The whole Playhouse structure should be saved

I read with interest the February 25 Miami Herald Opinion page letter by Michael Spring entitled “The real story on the renovation of the Grove Playhouse.” I was the Chair of the Historic and Environmental Preservation Board at the meeting On Oct 5, 2005. The Board voted 8-0 as follows: “That we accept the preservation officer’s recommendation and the attached designation report of the Coconut Grove Playhouse …Because the structure exemplifies the historical, structural, political, economic and social trends of the community.  It also embodies those distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style or period or method of construction.  And is an outstanding work of a prominent designer or builder.” (Marston at pp. 68-69)

In the 71-page transcript of that meeting there is this testimony from Ellen Uguccioni of Janus Research who prepared the designation report: “I was also a bit chagrined at myself because at the end of the report I made the statement only the south and east facades are distinctive, which has led, I think to people assuming that I am saying that only the east and south facades are important and, therefore, we don’t need to worry about the building envelope itself.  I want to make clear that my intent—why I wrote that again, I’m not sure—but my intent was certainly to include the entire building in the historic designation report. When we designate historic buildings, we don’t just do the envelope or what’s seen from the front. It doesn’t receive its significance from just being two walls.  It’s a—an entire history of what happens inside the building.”  (p.5)

Ms. Uguccioni testified as follows about the interior of the Playhouse: “I should also point out that the designation report does not address the interior as having historic significance.  That interior had been changed by another very prominent architect who belongs to the modernist movement, Alfred Browning Parker.  So our recommendation for this—and I have spoken to Ms. Kauffman (Preservation Officer) about it—should be that the building footprint is what we are recommending to you for designation.” (pp. 5-6)

The Board also heard testimony regarding whether the legal description for the Playhouse could be amended to delete the surrounding large parking lot included in the Playhouse’s tax folio. Ms. Uguccioni stated that that lot could not be justified as being historic.  (p. 42).  However, the City attorney then told the Board:  “An observation pursuant to this application is that unless you have a separate divisible parcel, the consideration for the board today is the parcel as presented to you.”  (p. 44) The Board heeded the City Attorney’s advice: “We have to protect the integrity of historic landmarks. Even non-contributing structures that are around it, so I agree that we need to designate the whole structure and the parcel of land.” (Barber at p.69)

My final words accompanying my vote as Chair: “My clear intent is to vote for the complete designation of the structure itself, of all sides of the structure. I know that there is gonna be something done with the parking lot, and I’m just hoping that all the parties involved, all the Grove—Grovites will work with the Playhouse to get the best possible result on this incredibly important property.”  (Parrish at p. 70)


Sincerely,
Anthony R. Parrish, Jr.
Coconut Grove

Subscribe to the Grapevine and receive it daily in your email.  ==> Use this link.