardens. To totally restore
the exterior of the house is estimated to
cost $165,000.
The reconstruction and re -use of the house
were included in the canceled marine
exposition center project. Now that that
project is no longer being pursued,, and
without another master development for Watson
Island on the horizon, the fate of the Brown
House remains'in doubt.
We respectfully suggest that the
reconstruction and re -use of the Brown House
be pursued now as a separate project that
could be made compatible with whatever master
development may eventually occur on Watson
Island. To wait any longer, in light of
storms and vandals that are taking their toll
on the house, might render the house
irreparable.
u r arsons r.
Caesar Phillips In the past, the Brown House, home to former
R. Benjamine Reid Cuban President Jose Miguel Comes among other
Raul Rodriguez notable residents, has been discussed for use
Norah Schaefer as: 1. a Marina Clubhouse/Doekmaster's
Christine Kurtz White Facility serving the existing and new marinas
President DHT Revolving Fund planned for Watson Island; 2. a waterfront
Donald D.Slesnick.11 restaurant; 3. a rowing club headquarters; 4.
a Cuban museum; and 5. a facility for use in
conjunction with the Japanese Cardona.
The Honorable
Members of the
20 May 1987
Page Two
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Xavier L. Suarez and
City Commission
Monies currently available to Dade Heritage Trust for
reconstruction of the Brown House total approximately $80,000,
including $60,109 remaining from a $100,000 commitment from Mr.
Tibor Hollo (Florida East Coast Properties) which was to cover
the cost of moving the house. This money is still available as a
"final payment" toward the reconstruction of the Brown House.
My committee and the Board of Dade Heritage Trust are most
anxious to see some positive movement on the Brown House. We
stand ready to assist City staff in the preparation of requests
for proposals, soliciting interest in the project, historical
research, building materials location, and in any other way we
can be of help.
The Brown House is a wonderful example of old Miami architecture
and is rich with historically significant past residents
representing a number of social backgrounds. The City of Miami
has recognized the importance of the Brown House by its
cooperation with Dade Heritage Trust in the funding and logistics
of the move. The outcome of the: cove was a disappointment, but
the significance of the Brown House remains. Your consideration
of the fate of the Brown House at the May 28th Commission meeting
would be welcomed and greatly appreciated by the Brown House
Committee and Dade Heritage Trust.
Sincerely,
Peter J. Andolina
Chairman, Brown House
Citizens Committee
PJA/cs
cc: Cesar Odio
John Gilchrist
Michael Maxwell
Donald Slesnick
y:
4.
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