What's new at the Playhouse?

According to the Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs, the design team led by Arquitectonica under the aegis of Miami-Dade County has begun work on the Coconut Grove Playhouse. While you won't see much activity onsite itself, they are reviewing existing reports and making assessments as to how to move ahead. A structural analysis and updated survey of the building will allow them to make an informed decision on how to proceed with the preservation of the building.

The Miami Parking Authority is planning for another garage onsite.

From the county: "While this work is proceeding, the design team’s theater planning and design consultant, Fisher Dachs Associates, has begun work with GableStage to develop a “program” that defines the spaces necessary for its growth into a great regional theater. In addition, GableStage is working with AMS Planning and Research on an action plan to guide the operational development of this theater company necessary to assume responsibility for the completed Playhouse.  Finally, GableStage and Florida International University (FIU) are refining their relationship for programming and partnership activities."

The timetable is here:

- Planning and design phase including new site plan (18 to 24 months);
- Competitive bidding for construction  (6 to 12 months); and
- Permitting,  construction  and commissioning - this depends on the what  the design  phase generates for  the  project  and  the  response   from  the  selected  contractor for how long construction will take; for example, work with an existing structure on the site, new construction and the integration of these elements all can impact the construction timeline (36 to 60 months).

You can view the entire, approved County Commission agenda item here.