Residents want the Playhouse renovated now

While I was at the Gifford Lane Art Stroll a couple of weeks ago, I thought it would be a good idea to get peoples' opinions about the Coconut Grove Playhouse. Basically, the question was, "How do you feel about the Playhouse after reading this story, about the new restoration plans, would you like to see the Coconut Grove Playhouse restored or would you like to see it knocked down and have it rebuilt and possibly have developers take it over and build a condo on the site." Of course, that's a stupid question, because the majority are going to take the side of restoration. Many feel there is a land grab at stake and that renovation is the answer.

Here are the people I asked about the Playhouse restoration and here are their responses. 

Upper left: Alexi Boutonnet: "I am all for the renovation."

Center: Alexis Fernandez: "Definitely renovation over destruction."

Right: Jose Lopez: Renovation! I've seen so many plays there over the years, it's an excellent venue and part of Grove history.

Upper left: Carrie Freedman: "Renovate. It's true to the Grove. It equates to The Colony or  Cinematheque. They have to keep the integrity of the Grove somewhere!
Q, Center: "We moved to the Grove because it had everything socially in one small footprint -- live theater, movies, dining. No big boxes, condos or offices! Renovate and restore the playhouse!"
Dan Bondroff, right: "It's a really cool building, why not restore it if it can be saved?"

Anonymous: "Restore it. If the thing is not structurally sound, how has it been standing there for 100 years? I choose culture over politics always! Instead of giving $200 million to the Dolphins for their stadium, let's put some of the money toward the Playhouse renovation!"

And there you have it folks. The next step is for the state to get involved and start the renovation process.

To get the state involved, Gov. Rick Scott needs to get involved. Governor Rick Scott may be reached at 850-488-7146 and at rick.scott@eog.myflorida.com To contact Commissioner Xavier Suarez, who has been a big help in shedding light on the restoration and to see how you may help, please call 305-375-5680 or email District7@miamidade.gov.