HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Planning Department-Letter from Jorge M. Perez®Submitted into thpubli
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on
City Clerk
October 26, 2017
Honorable Members
City of Miami Commission
City of Miami
Dear City Commissioners:
I am writing to you in strong support of the plan submitted by Miami -Dade County for the Coconut Grove
Playhouse and to urge you to reject the appeal submitted in opposition to the overwhelming favorable vote of
your Historic and Environmental Preservation Board who supported this beautiful and effective plan. The
design created collaboratively between noted preservation architect Jorge Hernandez and Coconut Grove -
based Arquitectonica is our best chance for returning great regional theater back to the Grove.
I am a resident of Coconut Grove. I have seen the effect of the Playhouse's being closed for more than a
decade. The Hernandez-Arquitectonica plan proves that we can respect the historic architecture of the site
while creating a viable theater run by our community's best theater company, GableStage. This team can
breathe life back into this gateway corner of Coconut Grove.
I am a strong supporter of the arts in our great city and this theater is the right one for this place and for the
21St century. As designed, it ensures that audiences and performers will have the kind of space that never
existed at the Playhouse — one that works. Every one of the 300 seats will provide a magical experience where
you can feel the intimacy of great dramatic theater. The key historic architectural features are lovingly
incorporated in the new theater space. We will have the great regional theater that our city has lacked for so
many years.
I am a businessman who can tell you from experience that the scale and relationship of the elements of the
Hernandez-Arquitectonica plan are exquisite. The ambiance of Coconut Grove is celebrated. The gateway
historic building is restored and showcased. The buildings with their plazas, promenades and landscaping
invite a great pedestrian experience in the best traditions of Coconut Grove. The modest amount of proposed
retail and residential helps make the project friendly and generates funds dedicated to help make the theater
successful.
This plan works and is on its way. I implore you to reject the appeal. I am counting on you to help make this
plan for the Playhouse happen for the Grove, for the arts and for the way that it makes our history come alive
again.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
THE RELATED GROUP
orge M. Perez
Chairman
THE RELATED GROUP 315 S. Biscayne Blvd., Miami, Florida 33131 i 305 460 9900 F 305 460 9911 www.relatedgroup.corn
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