A Florida church wants to remove its historical designation to allow for new development

Photo byWikimedia Commons

In the heart of Miami's bustling Brickell neighborhood, a significant development could be on the horizon involving the First Presbyterian Church of Miami. Known for its Mediterranean Revival architecture, this historic church, built in 1949 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989, is at the center of a potential major change.

The church, in collaboration with 13th Floor Key Church LLC, has put forward a request to the Historic and Environmental Preservation Board of Miami. They're seeking to remove the historic designation from the church's educational building and adjacent parking lot. It's interesting to note that while these structures were added in the 1950s and 60s, they don’t mirror the architectural style of the main church building, which the church intends to preserve as a historic site.

This move isn't just about altering designations. It’s about paving the way for new development. If the request is granted, it would allow the church to sell about two-thirds of its property. Given the zoning rules, this could lead to the development of a building as tall as 80 stories, with a condo development already being considered.

This situation brings to light the ongoing tension between preserving historical landmarks and making room for new developments. Brickell, surrounded by high-rise buildings, is a prime example of a rapidly growing area where the demand for development is high. The church’s decision to possibly redevelop part of its property underscores the challenges faced by historical sites in maintaining their presence amid urban expansion.

A hearing on this matter is scheduled for July 2, 2024, and it's bound to attract attention from both preservation advocates and those pushing for further development in Miami’s already dense urban core.

What do you think about this situation? Should there be more efforts to preserve such historic buildings, or is it reasonable to adapt parts of them to meet current urban demands? This raises broader questions about the balance between preservation and progress in rapidly growing cities like Miami. Let's discuss the implications and share our thoughts on how cities should navigate these complex issues.