The demolition of the historic Coconut Grove Playhouse is imminent and is proceeding without proper legal or historic review.

• The County has not provided evidence that the required State 267 Review has been completed, a legal prerequisite under Florida Statutes before issuing any demolition permit for a State-owned historic site.

• The Historic and Environmental Preservation Board (HEPB) clearly stated in Resolution No. HEPB-R-17-023 that no demolition may proceed without final design approval by the HEPB. That condition has never been met. 

• In 2019, the Florida Division of Historical Resources (DHR) warned that the County’s plan could irreparably damage the historic integrity of our Playhouse, potentially leading to its removal from the National Register of Historic Places. The plan violates federal preservation standards, and the DHR urged the County and State to explore alternatives or mitigation. See DHR Letter.

• The current State Historical Preservation Officer stands by their 2019 letter that their department disapproves of the County’s demolition plan for the Coconut Grove Playhouse.

• The County has yet to demonstrate compliance with the required State 267 Review.

Proceeding without these approvals is not only unlawful, it threatens the cultural and architectural legacy of one of Miami’s most treasured landmarks.

• We urge the City Attorney to investigate whether the demolition permit was lawfully issued and to confirm the State DEP’s current position, as required under the lease and State law.

• We are calling on the HEPB to act now — to place this issue on the May agenda and demand accountability before it’s too late.

• We are calling on the City of Miami to demand proof of compliance with the State-required 267 Review.

We urge you to take immediate action to protect the legacy of our Playhouse. Please share this link, and help preserve this cultural treasure.

Thank you for standing with us.

In solidarity,

Save the Coconut Grove Playhouse Truth Team!

TAKE ACTION TODAY!

• Read the breaking story in the Coconut Grove Spotlight and leave a comment today to show your support: Click Here

• Email Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and ask her to halt the demolition until a State-required 267 Review has been completed. Email: mayor@miamidade.gov or call 305-375-5071.

• Email HEPB Chair William Hooper at casadeco@comcast.net, and Kenneth Kalmis, Miami Historic Preservation Officer, at kkalmis@miamigov.com, and request that the Coconut Grove Playhouse be placed on the May HEPB agenda for immediate review.



• Ask Commissioner Pardo to submit a pocket item to the next City Commission meeting urging the City to formally request proof from the County that the State-required 267 Review was completed before demolition of the Coconut Grove Playhouse. Call: 305-250-5333 or Email: DPardo@miamigov.com.

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